Google updates AI Mode homepage with new model switcher, greeting

Abner Li | Dec 16 2025 - 9:39 am PT

After adding a ‘plus’ menu to the homepage, Google is updating the AI Mode UI on desktop web with a new greeting and model switcher.

Instead of “Meet AI Mode,” there’s now a personalized greeting — “Hi [name], what’s on your mind today?” — with your name featuring a fun gradient animation as the page loads. This is similar to the Gemini app, which asks “Where should we start?”

Meanwhile, the ‘plus’ menu has been updated if you’re a Google AI Pro/Ultra subscriber. Joining Upload image, Upload file, Create Images, and Deep Search is a “Models” picker. Your options are “Auto” and “Thinking (3 Pro),” with the latter accompanied by a stopwatch icon that indicates how responses will take more time.

The previous picker/dropdown menu remains available in the top-left corner with descriptions:

Advertisement - scroll for more content

Auto: Adapts to your needs
Thinking with 3 Pro: Complex reasoning and generative layouts

We’ve also noticed today that the AI Mode history side panel now offers a “Search” feature for your Recent threads. These updates aren’t yet available in the mobile apps.

There are no updates today on Android and iOS, though the latter now provides prominent access to history in the top-left corner of the Google app.