Google adds visual results to AI mode as it ramps up competition in AI search

Robby Stein, VP of Product Management at Google Search, said some queries need visuals, not text—so AI Mode now lets users enter prompts like “barrel jeans” or “maximalist bedroom” and get clickable image results linked to products and sources

Google has announced a major upgrade to its AI-powered search tool, AI Mode, which now includes visual results alongside text-based answers. Initially introduced in the U.S. in May, AI Mode was designed to provide conversational, natural language responses to search queries. With this new enhancement, users can receive image-based outputs, making the feature more intuitive and useful for tasks that require visual context—such as home décor ideas or shopping recommendations.

The addition marks a significant step in Google’s broader push to integrate generative AI into its core search product. Since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been racing to innovate and keep pace with rapidly evolving AI tools that are reshaping how users find and interact with information online.

Visual search tailored for modern queries

According to Robby Stein, Vice President of Product Management for Google Search, not every question can be adequately answered with text alone. “Sometimes what you’re looking for really just can’t be articulated with words,” he explained during a media briefing. “For example, if someone is shopping for shoes or looking for interior design inspiration, they want to see what their options look like.”

With the visual update, users can now enter prompts such as “barrel jeans that aren’t too baggy” or “maximalist inspo for my bedroom” and receive curated image results. Each visual comes with direct links, allowing users to explore products or sources further, including visiting retailer websites for purchases.

The feature leverages a combination of Google’s AI infrastructure, including its Gemini 2.5 model, Google Lens, and traditional Image Search. This blend allows AI Mode to generate more dynamic and tailored results based on user intent, especially for lifestyle and e-commerce searches.

“This is really, we think, a breakthrough in what’s possible,” said Stein. He added that the update reflects Google's goal to make its AI tools more versatile, engaging, and practical for everyday use.

The enhanced AI Mode is gradually rolling out to users in the U.S., with a broader expansion expected in the coming months.