Google Tests AI-Powered Search Suggestions in iOS App

Google App on iOS Could Soon Show AI Suggestions for Searches

Google recently added a model switcher in Gemini's Android app Google is reportedly testing a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature for its iOS app. As per the report, the Mountain View-based tech giant is working on a new feature that shows AI suggestions when a user begins typing a search query. These words reportedly add more details and context to the query, and can act as a filter to show more targeted results. Notably, this feature is not available in either the global version of the app or its beta version, hinting that the company is still developing it. According to an Android Authority report, Google is testing a new AI suggestions feature for its iOS app. The publication found the feature during a teardown of the Google app. A new pencil icon was reportedly added next to the camera and microphone icon in the text field of the app. AI suggestions feature in Google app for iOS Photo Credit: Android Authority This pencil icon is said to open the AI suggestions interface for users. In a video recording, the publication showcased how the feature could work. On tapping the pencil icon, a larger full-screen interface with a larger text box opens. When a user begins typing their search query in it, the Gemini icon appears below with the text "Generate AI suggestions". As per the publication's video, once enough words have been typed to let the AI understand the context, it begins showing related words in three rows (thematically separated) that users can select to filter their search results. For instance, if a user types "buying a birthday gift", Gemini might generate suggestions where the first row will be words for different budgets, the second row could be words for occasions, and the third could be about the relationship with the person. So, users can select "less than Rs. 5,000", "anniversary", and "wife" and see search results from websites that offer information on these specific keywords. As mentioned above, the feature is reportedly under testing and the publication was not able to get it to work, likely due to the server side of the feature not being active. There is no word on when the feature might be released on iOS, and if an Android version is also in the works.

Google app on iOS could add AI suggestions to speed up your search (APK teardown)

When you start typing, suggestions to help narrow the search are generated. Google has been working hard to incorporate AI into every nook and cranny of its products. For example, the company recently gave Gemini the ability to summarize Drive folders to provide a quick overview. We've also recently discovered that the company is working on an AI-powered "Call To-do List" function. In its latest initiative, it looks like we could start seeing AI search suggestions in the Google app on iOS. While exploring the Google app on iOS, we noticed something interesting. Sitting neatly in the search box was a new pencil icon. Tapping on this icon opens up a new page with a text box and a few suggestions, as seen in the screenshots below. When you begin typing in this text box, you'll see the Gemini icon below along with text that reads "Generate AI suggestions." Once enough words are in the field, it automatically starts generating suggestions based on your query. You can then select these suggestions to narrow down your search, working like filters. You can see an example in the video above where we asked for help buying a gift. The suggestions that were generated provided options for "budget," "gift occasion," and "relationship to recipient." So you could select "friend," "under $50," and "birthday" to get search results for an affordable birthday gift for your friend. It appears this feature is still in beta testing, however, as it doesn't work properly quite yet. In the video below, you can see the feature struggling to work. This feature could possibly save users some time, as they would not have to type out these commonly used keywords to get the results they are looking for. Thanks to @TechA7mad on X (formerly Twitter) for sharing this discovery with us.