Google tests faster AI Mode history access on Android, matching iOS style history view

Google may soon make your AI Mode history even easier to access

Right now, the Google app hides your history behind the AI Mode button, but it could soon replace Labs in the upper-left. Google never forgets. At least, not if you have history turned on in your My Google Activity settings. And for most of us, that's a good thing, helping us pick up dropped trains of thought or just reminding us about content we enjoyed. How you access those records depends on what kind of history you're looking for, and right now Google appears to be working on an easier new way to check out your AI Mode history in particular. AI Mode has emerged as a powerful way to leverage both Google's Search resources and the power of its Gemini model to deliver really useful, targeted answers to even complicated queries. And especially if you're just learning how to get the most out of it, referring to your past search history could be a great resource for further honing your prompts. Right now, it's not particularly difficult to access your AI Mode history. In the Google app on Android, all you have to do is tap the big, prominent "AI Mode" button and then hit the history icon that appears in the top-right corner. And while that works a treat, in version 16.50.55.sa.arm64 of the app we've spotted Google preparing a slightly faster way for us to get there. Google Labs is fantastic with the way it offers us early access to experimental features (without forcing them upon us), and while we love checking out its latest additions, that also isn't a list that's being updated everyday. Currently, the Google app gives us a Labs shortcut in the top-left of its home screen, but it's looking like that could be repurposed as the new way to view AI Mode history. At least, with this release we're able to preview an in-development version of the app's UI that indeed gives us access to our AI Mode history (while also helpfully splitting up the list by date). Sure, sometimes Google developers work on new UI workflows that don't end up seeing the light of day, but it feels like this one has a solid chance of making it through -- especially because it's already showing up like this on iOS, as spotted by Radu on X. That sure has us thinking Google could flip the switch over on Android any day now -- but for the moment, anyway, we're still seeing Labs occupy that spot. We'll just have to wait and see how long it takes until Google follows through.

New Android update brings iOS style history view to Google AI Mode

Google is testing a faster method to access AI Mode history in its Android app, potentially replacing the Labs shortcut in the top-left home screen position, as seen in version 16.50.55.sa.arm64, following the existing iOS implementation. Users currently access AI Mode history in the Google app on Android by tapping the prominent AI Mode button on the home screen, which then displays a history icon in the top-right corner. Tapping this icon reveals the full list of past AI Mode interactions. This process requires two taps and works reliably across devices with history enabled. Google maintains user history through My Google Activity settings, which record searches and interactions when activated. This feature stores data to assist users in retrieving forgotten ideas or revisiting previously enjoyed content. Access to different types of history varies by category, with AI Mode history receiving specific attention in recent updates. AI Mode integrates Google Search capabilities with the Gemini model to provide precise responses to complex queries. Users enter prompts, and the system generates targeted answers drawing from extensive search indexes and AI processing. This combination supports advanced interactions beyond standard searches. Reviewing AI Mode history allows users to examine past prompts and responses, enabling refinement of future queries. For those new to the feature, past examples demonstrate effective phrasing and reveal patterns in successful interactions. This practice builds proficiency in crafting detailed inputs for optimal results. The Google app version 16.50.55.sa.arm64 introduces a preview of an updated user interface for quicker history access. Developers have modified the top-left home screen area, traditionally occupied by the Labs shortcut, to display AI Mode history directly. This change reduces navigation steps from the home screen. Google Labs provides early access to experimental features without mandating their use for all users. The Labs shortcut appears in the top-left position on the Google app home screen and links to a list of available tests. Updates to this list occur periodically, not daily, as new experiments roll out. In the previewed UI, AI Mode history organizes entries by date, grouping interactions chronologically for easier scanning. Each date section lists corresponding prompts and responses, maintaining the full context of prior sessions. This structured layout enhances usability during review. The same UI layout already exists in the iOS version of the Google app, as identified by Radu on X. iOS users tap the top-left area to view their AI Mode history split by date, bypassing the multi-step process used on Android. This precedent suggests alignment across platforms.