Google Says Chrome Canary AI Search Default Was an Error on 4 Desktop Platforms
Updated
Updated · Engadget · Jun 5
Google Says Chrome Canary AI Search Default Was an Error on 4 Desktop Platforms
3 articles · Updated · Engadget · Jun 5
Summary
Rajan Patel said a Chrome Canary flag that sent omnibox searches straight to AI Mode was released by mistake and is not planned as Chrome’s default search behavior.
Windows Report found the hidden “Fulfill Searchbox Queries in AI Mode” flag and said it worked in Canary, appearing more complete than a typical prototype.
Code notes tied to the feature said it was “just for exploration” with no current plans to push it live; the flag appears on Mac, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS.
Google still keeps AI Mode as a separate tab in regular Chrome search, even as it adds more AI tools such as the Intelligent Search Box unveiled at I/O 2026.