Google is testing a button to chat with its AI directly in Chrome

As browsers evolve rapidly under the influence of AI, Google is further accelerating the transformation of its mobile browser.

On iPhone, a new experiment with Google Chrome illustrates the ambition to make AI a native component of browsing, and no longer just an additional tool…

An “Ask Gemini” button always within reach of your thumb

In the latest iOS test versions, according to Mac Observer, a new shortcut called "Ask Gemini" has appeared alongside the buttons to open a new tab and access existing tabs.

Specifically, a simple tap on this button opens a dedicated Gemini panel directly on top of the current page. The user can thus ask a question, request a summary, or get explanations without leaving their article. The page remains visible in the background, preserving the reading context.

The interface, still under development, displays an "AI Mode," reminiscent of the feature of the same name, with several tabs and query suggestions to facilitate use.

Note that for now, this assistance layer seems to function primarily as an independent dialogue space, without interaction with the displayed content.

Towards a browser that interprets the web?

Beyond the functionality itself, this test shows that the browser is no longer simply displaying pages, but is beginning to interpret them.

By directly integrating AI into the main interface, Google aims to reduce friction in information retrieval. And rather than opening multiple tabs or using multiple search queries, users can now delegate part of the analysis to AI, such as summarizing an article, clarifying a technical passage, or extracting key ideas from a web page. Furthermore, this positioning is part of a broader strategy surrounding Gemini, which Google is seeking to establish as a universal interface. On mobile, where space is limited, this approach takes on an even more strategic dimension, because every interaction must be fast, contextual, and seamless.

A still experimental feature…

At this stage, “Ask Gemini” remains limited to test versions via TestFlight, and can only be activated through internal experimental settings.

While, for the moment, no large-scale deployment has been announced, by placing AI at the heart of the interface, Google is not just testing a feature, but preparing a shift in usage where we no longer simply read…