Google’s AI-generated search summaries have quietly become a default feature for nearly half of all queries, new data reveals. Market intelligence firm Similarweb reports that AI Overviews now appear in 43% of searches, up from just 15% a year ago. Main Developments Similarweb’s analysis of the generative search landscape shows that what started as an AI layer on top of traditional search has become deeply integrated into the user experience. Google now drops users directly into AI Overviews, where they can continue research through the more conversational AI Mode. Read also: AI's Power Crisis Takes Center Stage at Disrupt 2026 During the same period, visits to AI Mode surged from 126 million in June 2025 to 279 million by May 2026, reflecting a rapid shift in how web users consume information online. Background Google first introduced AI Overviews as an experimental layer on top of search results. The feature has since expanded dramatically, moving from a niche offering to a core part of the search journey. Why It Matters The shift raises questions about user control and the changing nature of web discovery. With AI Overviews becoming the default, users may find themselves funneled into Google’s ecosystem before reaching external websites, potentially altering traffic patterns for publishers and businesses. What's Next If the trend continues, AI Overviews could soon cover a majority of searches. The growing adoption of AI Mode suggests that Google is betting on conversational interfaces as the next evolution of search, though user reception remains mixed.