Google Adds Toggle to Switch Between Classic and AI Photo Search on Mobile Apps

Google has introduced a significant update to its Google Photos app on Android and iPhone, allowing users to easily switch between classic search and advanced AI-powered search. The new feature adds a dedicated toggle button at the top of the search results screen, enabling users to choose the search mode that best fits their needs at any moment.

The update addresses user preferences by offering a dynamic experience: for simple one-word queries, the app defaults to classic search, while for more complex questions, such as "What is my license plate number?", it automatically switches to AI search to provide precise answers from the user's photo library. Users who have not activated the AI search service can continue using the traditional search and are presented with an option to try the AI feature via a button that guides them through the activation process.

This update is now rolling out globally to Google Photos users on both Android and iOS platforms. It aims to enhance daily usability by giving users full control over their photo search experience, balancing the benefits of new AI technology with the simplicity of the classic search method.