The Google Search homepage’s familiar, minimalist design—dominated by a centered search bar—has remained largely unchanged for years. Yet Google keeps tinkering behind the scenes, and it recently rolled out an experiment that stretches the search box far wider than its usual bounds.
This isn’t entirely new: back in July 2024, users spotted the query field extending across much of the screen, sometimes set off by a light gray background that made it pop against the white page. At the time, the tweak generated some discussion, but like many of Google’s tests, it never reached everyone or stuck around long.
Now, in April 2025, the elongated bar has resurfaced. One of our team members spotted the wider design—complete with that familiar gray fill—while others, even after switching browsers or logging out of their accounts, saw only the standard search bar. That hit-or-miss rollout is classic Google A/B testing, where new features are shown to a small segment of users to gauge reaction before any broader release.
So why go longer? As search queries grow more conversational and detailed, a lengthier field can make typing and reviewing multi-word questions more comfortable. The gray background and other style tweaks are likely part of Google’s effort to see which look users prefer.
For now, most people still see the slim, centered search bar they know and love. But with each sighting of the stretched, gray-backed version, it’s clear Google is quietly considering a permanent update—whether that ever happens remains to be seen.