Google is quietly rolling out one of the most interesting Chrome experiments in years. The company is testing a redesigned search box on Chrome’s New Tab Page (NTP), called “Realbox Next”.
Instead of the familiar, simple bar that users have been typing into for decades, Chrome is experimenting with AI-inspired designs.
It is suggesting a future where the New Tab Page is more than just a blank canvas or a quick search field.
So what is Realbox Next and what could it mean for how we interact with search in the coming years? Let’s see.
What Exactly Is Chrome’s Realbox Next?
The new experience is part of a feature flag quietly added to Chrome, labeled “NTP Realbox Next.”
When enabled, it replaces the traditional Chrome search box with a redesigned interface that looks and feels much more like an AI input field than a minimalistic search bar.
Realbox Next comes in two layouts:
- Tall layout: A two-row box designed to accommodate longer queries, resembling a chat or composition box.
- Compact layout: A slimmer design, closer to the current look but still rebranded with “Ask Google” prompts.
Both versions bring contextual prompts beneath the main box. Instead of just waiting for you to type, Chrome now suggests actions like “Make a comparison,” “Teach me a new skill,” “Make a plan,” and “Research a topic.”
It is not just a search tool anymore but an invitation to explore. This is a radical shift in design philosophy. Where Chrome once focused simplicity and speed, Google now seems to be positioning the New Tab Page as a launchpad for AI-driven productivity.
Why Is Google Redesigning Chrome’s Search Box?
The answer lies in the broader context of Google’s AI push.
Over the past year, Google has introduced Gemini and AI Mode into Chrome, enabling richer, more contextual search experiences. Realbox Next is the natural extension of that vision.
Think about it:
- In the past, search was about entering a keyword or phrase.
- Today, users want answers, comparisons, and even step-by-step help directly from the browser.
By redesigning the New Tab Page’s search box, Google is nudging users toward asking more complex questions and engaging with Chrome as if it were an AI assistant.
This is not just about search. It is about shifting user behavior so that Chrome itself feels like a place to plan, learn and act—not just a gateway to websites.
“Realbox Next”. Yep, I see it in Canary -> Chrome’s New Tab Page Search Box Is Getting a Big Redesign, and Google Calls It ‘Next’. It’s more like a prompt box than search bar.
“The Tall version, in particular, features a two-row design that resembles a chat or compose box. It is… pic.twitter.com/jvnw00x3Og
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) October 6, 2025
How Does Realbox Next Change the User Experience?
At first, the change might seem cosmetic. But dig deeper and you realize it signals a fundamental rethinking of Chrome’s role in browsing.
The Tall layout, in particular, illustrates this shift. Its two-row design resembles messaging apps or AI chat interfaces.
It is built to handle longer, natural-language queries, while leaving space for Google’s smart suggestions.
For example, if you start typing “Plan my trip to Italy,” Chrome might suggest related actions like building an itinerary, checking local events, or comparing flights.
Even the Compact version, while closer to the current design, introduces “Ask Google” phrasing, subtly focus on the idea that the browser is no longer just a search utility but a conversational partner.
The effect is psychological as much as functional. The new design encourages users to think bigger, to see Chrome as an intelligent helper rather than a static entry point.
What’s Behind the “Fan-Out” Design Approach?
The Realbox Next test also ties into another ongoing evolution: Google’s work on visual and AI-driven fan-out techniques.
Traditionally, Google’s search broke down queries into subtopics and ran multiple searches in the background which is a technique known as query fan-out.
Recently, this approach was updated into visual search fan-out, combining image and text analysis for richer results.
By building Realbox Next to resemble an AI input field, Google is likely aligning it with these advanced systems.
The New Tab Page may soon support not just text queries but also visual prompts, contextual tasks and personalized suggestions—all powered by AI’s ability to fan out queries behind the scenes.
Why Isn’t This Change Rolling Out by Default Yet?
Interestingly, Google has not flipped the switch for everyone. Realbox Next is currently hidden behind the “NTP Realbox Next” flag in Chrome, which works across Mac, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS.
That tells us a few things:
- Google is experimenting cautiously. The New Tab Page is one of the most visible parts of Chrome, and any redesign will draw scrutiny.
- User feedback matters. Google likely wants to measure whether people embrace or resist the new designs before making them the default.
- AI readiness is gradual. Not every user has adopted Gemini or AI Mode yet, so phasing in Realbox Next prevents overwhelming those who prefer the old, simple interface.
This testing approach also suggests that multiple layouts may coexist for a while, giving users the choice between a Compact or Tall Realbox.
What Else Is Chrome Testing Alongside Realbox Next?
The redesigned search box is the headline, but it is not the only feature in testing. Google is simultaneously experimenting with:
- Lens video citations: Bringing Google Lens-style recognition into videos, letting users cite and extract visual information directly.
- Create tab group option: Making it easier to organize browsing sessions by grouping related tabs.
- Reader mode upgrades: Expanding Reader Mode with four new themes to improve readability and personalization.
- Picture-in-Picture exclusions: Preventing PiP windows from being captured during screen recordings, improving privacy and compliance.
Taken together, these updates reinforce the sense that Chrome is moving toward being a smarter, more assistive browsing hub.
What Could Realbox Next Mean for the Future of Browsing?
Looking at this redesign, one question keeps coming back: Is Google turning Chrome into an AI workspace?
On the surface, Realbox Next looks like a design refresh.
But in reality, it could be the first step in embedding AI-driven assistance directly into the browser’s core UI. Instead of switching tabs, opening apps, or running separate tools, Chrome itself could become a platform for:
- Learning new skills on the fly.
- Researching and comparing products.
- Planning tasks and trips.
- Generating summaries, outlines, or even creative drafts.
In other words, the New Tab Page might evolve from being a gateway to the web into being a destination in itself—powered by AI.
Dileep Thekkethil
AuthorDileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures, where he applies over 15 years of SEO and digital marketing expertise to drive growth and authority. A former journalist with six years of experience, he combines strategic storytelling with technical know-how to help brands navigate the shift toward AI-driven search and generative engines. Dileep is a strong advocate for Google’s EEAT standards, regularly sharing real-world use cases and scenarios to demystify complex marketing trends. He is an avid gardener of tropical fruits, a motor enthusiast, and a dedicated caretaker of his pair of cockatiels.