We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week that you need to know:
Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Bing Tests Moving Search Tools Above the Search Box
Bing is experimenting with a layout change by moving the search tools—typically located below the search box—to appear above it instead, potentially streamlining access to filters and controls. The update also includes testing a bolder “Copilot” tab in the navigation, making it more prominent.
Google Adds AI Mode Button to Search App
Google has integrated the AI Mode button directly into the Google Search app interface—repositioning an existing feature to make accessing AI Mode more seamless for users. This update follows earlier rollouts of the button on the Google homepage and search box across regions like the US, UK, and India.
Google Rolling Out Sticky, Resizing Search Bar on Desktop
Google appears to be rolling out a sticky search bar interface that remains visible—yet shrinks—at the top of the page as users scroll through results. After a brief trial in 2018 and tests on mobile about a year ago, it’s now being noticed across all desktop browsers in the U.S.
Google Search Now Indexing & Ranking “Near Me” Google Maps Results
For certain “near me” queries, Google Search is now directly indexing and ranking Google Maps search result pages—like google.com/maps/search/restaurants+near+me—even though Google’s longstanding policy has been to block indexing of search results pages.
Google Tests Colorful Rainbow Highlight for AI Mode and Web Tabs
Google is experimenting with adding a rainbow-style visual effect to both the AI Mode and Web tabs in the search bar—likely intended to draw user attention to those options. Previously seen only on the AI Mode tab, the rainbow effect now appears on the Web tab too, raising speculation that this may be unintentional.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads API v21 Brings AI Max, Enhanced Assets, and New Compliance Rules
Google has released Ads API version 21, introducing AI Max for Search campaigns, expanded asset capabilities, new reporting views, and updated bidding, campaign, and planning features. It also adds EU political advertising compliance rules effective September 22, 2025, plus improvements for Performance Max, video ads, and measurement metrics. Documentation has been updated to reflect all changes.
Microsoft Advertising Adds Smarts to Audience Planner with “Unwinnable Math” Alerts
Microsoft Advertising has upgraded its Audience Planner so it can now surface critical insights—such as forecasting reach, building persona-based campaigns directly from the planner, and flagging “unwinnable math” scenarios where your bid or budget doesn’t match the potential audience. The tool also helps with reach estimations, audience composition, bid suggestions, performance projections, and campaign creation right from the interface
