Google search is becoming AI search, and that's a direct quote from senior vice president of Google Nick Fox.
So if there was any remaining doubt that AI search is going to replace traditional Google search, I think it's pretty clear now. This is Google's plan. He also said they're starting to think of AI mode and AI overviews as one thing.
Which matches my intuition that by the end of 2026, Google Search will just be one cohesive AI experience.
So if you're still optimizing for traditional search and the 10 blue links, you're missing the boat here. By the time you've implemented your strategy, AI search is going to replace the traditional search results.