Also, the search bar is now a toolbar customization instead of a toggle in the preferences.
Before:
After:
I noticed this because there appears to be no way to turn search history off for the search bar in version 128. And then I noticed the whole bar appears to be missing from preferences now.
They seem to be promoting the awesome bar for some reason.
I found a little information in the blog and release notes.
For users in the US and Canada, Firefox will now show your recent searches or currently trending searches when you open the Address Bar to get you back to your previous search session or inspire your next one.
More streamlined menus that reduce visual clutter and prioritize top user actions so you can get to the important things quicker.
And, some users have mentioned these issues.
I recently noticed recent searches appearing in the separate search bar.
that box also keeps a record of my searches
Also, the subject of this last thread is that you can no longer press enter to go to your default search provider’s home page.