TL;DR
Google is testing a Material 3 Expressive redesign for Gboard's shortcuts menu that replaces compact icons with larger pill-shaped containers and bigger text. The change reduces on-screen shortcuts from 12 to 8 at a time and appears to be rolling out in limited form.
What happened
Android Police and reporting from 9to5Google have identified a revamp of Gboard's shortcuts menu that adopts Material 3 Expressive styling. The updated menu places each shortcut inside a large, pill-shaped container and increases text size for entries; long names may use a ticker-style display to fit. Because each item uses more space, the shortcuts page now shows eight items at once rather than the prior 12, with a swipe revealing the remaining four. A dedicated pencil icon in the keyboard's bottom-right still opens the "Hold and drag to customize" interface, preserving direct customization. The menu's close control has been changed from a left-facing Back arrow to an 'X'. The redesigned shortcuts page was observed in Gboard version 16.5.2.83 but appears to be available only to some users; the author of the report could not find it on a Pixel device. Separately, Gboard's Settings page is also receiving Material 3 Expressive updates more broadly.
Why it matters
- Fewer visible shortcuts at once could slow access to less-used but important actions that previously appeared on the first page.
- Larger pill-shaped targets and bigger text may reduce accidental taps and improve touch accuracy for some users.
- Ticker-style labels for long shortcut names could affect readability and visual scanning of options.
- A limited rollout means user feedback during testing could shape whether the redesign reaches all users.
Key facts
- Gboard historically offers up to four instant shortcuts on the keyboard and 12 more on the shortcuts page.
- The redesign adopts Material 3 Expressive visual elements in the shortcuts menu and Settings page.
- New pill-shaped containers increase per-item space, reducing visible shortcuts from 12 to 8 on a single view.
- Swiping reveals the remaining four shortcuts that no longer fit on the initial page.
- Shortcut entries now use larger text; long names may display via a ticker-style interface.
- The "Hold and drag to customize" function remains available, now reachable through a pencil icon at the keyboard's bottom-right.
- The shortcuts menu's close control has been changed from a Back arrow to an 'X'.
- 9to5Google spotted the revamped shortcuts page in Gboard version 16.5.2.83.
- The redesign appears to be in limited testing; Android Police's author did not find it on a Pixel device.
- Material 3 Expressive changes for the Settings page appear to be more widely available.
What to watch next
- Whether Google expands this shortcuts redesign beyond its current limited test—not confirmed in the source
- User feedback on discoverability and speed of access once more people receive the update—not confirmed in the source
- If Google rolls back or refines the layout (for example, text scaling or container sizing) based on testing—not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Material 3 Expressive: A Google design language and style variant that applies updated shapes, spacing, and visual treatments to app interfaces.
- Shortcut (keyboard): A quick-access action or tool placed in a keyboard app that lets users perform tasks without leaving the typing interface.
- Ticker-style interface: A display method where long text scrolls horizontally (like a ticker) so full labels can be shown within limited space.
- Pill-shaped container: A rounded rectangular UI element used to enclose content such as labels or buttons, often increasing touch target size.
Reader FAQ
Is the redesigned shortcuts menu available to all Gboard users?
No — the change was spotted in version 16.5.2.83 and appears to be rolling out in limited testing; not all devices show it.
Can I still customize my shortcuts?
Yes. The "Hold and drag to customize" page remains available and is accessible via a pencil icon on the keyboard.
Why did Google change the layout?
Google's reasoning is not stated in the source; the report suggests the redesign may aim to reduce accidental taps.
Will the change affect other parts of Gboard?
Gboard's Settings page is also receiving Material 3 Expressive updates, but broader consequences are not confirmed in the source.
Gboard's shortcuts menu redesign won't please everyone Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police By Chethan Rao Published 7 minutes ago Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend…
Sources
- Gboard's shortcuts menu redesign won't please everyone
- Gboard's Bold New Look: The Material 3 Expressive … – Android
- Android's Biggest Week Yet: Material 3, Gboard Upgrades …
- Here's an early look at Gboard's Material 3 Expressive …
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