Gboard, Google’s virtual keyboard for Android, has unveiled a significant redesign of its shortcuts interface, embracing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update, initially introduced in January 2026, is now being more broadly distributed to beta users, marking a substantial shift in the keyboard’s user interface and functionality.
Transition from Grid to Pill-Shaped Layout
Previously, Gboard’s shortcuts were organized in a grid format, with each function housed within small rectangular cards. Users had the option to adjust the keyboard’s height to display all shortcuts without the need for vertical scrolling. The new design replaces this grid with rounded pill-shaped containers, positioning two shortcuts per row. Navigation has also been revamped; instead of scrolling vertically, users now swipe left to access additional pages of tools.
Enhanced Visual Elements and Customization
While the core icons remain unchanged, the text labels accompanying each shortcut have been enlarged for improved readability. However, some longer labels may scroll within their containers if they exceed the available space. To customize the shortcuts, users can tap the pencil icon, which leads to a Hold and drag to customize page featuring the new M3 Expressive containers.
Integration with Suggestion Strip and Settings Redesign
In the suggestion strip, shortcuts have shed their containers, and the traditional back button has been replaced with a close ‘x’ located in the top-left corner. This redesign aligns with the Material 3 Expressive overhaul of the Gboard Settings page, which has been progressively introduced to beta users over the past week. The update is currently available in Gboard version 17.3 for beta testers and has not yet been released to the stable channel.
Historical Context and User Feedback
Gboard’s evolution reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience through design and functionality updates. In January 2026, the Material 3 Expressive redesign was first introduced, focusing on modernizing the shortcuts page. This initial rollout was met with mixed reactions, as the new design reduced the density of shortcuts displayed, requiring users to adapt to the swipe navigation for accessing tools.
Subsequent updates have aimed to address user feedback. For instance, in February 2026, Gboard introduced the auto-switch after apostrophes feature, allowing the keyboard to automatically revert to the letter layout after typing an apostrophe, streamlining the typing process. Additionally, the settings page underwent a Material 3 Expressive redesign, grouping related preferences into containers for a more organized and intuitive interface.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The adoption of the Material 3 Expressive design language across Gboard signifies a broader trend within Google’s ecosystem to create cohesive and user-friendly interfaces. By standardizing design elements and interactions, Google aims to provide a seamless experience across its applications.
As Gboard continues to evolve, users can anticipate further enhancements that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. The current beta rollout serves as a testing ground for these changes, allowing Google to gather valuable user feedback before a wider release.
Conclusion
Gboard’s latest redesign marks a significant step in its ongoing development, reflecting Google’s dedication to improving user experience through thoughtful design and feature updates. As these changes become more widely available, users can look forward to a more streamlined and visually appealing keyboard interface.
