In response to user feedback, Google has reverted recent changes to Gboard’s emoji and GIF picker on Android devices, reinstating the original design to enhance user experience.
In June 2025, Google introduced a new carousel interface in Gboard, featuring rectangular cards for navigating between Emojis, Custom Stickers (for devices with Pixel Studio), GIFs, Stickers, and Emoticons. This redesign required users to scroll or swipe to access certain options, particularly on devices like the Pixel 9, where the last item in the carousel was offscreen. Additionally, the traditional delete key was replaced with a floating action button (FAB) that appeared only when text was entered, which some users found obstructive.
The latest Gboard update has addressed these concerns by returning to the original design. The navigation now displays all options on a single screen without the need for scrolling, and the delete key has been restored to its original position. While the interface now uses narrower cards, the overall layout mirrors the previous, more user-friendly design.
This update is part of Gboard version 15.5 and is currently rolling out to the stable channel. Users can expect a more intuitive and efficient experience with the restored emoji and GIF picker design.
