Google is rolling out another major visual refresh for Gboard. The latest update introduces a Material 3 Expressive redesign for the keyboard’s shortcuts panel, replacing the long-standing grid layout with a cleaner, more modern interface that emphasizes larger touch targets, rounded pill-shaped buttons, and easier navigation.
The redesign follows Google’s ongoing effort to bring the Material 3 Expressive design language across its Android apps, making interfaces more visually appealing and accessible.
Gboard’s Shortcut Menu Gets a Fresh Material 3 Expressive Look
The biggest change arrives in the shortcut panel, which users access from the toolbar. Instead of the compact square grid that has existed for years, shortcuts now appear as large rounded pill-shaped buttons with bigger labels and icons.
The updated layout makes shortcuts easier to identify at a glance while also improving tap accuracy, especially on larger smartphones.
Key improvements include:
- New Material 3 Expressive visual design
- Rounded pill-style shortcut buttons
- Larger icons and text for improved readability
- Horizontally scrollable shortcut rows
- Cleaner spacing throughout the interface
The redesign gives Gboard a noticeably more modern appearance while maintaining quick access to frequently used tools.
Horizontal Scrolling Replaces the Old Grid
One of the most noticeable changes is the navigation experience.
Instead of displaying every shortcut inside a fixed grid, Gboard now allows users to swipe horizontally through available shortcuts. This creates a cleaner layout without overwhelming the interface with dozens of icons at once.
Google appears to be prioritizing usability over information density, making the toolbar feel less cluttered.
New Customization Menu Makes Personalization Easier
Another welcome addition is a new customization menu.
Users can more easily manage which shortcuts appear in the toolbar, allowing them to prioritize the features they use most frequently. This should reduce unnecessary clutter while keeping commonly used tools within easy reach.
The customization interface also adopts the new Material 3 Expressive styling, matching the rest of the redesign.
Smaller UI Tweaks Complete the Refresh
Beyond the larger visual overhaul, Google has introduced several smaller refinements that improve the overall experience.
These include:
- A new close (“X”) button for dismissing the shortcuts panel
- Updated spacing and alignment
- More rounded interface elements
- Improved visual hierarchy throughout the toolbar
While subtle, these changes contribute to a cleaner and more polished interface.
Material 3 Expressive Continues Expanding Across Google Apps
The Gboard redesign is part of Google’s broader rollout of Material 3 Expressive, its latest design evolution focused on larger touch targets, bold typography, expressive shapes, and improved accessibility.
Over the past few months, Google has gradually updated several Android apps with similar design principles, and Gboard is the latest to receive the treatment.
Because this is a server-side rollout, availability may vary by device and app version. More users are expected to receive the updated interface in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts
Gboard’s latest Material 3 Expressive update modernizes one of Android’s most frequently used apps. With rounded pill-style shortcuts, horizontal scrolling, larger text, a customization menu, and refined UI elements, the keyboard feels more intuitive and easier to navigate.
Although the redesign doesn’t introduce new typing features, it significantly improves the overall user experience and aligns Gboard with Google’s latest Android design direction.
Gboard is rolling out a Material 3 Expressive redesign for shortcuts, replacing the old grid with rounded pill‑style icons, larger text, and horizontal swiping, plus a new customization menu and UI tweaks like a close “x” button. pic.twitter.com/rN3XV6TjOl
— Pixel UI by Google (@pixeluibygoogle) July 22, 2026
