After surpassing a staggering 10 billion downloads on the Play Store, Gboard has introduced a subtle yet noticeable change to its shortcuts button, which allows users to access various tools efficiently.
What’s New in Gboard’s Shortcuts Row?
Gboard’s shortcut row—positioned above the keyboard—lets users pin up to six quick-access tools. To access the full set of tools, users tap the grid icon in the top-left corner. Previously, this 2×2 square icon was enclosed in a circular button with Dynamic Color background, mirroring the opposite button (typically used for voice dictation).
🔹 What Has Changed?
✅ The round container has been removed, breaking the previous symmetry of the shortcut row.
✅ The rounded square icons are now solid and filled-in instead of hollow.
✅ The icon color matches the shortcuts on the right, appearing in black or white depending on the theme.
Although this update doesn’t impact functionality, it visually changes the balance of the keyboard interface.
Gboard’s Evolution: Simplification Over Time
Gboard has frequently modified this shortcut button over the years:
🔹 2021: Featured a 3×3 grid of circles for shortcuts.
🔹 2022: Introduced Dynamic Color backgrounds for a more vibrant look.
🔹 2025: Now simplifies the design further, making the shortcut row more uniform but less symmetrical.
The new design first appeared in Gboard beta earlier this month and is now rolling out widely via a server-side update on the stable Gboard v14.9 release.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Gboard’s shortcuts button now has a filled-in, simplified look.
✅ Dynamic Color background is gone, altering the shortcut row’s symmetry.
✅ The update is purely visual, with no functional impact.
✅ Rolling out now with Gboard v14.9 via a server-side update.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.