Google is rolling out a new update to Gboard that fixes one of the most annoying design decisions in recent beta versions-the removal of the backspace button from the Emoji and GIF picker. In the beta, Google replaced the familiar small circular navigation icons with larger rectangular buttons, which caused a reshuffle of the layout. This led to the controversial removal of the backspace key, frustrating many users.
The outcry was loud enough for Google to backpedal.
The latest stable version of Gboard brings back the beloved backspace button, while also introducing a compromise in design. Instead of the oversized rectangles, the UI now uses more compact ‘squircle’ buttons-square-like circles-that still offer a large enough surface area for those with larger fingers.
This revised interface not only restores muscle memory for longtime Gboard users but also improves usability. Each function-Emojis, GIFs, and stickers-now has its own dedicated button. Pixel 9 users even get an exclusive button for AI-generated stickers, which is expected to stick around with the upcoming Pixel 10.
Reports suggest that depending on your device, the layout may appear left-aligned or centered, but this seems to vary. A horizontal carousel for Bitmoji is also now part of the interface.
Google is rolling out the changes via a server-side update, so you might not see the new look just yet-but it’s coming. And if you’re thinking this will be the last change to Gboard’s emoji picker, don’t count on it. Google is always tinkering, even when users just want things to stay put.