Gboard’s Material You update is coming with (optional) rounded keys

Google’s slow push toward a more expressive, unified Material You design is picking up steam, and the next app on the list is Gboard. According to a new Android Authority report, the keyboard is getting a UI refresh that ditches its traditional rectangular keys for a more rounded, “pill-like” shape. But don’t panic if that’s not your thing—it looks like the change will be optional.

This redesign is part of Google’s broader Material You “Expressive” update. We’ve already seen traces of it pop up in the Android system settings and in various account menus. The goal seems clear: create a more playful, organic UI across Google’s ecosystem. But while the direction is consistent, not everyone’s on board with the results—especially when it comes to Gboard.

Image credit – Android Authority

Earlier this year, a limited number of beta users were briefly exposed to the new pill-shaped key design, and the feedback wasn’t great. Some called it harder to type on, others just didn’t like the way it looked. That might explain why Google has already baked in an escape route. According to Android Authority, Gboard will surface a banner introducing the new style when it goes live. Users who prefer the old look can tap through and switch back to the original rectangular keys.

There’s no official rollout date yet, but this is expected to land sometime after Google I/O, where we’ll likely get a bigger peek at the full Expressive design push. If you’re someone who customizes their setup down to the keyboard, this could be a welcome change—or just another visual tweak to undo.

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