Gboard emoji picker redesign: What’s been reversed and why it matters
Gboard’s emoji picker redesign didn’t exactly receive the warmest welcome. Google recently rolled out updates to its popular keyboard app, introducing a visual overhaul to how emojis, stickers, GIFs, and emoticons are organized. While the intention was to enhance usability, user feedback has pushed Google to revert some key elements of the Gboard emoji picker redesign. In the latest Gboard beta version 15.5.7.766552071, the tech giant is addressing the concerns by bringing back features that many users found essential. If you've been wondering why your Gboard interface changed and what’s coming back, this guide explains it all.
What went wrong with the Gboard emoji picker redesign?
When Google rolled out the updated emoji picker in early June 2025, users immediately noticed a few controversial changes. The interface was restructured into a horizontal carousel with large rectangular cards for each content type—Emoji, Custom Stickers, GIFs, Stickers, and Emoticons. While visually modern, this redesign pushed some features, like Emoticons, off the main view—especially with new additions like AI Stickers for Pixel users.
Another major user complaint stemmed from the removal of the permanent delete button. In the new design, a floating action button (FAB) replaced the delete key and only appeared when text was entered. This FAB not only disrupted the visual flow but also made accessing and deleting content less intuitive. People quickly voiced frustrations online, pointing out how the FAB often obstructed the UI elements beneath it.
How Gboard is responding with key reversals in the beta update
Google has taken the feedback seriously. In the latest Gboard beta update, two major elements of the emoji picker redesign have been reversed. First, the oversized cards in the carousel have been significantly narrowed. Now, all key categories—including Emoji, Custom Stickers, GIFs, Stickers, and Emoticons—fit on one screen, eliminating the need for excessive horizontal scrolling. This change also creates room for reintroducing the delete button, which is once again easily accessible.
Secondly, the FAB that replaced the delete button is gone, allowing users to interact with the emoji picker without obstruction. Also, the “ABC” button is no longer tucked into a pull-down drawer but has returned to its original, always-visible position. These updates essentially bring the interface back to its more functional state, albeit with some modern tweaks like rounded rectangle buttons instead of the old pill-shaped design.
What stays and what could change in future Gboard updates
Not every aspect of the Gboard emoji picker redesign has been rolled back. The changes made to the top portion of the picker interface remain intact, suggesting Google is trying to find a balance between user preference and UI innovation. The updates in beta version 15.5.7.766552071 are not yet part of the stable version of Gboard, but a full rollout is expected soon.
Looking ahead, Gboard continues to evolve beyond just emojis. Features like Smart Edits powered by Pixel Sense, enhanced voice typing, and integration with Pixel Studio for generating custom stickers show Google's broader AI-driven vision for Gboard. These added layers of functionality mean that while design changes may get reversed, innovation is still very much part of the app’s roadmap. If you're a Pixel user or Gboard enthusiast, it’s worth keeping the beta version installed to stay ahead of upcoming features.
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