Gboard keyboard is getting a weird design change no one asked for

Google appears to be experimenting with a new user interface (UI) for its popular Gboard keyboard, rolling out circular key borders to some users in the latest beta versions. This server-side change, noticed within the past 24 hours, has sparked a mix of frustration, confusion, and even cautious approval among users, with no clear option to revert to the traditional rectangular borders.

Screenshots circulating among users reveal a striking departure from Gboard’s usual layout. The familiar rectangular keys have been replaced with circular borders, a change that seems to be implemented without user consent or a straightforward way to opt out. According to reports on Reddit, the affected version, 15.1.05.726012951-beta-arm64-v8a, has left some users puzzled as the update occurred mid-use, with one noting, “It happened as I was looking at it! I was about to type something, and it flicked for half a second.”

The change appears to be part of a server-side update, meaning it’s not tied to a traditional app update but rather a remote tweak by Google. This has led to inconsistent experiences, with some users reporting the circular design persisting, while others have seen it revert to the rectangular layout on its own. This variability suggests Google might be conducting an A/B test, a common practice where different user groups are shown alternative designs to gauge reactions.

Reactions from Reddit highlight a clear division in opinion:

• Frustration over the forced change: Many users feel that Google should allow customization rather than enforcing UI changes. One user lamented, “No one asked for this, Google. There are so many other things that need fixing in Gboard, yet they chose to mess with the key borders.”
• Confusion over sudden UI switch: Some users reported seeing the change happen in real-time. “I was about to type, and suddenly, the keyboard flickered for half a second. When it returned, the keys were circular,” one user noted.
• Aesthetic criticism: Those with a UI design background have pointed out that the new layout creates unnecessary visual noise. The extra empty space between keys makes the keyboard look cluttered, and the bottom row of keys (Z, X, C, etc.) appears misaligned, worsening readability.
• Supporters of the change: Despite the backlash, some users actually like the new design. “I kinda like it. I hope my keyboard updates to this soon,” one user commented, while another noted, “People always freak out over UI changes, but I think this is fine.”

For now, those who dislike the circular key borders can only turn off key borders in Gboard settings > Theme and hope Google either scraps the idea or adds an option to choose between circular and rectangular key borders. Until then, if you haven’t been hit with this change yet and prefer the old layout, you might want to avoid updating Gboard or enabling beta versions.

Have you noticed this change on your device? Are you in favor of the circular keys, or do you prefer the traditional rectangular borders? Let us know in the comments!