As of this week, the Pixel Launcher has reintroduced a feature that allows users to open apps directly from the keyboard. This functionality highlights the first search result and prompts users with an “open” option in the text field, making it easier to launch applications without having to navigate to the top of the screen.
The new method requires only the first letter of the app name to activate the shortcut, allowing for a more streamlined experience. Users can now press the enter key on Gboard to launch the app immediately after searching. This feature had been previously available before the integration of web and on-device search in December 2022.
Testing for this “quick launch” feature occurred in 2023 but did not reach a wider audience until it became available to some users in September 2025. For those who have not yet received this update, a restart of the device, particularly for those on Android 16 QPR2 or the QPR3 Beta, is recommended to enable the new functionality.