Google Experiments With Bringing Back Pixel Launcher App Shortcut

Google is quietly experimenting with the revival of a feature that many longtime Pixel users fondly remember from earlier versions of the Pixel Launcher. While it might appear like a tiny tweak on the surface, for daily users who constantly rely on search to navigate through dozens of apps, this shortcut can make a surprisingly big difference in speed and convenience.

Traditionally, when typing the name of an app into the Pixel Launcher’s search bar, the top suggestion is the app icon itself – tapping it launches the app directly.

However, until recently, if you instead pressed the magnifying glass icon at the bottom right corner of the keyboard area, you were redirected into a Google Search for that term, rather than opening the app you clearly intended to access. This often caused frustration because it broke the flow of quickly opening apps without lifting your thumb or shifting focus.

Now, according to multiple Reddit reports from Pixel owners, Google is trialing the return of an improved shortcut system. Instead of showing a magnifying glass, the bottom right action key transforms into an arrow or enter button. Simultaneously, the app name is underlined with an “open” label next to it. Pressing that new arrow button instantly launches the app, eliminating the accidental detour to a web search. The end result is a more natural, one-swipe motion: type, slide right, and open – no extra taps required.

While this may not sound revolutionary, small usability details like this often define how polished and fluid Android feels compared to rivals. Think of it as the difference between taking one step to reach a door versus two. Over time, those micro-interactions add up, and for power users, they can significantly reduce friction. It’s these subtle refinements that Pixel fans often point to as Google’s unique advantage in designing Android experiences.

Interestingly, this isn’t a brand-new invention. In fact, it’s a callback to how the Pixel Launcher functioned before Android 13 QPR1. The feature was stripped away during that transition, briefly reconsidered for a 2023 rollout, then shelved again. Now, it seems Google is cautiously testing whether it’s worth restoring more widely. At the moment, the experiment appears extremely limited – several Pixel users, including those running the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta on high-end models like the Pixel 6 Pro, report that they still don’t see the option.

That limited scope suggests Google is running an A/B style test, likely measuring user interaction metrics before committing to a permanent rollout. For now, only a handful of users are seeing the resurrected shortcut, but its return could hint at a broader update in the near future. If feedback proves positive, there’s a good chance this long-requested detail will once again become part of the default Pixel Launcher experience.

In short, it’s not the kind of change that will dominate headlines about Android, but for Pixel enthusiasts who care about thoughtful design, the return of this app-opening shortcut represents a small but meaningful win in everyday usability.