Overview

• Reports indicate some Pixel devices now highlight app results with an arrow key that launches the app directly from the keyboard.
• The current default behavior favors web search with a magnifying-glass key that requires tapping an on-screen result to open apps.
• 9to5Google says it is not seeing the restored behavior on Android 16 QPR1 or QPR2 builds, suggesting a limited rollout.
• Before Android 13 QPR1 in December 2022, typing an app name in Pixel Launcher opened the app by default.
• Google has not confirmed a broader launch, and 9to5Google recommends a setting to choose between opening apps or initiating a web search.