Google could be working on an option to choose between fonts in Gboard. Currently, the Google keyboard app only displays characters in its default font, ignoring the font set in the device’s settings. That said, the new feature may be somewhat limited in terms of functionality for many devices.
Android Authority found references to the potential new option in the code of the latest Gboard app beta (v14.4.06.646482735). According to the report, the Gboard settings may get a new “Font” option soon. Currently, the latter is not available by default, but the source could enable it to offer an early preview.
The potential Gboard’s option to choose between fonts would be limited
Sadly, the feature may not offer everything you would expect. Apparently, it will not let you freely set the font you want, but rather it will allow you to choose whether you want Gboard to display the keyboard’s app default font or the device’s system font. Natively, Android does not yet allow you to switch between different font styles for the whole OS. However, there are custom skins, like One UI or OxygenOS, that let you do so.
So, if implemented, the new Gboard option will not be useful for Android users whose devices do not include a custom skin with the option to choose between multiple system fonts. However, the devices that allow this kind of customization will offer a more cohesive experience by matching the keyboard font to that of the OS.
Currently, the feature is still under development, but is functional once enabled. Google’s plans regarding the implementation of the Gboard’s font change feature are unknown. In any case, let’s hope that it is the first step towards a future where the company allows you to change the font of both the keyboard app and the whole Android OS without resorting to third-party apps, mods, or custom skins.
2024-07-19 15:06:37