Pixel users can now open apps faster with the keyboard's enter key

Google has added a small, practical feature to the launcher for Pixel smartphones that allows apps to be opened more quickly. The feature was apparently tested with a small group of users beforehand; now Google seems to be releasing it for all Pixel users.

Better Ergonomics

When owners of a Pixel smartphone search for an app in the app overview in the Pixel launcher, it now highlights the first result in the search bar and displays the prompt “Open.” To open the app, you no longer have to tap the app icon, but simply press the enter key on the software keyboard. Depending on the app name, entering the first letter may be sufficient to open the application.

The new feature means users no longer have to reach to the top of the screen to open the app, which improves ergonomics and allows for faster operation.

Apparently Android 16 Required

The feature is not entirely new: According to 9to5 Google, Google had already used this behavior before the release of Android 13 QPR1 in December 2022, when web search and on-device search were merged. In 2023, Google tested a so-called “quick start function” that the company never released to the public.

Google has apparently been testing the feature for early users since September 2025, and for the past few days it seems to have been rolled out to all users. If the feature is not yet displayed, restarting the device may be sufficient. The Pixel smartphone should be updated to either Android 16 QPR2 or the QPR3 Beta. An app update is apparently not required, as the function is released server-side. The rollout is done in stages, as is typical of Google, so it may be that some users are not yet offered it on their Pixel smartphone.

(afl)