Google seems to be testing a small but meaningful change to the Pixel Launcher’s search bar, one that’s sure to make opening apps a lot quicker. Right now, if you type an app’s name into the search bar and hit the bottom-right (search) key on your keyboard, it kicks you into a web search. Some Pixel users are now seeing a different behavior: that same key is now an arrow/enter key that acts as a direct “open app” shortcut.
Instead of tapping the app icon in the search results, you can just type the name, hit enter, and the app launches instantly, as demonstrated by a Reddit user (via 9to5Google). For some, an “open” label appears next to the app in the suggestions.
The feature isn’t widely available yet, and it looks like Google is running a server-side test with a limited number of users. It also doesn’t appear on Pixel phones running Android 16 QPR1 and QPR2, suggesting it hasn’t rolled out broadly. That’s not unusual for Google as Pixel Launcher experiments often go live for a small group before they’re either abandoned or shipped more widely.
A feature with history (back before Android 13 QPR1)
In fact, this particular behavior has history: before Android 13 QPR1, the Pixel Launcher already allowed users to launch apps directly by pressing enter. But when Google merged local app results with web search in the bar, that shortcut disappeared.
This experiment brings up some questions. Will Google make this change permanent for all Pixel users, or will it stay as a limited test? Some people are already hoping for a setting in Pixel Launcher that lets them pick if the enter key should open apps or start a web search. That way, both those who want a quicker way to open apps and those who prefer web searches could be happy.
For people who frequently juggle apps throughout the day, this feature can shave off just enough friction to feel like a meaningful improvement. Whether Google locks it in or quietly drops it will be the real test, but for now, a lucky few Pixel owners are getting a glimpse of what could be a very welcome return.
