Gboard tests dynamic nav bar colors based on current keyboard theme

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Around two weeks ago, we reported on an in-development feature in Google’s Gboard app that automatically colored the software navigation bar’s background white for light-colored keyboard themes and black for dark-colored keyboard themes. Since we first spotted this feature, Google has rolled out additional updates to the Gboard app which continue work on the feature. In the latest release of Google’s keyboard app, the navigation bar is now dynamically colored based on the current keyboard theme—no matter the color.

Discovered by XDA Recognized Developer Quinny899 (Kieron Quinn of Mighty Quinn Apps) and enabled by us, the feature colors the navigation bar background according to Gboard’s color scheme. This new dynamic nav bar color feature doesn’t work with custom images set as Gboard’s background, however.

Interestingly, the feature only worked on our Google Pixel devices and not other devices like the OnePlus 6. We’re unsure why it wasn’t working on the OnePlus 6, but it’s possible that Google intends for it to only work on the Google Pixel. We can’t say for sure until the feature is officially rolled out, though we don’t know when that’ll happen. It’s also possible that, just like with any other in-development feature, Google may scrap this feature without notice. If this new dynamic navigation bar theming does roll out, we’ll be sure to let you all know.