Gboard is preparing to roll in a useful and can be quite time saving ‘Flick’ Typing to iOS. The app's latest beta versions would greatly make the process of typing numbers and symbols faster. This is possible by simply just swiping the keys to the quick downwards motion.

Thus, this design choice lets Google communicate its plan to further better the typing efficiency. The overall user experience for iPhone and iPad users who prefer Gboard.

Unpacking the 'Flick' Functionality

The main feature of this highly anticipated feature is that it has its own intuitive, gesture based input method. The new "flick" functionality will have them able to simply swipe downwards on a key. It aims to directly input the symbol or number displayed on it.

The first discovery indicates a possible symbol input. However, it’s yet to be seen whether Google will bring that ‘flick’ functionality to the number row, too. This makes it even faster to input numbers.

Beyond 'Flick'

The latest Gboard beta (version 15.3.02) for iOS isn’t just the ‘Flick’ Typing to iOS, as other improvements are brewing too. Keen eyed users and developers have also scouted out hints of other fascinating insertions.

This contextual appearance seeks to optimize the screen real estate on smaller iPhone displays. It gets rid of the cluttered keyboard layout when numerical typing isn't necessary to provide a more concentrated typing experience.

This adds on to Gboard’s existing AI powered writing tools to lend an interactive element. That’s our understanding of what we’re hearing. Such an evolution could make Gboard a more sophisticated writing companion than basic spell correction and predictive text.

Looking Ahead

This is the fact that the "flick" gesture is here along with potential others. For instance, contextual password number row, interactive AI writing tools and optional rounded keys gives hope to Gboard for iOS in the future. 

Google’s commitment to continue enhancing Gboard’s features and create a thoughtful, efficient, and increasingly versatile typing experience. These features will undoubtedly bring the anticipation from the iOS Gboard community of users.

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