Future of Google Sans and Roboto as Default System Font
In 2021, the Google file manager ditched the old Roboto font for Google Sans font.
The buzz about ‘Google Sans’ is since 2018.
However, in 2021, one commenter on a tech portal, commented in this way:
“Google Sans Text will/may replace Roboto in the upcoming betas of Android 12! Bye Bye Roboto!”
However, in my understanding, Google Sans font may replace Roboto but it will not be available to be used as primary font for web designers. It will remain a proprietary font for only Google use like Segoe UI is for Microsoft.
On the other hand, I am convinced that Roboto will continue to be supported by the Google to keep it as a system font, though not a default font. But I am worried that Roboto may not get a major update in future, as Google is moving slowly to its new love Google Sans. In recent years, Open Sans font received more updates than Roboto.
Google has used ‘Google Sans Text’ on Google Design website, with Roboto as secondary font.
font-family: "Google Sans Text", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif
Google has also used ‘Google Sans’ font on the latest version of web pages of Material Design 3 whereas on web pages of Material Design 2, Roboto font was used. URL:
font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif
The Settings page of Google camera in Android 12 beta, uses ‘Google Sans’ font instead of previous Roboto font. [RD]
‘Google Sans Text’ font is also used in June 2022 for Material You for Gmail. [RD]
Previously, Arial font was being used for Google Search. However, in my random check I noticed that Google Search is now using ‘Google Sans’ font. I don’t know when this change of font took place.
It is noteworthy that Microsoft Bing is still using Roboto font.
Therefore, if Roboto is your favorite font only because of being a default system font on Android, then you should reconsider your decision. However, if you love Roboto, for other reasons – such as its design – then you should continue using it as web font.
Explore more articles about Fonts, or visit Home Page of Dozro website.
