The next version of GNOME Shell, out in September, is likely to include a redesigned search experience.
In current versions of the desktop, when you start a search from the GNOME Shell overview, a dedicated search results screen replaces the one you’re looking at, i.e., the workspace row and dash (aka dock).
GNOME’s design team has long wanted to adopt a ‘semantic’ layout, whereby search results appear in an overlay that ‘spawns out of the search entry’ box and sits over the screen that triggered it. This concept has been explored and detailed in various mockups over the years.
Now, the design mockups are being turned in to reality.
A merge proposal for GNOME Shell is open and it remodels the core search experience as an overlay over the overview (workspaces) and app grid screen rather than, as now, ‘switching to a separate view when a search is active‘.
That proposal has generated a lot of discussion from GNOME’s contributors and designers who’ve tested it and provided feedback and commits to refine it for inclusion.
Cassidy James Blaede, formerly of Endless and elementary, said the idea “looks great”, while long-time GNOME design team member Sam Hewitt described the overlay search as ‘a long time coming’.
GNOME designer Tobias Bernard said he thinks the change is ‘likely’ to ship in GNOME 51. If so, it would be make it into Ubuntu 26.10, which is out in October.
Discussion has, it seems, waylaid the merge being accepted in time to meet a deadline in GNOME’s development cycle. A freeze request has now been opened, and with enthusiasm from the right people involved, could well be ready in time for the GNOME 51 release in September.
Bigger ambitions for GNOME Shell’s search exist beyond an overlay.
Bernard wants to enhanced search results by supporting ‘richer types of content and actions’, noting how other desktops and launcher tools (like Raycast on macOS) offer file previews, multiple actions and filtering.
Search is extensible – Ubuntu 26.04 added Snap store catalog and Firefox search results – so there’s scope for expansion.
It’s one of many changes mooted for GNOME Shell. Other mockups imagine directly-editable Quick Settings, a simplified calendar applet, better window management, dynamic battery icons and a more engaging login screen.
Like all good work, it relies on contributors, code, testing and feedback. If you have the skills (not the .md variety), do consider getting involved. Bernard notes that it’s easier than ever to get hacking on GNOME Shell.