While Google has never shied away from building its apps and services for iOS, some have taken time to appear on iPhones and iPads around the world.

Almost 18 months after Apple introduced third-party keyboards with iOS 8, Google is reportedly set to release a keyboard with a slew of user-friendly features.

Search, search, search

The headline feature of Google's keyboard shouldn't surprise: the company wants more users visiting Google.com.

The keyboard is likely to display a Google logo at all times, ensuring search is never more than a click away.

Data pertaining to desktop search habits suggests users regularly input simple words to visit common websites, such as typing 'Facebook' before clicking Facebook.com in a Google search result.

Apps diminish that need on phones and tablets, so Google hopes to increase the likelihood of any and all searches by having it at the forefront of the keyboard.

Catching up to the field

Although business decisions clearly influence Google's decision to have such a large presence on iOS, users aren't taken for granted.

The keyboard will reportedly include gesture typing, made popular by Swype and SwiftKey and also present on Google's own Android keyboard, though that may take a back seat to a fan favourite – GIF search.

Social search

Popular on Twitter and the likes of Facebook Messenger in conversations between friends, the keyboard may have a direct GIF search button for easy access to all The Simpsons quotes and puppy videos you can handle.

Just don't forget to Google them.

The keyboard now being trialled with a roll out expected later this year.