bug(Autocomplete): Selected option is not deselected when first input is removed while panel is closed (without clicking on input field for focus)

[Aisrah]

Is this a regression?

• Yes, this behavior used to work in the previous version

The previous version in which this bug was not present was

No response

Description

Selected option does not get deselected when the input is cleared (without clicking on input field for focus) while the panel is closed.

Screen.Recording.2025-05-27.at.2.03.36.PM.mov

Reproduction

StackBlitz link:
Steps to reproduce:

1. Click on autocomplete input field.
2. Select an option from the list.
3. Hit backspace from keyboard. (NOTE - don't click on the input to focus the field so that the panel remains closed while hitting backspace)
4. On first backspace - the selection (checkmark) remains on the previously selected option and the panel gets opened.
5. On second backspace - the selection gets cleared because panel was already open.

Expected Behavior

The selection should get cleared since the input value has changed.

Actual Behavior

The selection does not get cleared.

Environment

• Angular:
• CDK/Material:
• Browser(s):
• Operating System (e.g. Windows, macOS, Ubuntu):

[logic-01]

@crisbeto what should be the more appropriate approach for this? Should we blur the input or inside _handleInput in autocomplete-trigger.ts.
I think blurring will be straightforward but maybe confusing for the user? I will like to look into this, but need your input here first.
Thanks