Gmail’s New AI Summaries: What You Need to Know

In a significant update for Gmail users, Google has started rolling out AI-generated summaries of emails directly within the app. According to a blog post from Google, this feature is set to enhance the way users interact with their inboxes, particularly those with paid Workspace accounts or Google AI Premium subscriptions. As of now, users may begin to see summaries appearing automatically in their Gmail app on both Android and iOS.

How AI Summaries Work

Previously, Gmail users had to manually tap a “summarize this email” button to receive a summary. However, with this new update, summaries will appear automatically unless users opt out. This feature aims to streamline the email experience, especially for longer threads or messages containing multiple replies. Google’s AI tool, Gemini, generates bullet points highlighting the key aspects of the email and updates the summary in real-time as replies come in.

Currently, the summaries are only available for emails written in English, but this could change in future updates. The change is part of Google’s broader strategy to promote engagement with Gemini, extending beyond Gmail into products like Google Docs and Google Sheets.

What You Can Expect

For those who are already accustomed to using AI features in their emails, these automatic summaries may bring a much-awaited ease to managing conversations. However, the rollout is gradual; users could start seeing the updates in as little as a few days, but it might take up to 15 days for everyone to have access.

If you prefer to have more control over your email summaries, users can disable this feature. However, you should be aware that doing so will also turn off other smart features in Gmail, including high-priority notifications, package tracking, Smart Compose, and Smart Reply.

The rollout of AI-generated email summaries in Gmail heralds a new chapter in how we manage our digital communication. While the feature aims to make email interactions more streamlined and less overwhelming, users have the choice to opt out if they prefer a traditional email experience. Whether you embrace this technology or choose to step back, it’s clear that AI continues to play a pivotal role in how we interact with our digital tools.