Google activated Gemini AI features by default for Gmail's 3 billion users this week, described by some analysts as the platform's biggest update in 20 years. The company announced what it calls the "Gemini era" for its email service, with AI tools now embedded across the platform.
AI Overviews summarize lengthy email threads and answer natural language questions about inbox content. The feature builds on Google Search's AI Overviews that launched in May 2024. Users can type queries like "Who was the plumber that gave me a quote last year?" directly into Gmail's search bar.
Three writing tools launched at different price tiers. Help Me Write for email drafts and Suggested Replies are free for all users. Proofread, which checks grammar, tone, and style, requires Google AI Pro or Ultra subscriptions.
The AI Inbox filters email clutter with personalized briefings and priority sorting based on frequent contacts. Google prioritizes emails using relationships inferred from message content, meaning Gemini scans user emails. The company clarified that Gmail messages are not used to train public Gemini models.
All features are enabled by default for Gmail's 3 billion users in the United States. European users face opposite defaults due to GDPR regulations, requiring explicit opt-in consent. The rollout currently supports only English language.
Users can disable AI features through Settings by unchecking Smart Features options. This process disables AI-driven suggestions, summaries, and automated actions tied to Gemini. It also affects Gmail's built-in conveniences like automatic categorization, predictive text, and quick suggestions.
Google does not offer a single "Gemini off" switch separate from smart features. The opt-out requires navigating multiple settings menus on both web and mobile platforms. Disabling AI features means losing inbox categorization and spell-check benefits.
The new capabilities represent Google's most aggressive AI integration into consumer email since Gmail launched in 2004. The default activation strategy follows industry patterns where AI features are enabled automatically, placing the burden on users to opt out.
Privacy advocates note the approach contrasts with European regulations that require explicit consent for data processing. The different defaults highlight how regional regulations shape technology deployment strategies for global platforms.
Gmail's AI features began rolling out in the US this week, with international availability expected to follow. The update positions Google's email service against Microsoft's AI-powered Outlook and other enterprise communication platforms investing in generative AI capabilities.
