Jan 18, 2026
3 min read
NEW YORK - Google has made big changes to Gmail, the world's most popular email service, and now its more than 2 billion users must decide how they want to use the updated platform.These changes mark one of the biggest changes to Gmail in more than 20 years.
The company says it is introducing new artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can help people manage their email.It includes tools to summarize messages, suggest things to write and highlight important things in the user's mailbox.Some of these tools were only for paying customers before but are now offered to the public.
One of the biggest additions is an “AI inbox” that can organize messages and suggest actions like replying or scheduling meetings.The AI tools are meant to make Gmail more of a personal assistant that helps users keep their inbox up-to-date.
Google says users can turn these new features on or off, giving them options for how they want their email to work.Some users may prefer the help of artificial intelligence, while others would prefer to keep Gmail in the traditional email style they are used to.
The other major change allows Gmail users to change their primary email address - something many people have been wanting since they signed up.This change means that people with old or problematic addresses will be able to choose something new while keeping all their old messages and data.
For many users, deciding whether to use the new AI features involves thinking about privacy and security, as AI tools must read the content of messages to work.
The updates come as email continues to face cybersecurity challenges, with hackers often trying to trick people into giving up their account details.Experts say new tools can help manage threats, but they also require users to understand how email security works.
Some users have been excited about the online update, saying the new features will make Gmail easier to use. Others have expressed concerns about messages being read by artificial intelligence, even though the technology is designed to protect privacy.
Google launched Gmail in 2004 and the service has grown to serve billions of people around the world.The latest updates reflect Google's ongoing efforts to keep the platform modern and competitive, as email challenges change over time.
Google says it will continue to add improvements this year, and users should watch for more updates in Settings as features become available.The company encourages people to review their privacy and security options before choosing the new tools.
