Google has introduced a new AI-powered Inbox experience for Gmail, aimed at giving users a more personalized view of their tasks while keeping them up to date with what matters most. Alongside this, Gmail is rolling out AI Overviews in search and a Grammarly-style “Proofread” tool. Google is also expanding access by making several AI features—previously limited to paid plans—available to all users.
The new AI Inbox appears as a dedicated tab and is divided into two main sections: “Suggested to-dos” and “Topics to catch up on.” The “Suggested to-dos” section highlights high-priority emails that need action, such as reminders about an upcoming bill payment or a note to call your dermatologist to confirm your address so they can send a prescription refill.
In the “Topics to catch up on” section, Gmail surfaces grouped updates like “Your Lululemon return is being processed, and your Metal Vent Tech shirts have been delivered,” or “Your end-of-year statement is now available from Wealthfront.” These updates are organized into categories such as Finances and Purchases, making it easier to scan what’s happening at a glance.
“This is us delivering on Gmail proactively having your back—showing you what you need to do and when you need to do it,” said Blake Barnes, Google’s VP of Product, during a media briefing. He emphasized that the traditional inbox isn’t going away. “This is simply a new view you can toggle in and out of as you please, designed to help cut through the noise.”
The AI Inbox feature is currently rolling out to trusted testers, with a wider release planned in the coming months.
Gmail is also enhancing search with AI Overviews, allowing users to search their inbox using natural language questions instead of relying on keywords and opening multiple emails. For example, you could ask, “Who was the plumber that gave me a quote for the bathroom renovation last year?” Gmail will then generate an AI summary, pulling the relevant information directly from your emails and highlighting the key details.
“We scour every email in your inbox and give you the answer to your question right at the top,” Barnes said. “Just like AI Overviews in Google Search, you can ask natural language questions and get an AI-powered response. In Gmail, though, the model relies only on your emails—your personal memory brain—to generate the answer.”
This AI search experience is rolling out to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
Google reiterated that all AI features in Gmail are optional, personal content is not used to train its foundational models, and user data is processed in a strictly isolated environment.
Finally, Gmail is introducing a new Proofread feature designed to help users refine their writing. The tool analyzes drafts to improve clarity and structure, offering one-click suggestions for better word choice, conciseness, active voice, and breaking down overly complex sentences.
