Gmail Q&A with Gemini AI rolling out to Android and iOS

Google has started rolling out the Gemini AI Q&A feature for the Gmail app on Android and iOS. Located in the search bar and as a dedicated panel, the Gmail Q&A feature accepts queries in the form of text prompts or suggestions.

Gmail Q&A is a “new way of searching inbox” on Android and iOS devices

Google announced the Gmail Q&A feature at this year’s Google I/O 2024. This feature essentially replicates the Gemini side panel that’s available on the desktop web on the Gmail app for Android devices.

The same Gmail Q&A is now reportedly rolling out to iOS devices. The Gemini interface for iPhones is similar to Android. However, there are some visual discrepancies such as the lack of Material 3 implementation in other areas of the app.

Google recently tweaked the search bar in the Gmail app. The search giant placed its Gemini Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) front and center for Gmail users.

In case Gmail app users miss Google’s AI “sparkle”, the Gemini button also appears in the toolbar when users open an email. Positioned at the left of the archive feature, tapping the same slides up another panel. Here users can either pick one of the suggested prompts or type a new query.

Google restricts Q&A to a per-session history

Google has launched the Gmail Q&A feature but it is not available to all. Specifically speaking, Google is offering this feature to personal accounts subscribed to Google One AI Premium. Additionally, those with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium subscriptions will also be able to benefit from the Gemini AI-driven feature.

Unlike, the desktop web view where Gemini appears in the side panel, Gmail users on Android will see the Gemini “How can I help you today?” panel taking over the bottom part of the app’s screen offering a few suggestions. Users can either enter text prompts in that panel or expand it to take up the entire screen.

The feature also users to search for specific details from an email or ask Gemini to display unread messages from a particular sender. Gemini can also help summarize emails about a topic from the inbox.

Gmail Q&A has a per-session history. Additionally, users have easy access to the “Clear history” button located in the corner. This could help users limit Gemini’s access to emails in Gmail.