The Gmail app on iPhone is undergoing a significant transformation with the arrival of Material Design 3. This visual overhaul, alongside the integration of Gemini AI, is reshaping the user experience for Apple device owners. Discover how these changes could revolutionize the way you use Gmail every day.
Gmail’s fresh look: Material Design 3 comes to iOS
Google has finally launched a significant visual overhaul for Gmail on iPhone and iPad. The latest update introduces the sleek Material Design 3 aesthetic that Android users have enjoyed for some time. This modern design language brings a more cohesive look across Google’s ecosystem, making the transition between devices more seamless than ever.
The most noticeable changes include a rounded search bar at the top of the screen and pill-shaped buttons in the bottom navigation bar. Blue replaces red as the primary accent color throughout the interface, creating a more contemporary feel. The composition button has also been redesigned with rounded rectangular corners for improved visibility and accessibility.
For everyday users, these changes mean a more visually consistent experience whether you’re checking emails on your iPhone, Android device, or computer browser. The update is rolling out through version 6.0.250413 for iOS devices, joining other Google apps like Chat, Meet, Photos, Search, and Home that already feature Material Design 3.
| Design Element | Old Design | New Material Design 3 |
| Search Bar | Rectangular | Rounded |
| Navigation Buttons | Standard buttons | Pill-shaped |
| Accent Color | Red | Blue |
| Compose Button | Circular | Rounded rectangle |
Artificial intelligence powers up your inbox
The visual refresh isn’t the only improvement coming to Gmail for iPhone. Google is also introducing Gemini AI integration to its mobile email platform. Previously available only on the web version, Gemini now extends its capabilities to both Android and iOS devices, offering powerful AI assistance right in your pocket.
For eligible Workspace users, Gemini enables direct image generation within Gmail’s sidebar. These AI-created images can be seamlessly inserted into email drafts, copied elsewhere, or saved for later use. This feature represents a significant step forward in making email communication more dynamic and visually engaging.
Currently, Gemini access is limited to users with the following subscription plans:
- Business Starter, Standard, or Plus
- Enterprise Starter, Standard, or Plus
- Google One AI Premium
Personal Gmail users without these subscriptions will need to wait a bit longer before experiencing these AI capabilities. However, this rollout signals Google’s commitment to bringing advanced AI tools to more users across its ecosystem.
Enhanced functionality for larger screens
While iPhone users enjoy the new design, Android users with larger screens are receiving some practical improvements to Gmail’s functionality. The update introduces a movable separator between message lists and content previews, allowing for more flexible interface customization based on personal preferences.
This feature enables users to adjust the amount of screen real estate dedicated to each section or even switch to a single-panel view by completely shifting the separator. Such flexibility makes Gmail more adaptable to different usage patterns and screen sizes.
iOS users aren’t left behind in terms of functional improvements. Google Calendar on iPhone now supports creating and editing birthday events directly from the app—a convenience that Android users have enjoyed for some time. This addition eliminates the need to switch platforms or devices when managing important date-based reminders.
What do these changes mean for iPhone users
These updates collectively represent Google’s continued investment in improving the iOS experience for its services. Material Design 3’s visual harmony across platforms creates a more intuitive experience for users who regularly switch between devices.
For productivity enthusiasts, the combination of refreshed design and new AI capabilities makes Gmail more powerful without sacrificing usability. As more Google apps adopt this design language on iOS, iPhone users can enjoy a more cohesive experience across the Google ecosystem while maintaining their preferred hardware.
The gradual rollout means some users may not see these changes immediately. However, by updating to the latest version of Gmail, you’ll be among the first to experience these improvements when they reach your device. With this comprehensive update, Gmail on iPhone is becoming more visually appealing, functionally rich, and future-ready with AI integration.
