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Your Gmail account will soon look a little different as the company finally rolls out its much-anticipated makeover for all users.
To provide users with a more complete Google Workspace experience, the updated Gmail now offers not only email services, but also video conferencing and chat options, all in one place.
Users don’t have to do anything to activate the revamped Gmail, which will be updated by default for users around the world in the coming days to help modernize the platform.
Gmail in a new guise
In a Google Workspace update post (opens in new tab)the company confirmed that the new look will be “the default Gmail experience, with no option to return to the original user interface”.
News of the facelift was first announced in February 2022, as part of an effort to bring other Google Workspace services, such as Chat and Meet, closer to Gmail.
Most Gmail users were able to try out the new look service in November 2022, but retained the option to return to the “original view” at any time.
As of today, this is no longer possible, as users are locked into the new design — though Google notes that users can change their Gmail theme, inbox type, and more from the quick settings menu.
The change may seem quite drastic to some Gmail users, who will still see emails front and center, but have moved significantly to the right side of the screen to make way for a new sidebar on the left with quick links to Chat, Spaces, and Meet, which shifts your email folders and label options slightly.
In addition to the more integrated links with Meet and Chat, users will also see a new right sidebar with shortcuts to other Google services such as Calendar, Tasks, and Keep, without having to open additional tabs or windows.
The company adds that you’ll also see all your notifications in one place, with bubbles highlighting when you have a new message or chat.
It is available for all Google Workspace user accounts (except Google Workspace Essentials customers), and for G Suite Basic and Business customers.