Gmail's new Generative AI: inbox speed for working writers
Google is adding Generative AI to Gmail. You'll see AI summaries of long threads, smarter drafting tools, and a new AI Inbox that spots what actually needs your attention.
If email eats your writing time, this update helps you get in, get context, and get out-without losing your voice.
What's new
- AI Overviews: See long conversations as a concise summary of key points. Everyone gets summaries. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can also ask inbox questions ("What did we agree on for the client launch?") and get answers.
- Help me write and Suggested replies: Rolling out free for all. Turn a short prompt into a draft, then fine-tune tone and details.
- Proofread: Available to Google AI Pro and Ultra. Tightens clarity, tone, and grammar in one pass.
- AI Inbox (testing): Surfaces tasks, priorities, and VIPs. De-emphasizes clutter so you focus on what matters first.
How writers can use this now
- Catch up fast: Open a long thread and read the AI Overview to see decisions, action items, and blockers. If you're on Pro/Ultra, ask: "What's pending on the Q4 copy deck and who's waiting on me?"
- Draft faster: Use Help me write with prompts like: "Follow-up to editor: polite nudge on invoice, include net-30 terms, friendly tone." Or "Pitch email: 3 ideas for fintech blog, 150 words, confident but approachable."
- Polish with intent: Proofread (Pro/Ultra) to adjust tone: "Make it concise, keep warmth, no clichés." Always double-check names, dates, and figures after edits.
- Clear the small stuff: Suggested replies handle quick confirmations so you can save energy for real writing.
AI Inbox: fewer blind spots, more signal
AI Inbox is being tested with trusted users. It highlights to-dos, VIPs, and time-sensitive items-like bill reminders or medical appointments-based on your day's needs.
As Google's Gmail Product VP Blake Barnes put it: "AI Inbox is like having a personalized briefing, highlighting to-dos and catching you up on what matters… with the privacy protections you expect from Google, keeping your data under your control."
More people will get access over the coming months.
Availability and model details
The rollout has started in English for users in the U.S. Global and multi-language support will follow. Features are powered by Google's Gemini 3 model.
Learn the basics of Help me write here: Gmail Help: Help me write.
A 10-minute email workflow for writers
- Minute 0-2: Open inbox, read AI Overview on your top thread. Note 1-2 actions.
- Minute 3-6: Use Help me write to draft replies for priority threads. Add specifics, cut fluff, make it sound like you.
- Minute 7-8: Run Proofread (Pro/Ultra) for tone/clarity. Confirm facts manually.
- Minute 9-10: Fire off Suggested replies for quick yes/no updates. Close inbox and return to deep work.
Plan snapshot
- Free: AI Overviews (summaries), Help me write, Suggested replies.
- Google AI Pro/Ultra: AI Overviews Q&A for your inbox + Proofread.
Keep your voice while you speed up
AI can handle drafts, structure, and cleanups. You handle intent, nuance, and final judgment. Save your creative energy for the parts only you can do-angle, story, and persuasion.
If you want prompt examples that consistently produce strong email drafts, explore our practical resources: Prompt courses or curated AI tools for copywriting.
Your membership also unlocks:
