Gmail Auto-Summarizes Long Email Threads

05/30/2025 Software

Gmail users on Android and iOS with Google Workspace accounts now benefit from an enhanced feature: automatic summarization of lengthy email threads. This functionality, powered by Google's AI, presents a concise overview of key discussion points directly at the top of the thread. Previously, users needed to manually activate the "Summarize this email" option. Now, the AI-driven summary appears instantly upon opening a long email chain.

How it Works

The system dynamically generates and updates these summaries, incorporating new replies as they arrive. Currently, the feature supports only English language emails and necessitates that smart features in Gmail, Chat, Meet, and Google Workspace are enabled. While currently limited to mobile Workspace users, the "Summarize this email" button remains a readily available alternative for those without automatic summarization.

Beyond Summarization

Google's Gemini integration within Gmail goes beyond summarizing. It assists with email drafting and information retrieval from the inbox or Google Drive. A forthcoming feature, Personalized Smart Replies, will leverage past emails and files to draft replies in the user's typical style. This innovative feature promises to streamline communication and improve user efficiency. The potential for further expansion of this functionality, including availability on other platforms and accounts, remains exciting.