Gmail for Android is finally catching up to its iOS counterpart with a long-awaited feature: the ability to create labels directly within the app. For years, Android users have had to rely on workarounds or the web interface to organize their inboxes using labels, a core Gmail functionality. The rollout, which began earlier this month, addresses a significant gap in feature parity between the two mobile platforms.
Labels in Gmail serve as a way to categorize and organize emails without physically moving them from one folder to another. This allows users to apply multiple classifications to a single message, making it easier to find and manage their inbox. While not as automated as Gmail’s newer AI-powered sorting features or filters, labels remain a popular and effective method for many users to maintain control over their email flow.
The update, first reported by Android Authority, introduces a “Create Label” option within the app’s overflow menu – accessible by tapping the hamburger button (three horizontal bars) in the top-left corner. Users can then input a name for the new label and save it. The newly created label will then appear alongside existing labels in the same menu. This functionality has been available on the web and iOS versions of Gmail since at least 2019, making the Android update a significant, albeit belated, addition.
While this update is a welcome step forward, the Android version of Gmail still lacks the ability to customize label colors, a feature present in both the web and iOS apps. However, Google has indicated this is a first step and further enhancements may follow. The rollout is currently underway, and not all users will have access to the feature immediately.
The addition of label creation on Android comes as Google continues to refine and update its Gmail experience. Google Help documentation highlights recent improvements to the Gmail app, including enhanced security features, improved formatting options, and the ability to block unwanted emails. These updates are designed to provide a more secure and user-friendly experience across all platforms.
Beyond core Gmail functionality, Google is also expanding the app’s capabilities to integrate with other email services. Recent updates, as reported by multiple sources including Jordan News and Dearborn.org, now allows users to connect accounts from other providers like Yahoo and Outlook, consolidating multiple inboxes within the Gmail app. This move aims to provide a more unified email management experience, regardless of the user’s primary email provider.
The update has been met with positive reactions from Android users who have long requested this functionality. While the addition of label creation is a relatively small change, it represents a significant improvement in the usability of the Gmail app on Android, bringing it closer to feature parity with the iOS version. The ongoing development and integration of features across platforms demonstrate Google’s commitment to providing a consistent and powerful email experience for its users.
