Google Introduces New Features for Gmail on Android – What’s Changing

Google has introduced two significant updates for Gmail on Android, rolling out the “Mark as Read” feature alongside a fresh Material 3 expressive redesign.

According to reports, Gmail initially began testing the Material 3 design in June. The update presented emails within containers and included an eye-catching swipe animation. At the time, this redesign was available only to a limited set of users.

With the latest release, Gmail’s interface has undergone notable changes. The hamburger button and profile switcher have been removed, while the search view has been enhanced for smoother navigation. Google explained that these updates were made to “provide a prominent entry point for opening search,” highlighting search as one of Gmail’s most vital tools. Interestingly, the same search app bar is also being introduced to Google Keep.

On the other hand, the “Mark as Read” feature, which started a gradual rollout at the end of June, is now widely accessible. In the newest version (2025.08.04.x), this option is available across all devices. Positioned between the “Delete or Archive” and “Reply” actions, it adds a practical layer of convenience, improving the overall Gmail experience for Android users.