Gmail's Gemini Era: Free AI Tools and Address Change

• Google is rolling Gemini 3–powered AI features to all Gmail users at no extra cost.
• Enabling the AI tools shares email content and metadata with Google’s Gemini; users can opt out.
• Gmail now lets you change your primary @gmail.com address without creating a new account while retaining data.
• Address changes are subject to limits and the old address continues to receive mail.

What Google announced

Google announced two major Gmail changes: it’s making several Gemini-powered AI features available to all users, and it is giving people the ability to change their primary Gmail address without creating a new account.

AI features now free

Features such as AI Overviews, Help Me Write and Suggested Replies—previously limited to paid tiers—are being rolled out broadly and are powered in part by Gemini 3. Google described the shift as “bringing @Gmail into the Gemini era,” positioning Gmail as a more proactive inbox assistant.

What that means for your inbox

If you enable the new tools, Gmail will process the contents and metadata of your messages with Gemini to summarize threads, draft replies, and surface suggested actions. Google says users remain in control and can turn the features on or off.

Primary address change: a fresh start

Separately, Google now lets users change their primary @gmail.com address without migrating to a new account. The change preserves your account data and the old address will still receive messages, making it easier to replace an outdated or unwanted email handle.

Limits and practical considerations

Google warns there are limits on how often you can change a primary address. The company hasn’t published exhaustive details about frequency caps, so plan carefully before making a change.

Privacy, security and how to decide

Turning on Gmail’s Gemini features requires allowing Google to analyze your emails. For users concerned about privacy or targeted processing of sensitive content, that’s a key decision. Google reiterates that the features are optional and can be disabled at any time.

Security remains important: Google continues to warn users about account-targeting threats like phishing and credential theft. If you choose AI assistance, review your security settings, two-factor authentication, and how Google describes data use in its privacy documents.

Bottom line

The Gmail update is one of the biggest in years: free, Gemini-powered tools promise smarter inbox management, while address-change flexibility gives users an easier way to refresh their public identity. Weigh convenience against privacy and the practical limits before opting in.