Catenaa, Friday, January 15, 2026- Google announced major updates to Gmail on Thursday, introducing AI-powered features for all users and allowing changes to primary email addresses for the first time in over 20 years.

The platform, used by more than 2 billion people globally, now offers AI Overviews, Help Me Write, and Suggested Replies at no cost, previously limited to paid accounts.

These tools process email content in Google’s cloud-based Gemini system, raising privacy considerations as users share metadata and messages with the AI, although Google says the data will not train its models.

Alongside AI upgrades, Gmail users can now change their primary email address while keeping their data and old address active.

The feature is limited to a small number of changes over a restricted period. Google highlighted that account security remains critical, as hackers increasingly target Gmail and other linked services.

Users are advised to enable passkeys and non-SMS two-factor authentication, and to consider using throwaway email aliases for added protection.

The AI enhancements position Gmail against competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI, aiming to integrate the Gemini system across Google’s ecosystem.

The address change option offers users a fresh start, particularly for older or high school-era accounts, but does not prevent malicious emails from reaching inboxes.

Google’s broader plan for shielded alias addresses is expected to add further layers of privacy and control in the coming months.

The updates signal Google’s push to combine convenience, AI functionality, and user choice, while emphasizing security in a platform increasingly targeted by cyberattacks.