Google has begun phasing out the Gemini side panel in Gmail for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States, marking a shift toward integrating artificial intelligence directly into the email interface through new in-line AI experiences.
The change follows the rollout of in-line AI tools in Gmail, which Google says are designed to make AI features more intuitive and accessible during everyday email use. As a result, eligible subscribers may no longer see the “Ask Gemini” option or be able to open the Gemini side panel on the web.
Previously accessed via a Gemini icon next to the user’s profile photo, the side panel offered a traditional chatbot-style interface. It allowed users to summarise email threads, draft messages, suggest replies, retrieve information from emails, Google Drive, and Calendar, and create calendar events.
Most of these capabilities are now embedded directly within Gmail. Features such as Help Me Write remain unchanged, while Proofread has been enhanced to provide more advanced spelling, grammar, and style checks. Suggested Replies have also been upgraded to better reflect the context of an email thread, according to ABC News.
In addition, AI Overviews can now summarise longer email conversations, while AI Overviews in Search aim to deliver a more seamless experience across Google’s ecosystem.
As of now, the Gemini side panel has been removed from personal Gmail accounts on the web where the new features are active, though it remains available on Android devices. Google confirmed there are no changes to the Gemini side panel for Google Workspace users.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
