Google on Thursday updated Gmail for iOS with a trio of notable new features: quick actions, the ability to email files from other apps and a new attachment viewer. Gmail users on iPhone and iPad can now attach photos and documents to Gmail from other apps such as Instagram using the updated in-app share sheet, and open attachments from Gmail into any app.

Gmail for iOS 4.0
Taking advantage of Apple's addition of interactive notifications in iOS 8, quick actions enable Gmail users to archive or reply to emails directly from a notification without leaving the app. The functionality also works for notifications in Notification Center and on the Lock screen. The latest release of Gmail for iOS pushes the app to version 4.0 on the App Store.

What's New in Version 4.0
• Take quick actions - Archive or reply to messages directly from a notification
• Email files from other apps - Attach photos and documents to Gmail right from your favorite apps
• New attachment viewer - Open attachments from Gmail into any app

Gmail for iOS [Direct Link] is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Top Rated Comments

gmintz09 Avatar
141 months ago
Nice update, but why archive and not delete? I never have understood archive as an action in email. It doesn't get rid of it, it throws it to my "All Mail" section but still stays in my inbox. I would have preferred "Reply" and "Delete" as options.

Furthermore, these actions really don't work on the lock screen if you have a passcode/TouchID...I have to unlock my phone to complete the action. I also still have to leave the app I'm in to reply to an email. Not sure why it says I can do it right from the notification. Disappointing.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
141 months ago
Nice update, but why archive and not delete? I never have understood archive as an action in email. It doesn't get rid of it, it throws it to my "All Mail" section but still stays in my inbox. I would have preferred "Reply" and "Delete" as options.

With Gmail, you are the product. Google wants you to retain as much email as possible so that they can profile you for adverting campaigns. Regarding "All Mail" messages staying in your inbox, you just need to adjust some settings. Archived messages don't stay in your Inbox when configured properly.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mpavilion Avatar
141 months ago
I recently switched from using the Gmail app to accessing Gmail via the Outlook app. I love it -- you can do almost everything that you can do via the Gmail app (except for "Labeling" messages while leaving them in the Inbox), plus a lot more... without the hassles and annoyances of the Gmail app (poor design, notifications that don't clear when you view the message in the app, account sign-in issues, etc.).
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
technosix Avatar
141 months ago
I've been using all the Google iOS apps. They enhance the iPhone experience a lot. Very enjoyable.

Perhaps best of all is how rapidly Google Innovates without fear. They just do it and do it well.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mms13 Avatar
141 months ago
Nice update, but why archive and not delete? I never have understood archive as an action in email. It doesn't get rid of it, it throws it to my "All Mail" section but still stays in my inbox. I would have preferred "Reply" and "Delete" as options.

You aren't using Gmail correctly.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bozzykid Avatar
141 months ago
With Gmail, you are the product. Google wants you to retain as much email as possible so that they can profile you for adverting campaigns.
That simply isn't true. Deleting email will not have any affect on advertising campaigns shown to you. Google uses an automated process to scan emails when they arrive. Once you delete the email, nothing will change. So there is no incentive for Google to want you to archive the email. To be fair, Apple scans emails (incoming and outgoing) as well. They just choose to not retain the data for advertising purposes.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

Monday December 22, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers. The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple's own products get. In iOS...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...