Google Workspace Updates: Gmail

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - January 19, 2024

Friday, January 19, 2024

2 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.
Unsubscribe from emails on Gmail more easily We know managing unwanted emails is a source of frustration for many users. That’s why we announced new guidelines for bulk senders a few months ago to help users stay safe. Now, we’re introducing new ways to make it even easier to unsubscribe from unwanted emails in Gmail on web and mobile by:

Adding the unsubscribe button to the hover actions in the threadlist on web. When the unsubscribe button is clicked, Gmail sends a http request or an email to the sender to remove your email address from their mailing list.

Moving the unsubscribe button from the three dot menu to appear more prominently in your email on your Android and iOS devices.

These features are now available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts on web and iOS devices, and are rolling out now on Android devices at an extended pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility). | Learn more about unsubscribing from emails and reporting spam in Gmail.

Updating the mobile experience on Android tablets and foldable devices

Last year, we announced enhancements to the Google Drive mobile experience on Android tablets. This included several modernizations, such as shifting the navigation bar to the side of the Drive app. Similarly, we’ve moved the navigation bar for Gmail to the side to optimize the experience on tablets and foldable devices. This migration will make it easier for users to switch tabs in Gmail. | Available now to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Launch the Lucidspark whiteboarding app directly from Google Meet Series One Board 65 and Desk 27 devices

By the end of the month, Lucidspark by Lucid Software can be launched directly from Google Meet Series One Board 65 and Desk 27 devices. With this integration, users will be able to share and participate in a Lucidspark whiteboard session in a Meet call, either initiated from the Series One Board 65 and Desk 27 or a remote participant on the call. | Learn more about the Lucidspark whiteboarding app.

Use comments & action items on your client-side encrypted Google Docs

You can now collaborate with others on client-side encrypted Google Docs to add, edit, reply, filter, or delete comments. You can also assign action items to yourself or others. This added functionality helps bring parity to unencrypted docs while also ensuring your data is behind encryption keys you control, including the identity provider used to access those keys. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers only. | Learn more about CSE comments & action items in Docs.

Combine multiple video effects, improve lighting and audio in Google Meet

We’re launching three new features to personalize your appearance in Google Meet. | Learn more about combining multiple video effects on web and mobile, studio lighting on web and studio sound.

Join meetings as a guest without a Google account on mobile devices

You can now quickly join a meeting as a guest without signing into a personal or work Google account or creating a new Google account. This functionality already exists for meetings on the web and, by expanding to mobile, guests now have greater flexibility for joining Meet meetings on the go. | Learn more about joining meetings as a guest.

Star messages in Google Chat on mobile

Last November, we introduced starred on web, an additional shortcut in the redesigned Google Chat navigation panel that helps you stay on top of your most important messages. We’re excited to announce this is now available on Android and iOS mobile devices. | Learn more about starring messages.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Easy access to people, documents, building blocks and more in Google Docs

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Extending Trusted Types to Gmail

Friday, January 12, 2024

What’s changingLast year, we improved the client-side security of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites, Drawings, Drive, and Calendar with Trusted Types. This browser-based runtime feature limits the uses of Document Object Model (DOM) APIs that are used by the apps listed above or third-party extensions. Trusted Types also reduce the possibility of Document Object Model Cross Site Scripting (DOM XSS), which continues to be one of the most critical threats to web security.
DOM XSS occurs when a cyber attacker injects malicious code into a web page, which can then be executed by the victim's browser. This can allow the cyber attacker to steal cookies, hijack sessions, and even take control of the victim's computer.
To defend against this, we’re excited to announce the expansion of Trusted Types to Gmail. This will provide a defense against DOM XSS and further enhances our advanced data protection controls to keep users and data safe across more of the apps they use everyday.

Who’s impacted Developers (relying on any Chrome extensions that modify DOM APIs.)

Additional details This new enforcement mode will require third-party extensions to use typed objects instead of strings when assigning values to DOM APIs. Once Trusted Types are fully enforced, the Trusted Types directive will be present in the Content Security Policy (CSP) header:
Content-Security-Policy: require-trusted-types-for 'script';report-uri https://mail.google.com/mail/cspreport

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
Developers:

To make code Trusted Types compliant, signal to the browser that data being used within the context of these DOM APIs is trustworthy by creating a Trusted Type special object.
There are several ways to be Trusted Types compliant, such as removing the offending code, using a library (such as safevalues or DOMPurify), or creating a Trusted Types policy. To ensure a seamless experience for users, we recommend employing these techniques before Trusted Types enforcement is rolled out. Failure to make code Trusted Types compliant may cause feature breakages for third-party extensions as their DOM manipulations will be blocked by the browser.

End users: There is no end user setting for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 12, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 11, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts

Resources

Google Help: Implement CSP and Trusted Types debugging in Chrome DevTools.

New guide to help screen reader users transition from Gmail HTML view to Gmail Standard view

Monday, December 18, 2023

What’s changingEarlier this year, we informed users that Gmail Basic HTML view for desktop web and mobile web would be disabled starting in early 2024. We know that many users in the accessibility community use Basic HTML view, so today we’re sharing a guide to help screen reader users make the switch from HTML to Standard view. This new guide, along with an existing resource to ensure the best Gmail experience when using a desktop screen reader, should help users get up to speed on Gmail Standard view.
If you haven’t used Standard view recently, you’ll notice we’ve made numerous usability improvements, including enhancements for people that prefer or require the precision of navigating the user interface by keyboard or screen reader. Accessibility of Standard view has significantly improved over the last few years and we’re committed to continuing to improve the accessibility experience and making new features accessible going forward.
Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. You can use Gmail on your browser in Basic HTML view through February 2024. After this, Gmail automatically changes to Standard view.
End users: Once Basic HTML view is disabled, users will automatically be redirected to the Standard Gmail view which provides the latest in Gmail security and features. Users on old browsers may need to update their browser to use the Standard view. On mobile, users can also download the official Gmail app. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Gmail with a screen reader.

Rollout pace

Gmail automatically changes to Standard view starting February 2024. If you prefer, you can switch to Standard view now.

Availability

This impacts all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts

Resources

Set client-side encryption as the default mode for new emails, events, and files

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What’s changingAdmins can now set client-side encryption (CSE) to be on by default for:

Newly created Gmail messages, Google Calendar events.

Newly created Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files.

Newly uploaded Google Drive files.

Admins can set client-side encryption as default on for users in Organizational Units (OUs) that regularly handle sensitive data requiring additional encryption. This allows organizations the flexibility to meet their compliance and regulatory requirements and reduce the burden on change management programs. Users are prompted to create a CSE object natively in each app meaning their emails, events and files are encrypted by default with customer-managed keys and are private from Google. For organizations with strict regulatory or sovereignty needs, this can help them close compliance gaps by defaulting users to the preferred mode for handling sensitive data. Drive:

Gmail:

This is available on the web initially, with support coming for mobile apps in the future. Who’s impactedAdmins and end users
Why it mattersThis feature is important for Google Workspace admins as it improves users compliance behavior without sacrificing productivity and increases control for admins implementing data control policies. It also includes improved audit logs, providing more detail for admins compiling regulatory compliance reports.

Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt data by default, at rest and in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption goes beyond this, giving organizations authoritative control and privacy as the sole owner of private encryption keys and the identity provider of the encryption keys. It gives organizations higher confidence that any third party, including Google and foreign governments, cannot access their confidential data. Users can continue to collaborate across their preferred apps in Workspace while IT and compliance teams can ensure that sensitive data stays compliant with regulations.
Getting started

Admins: This feature will be OFF by default and can be configured at the group or OU level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption.

End users: Use our Help Center to learn more about working with encrypted files in Drive, Docs, Sheets & Slides.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 5, 2023

Availability

Google Workspace Assured Controls is available as an add-on to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus customers only. For more information, contact your Google account representative.

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 1, 2023

Friday, December 1, 2023

3 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.
New ways to use the Google Sheets app on iOS devices You can now copy charts from the Google Sheets app on all iOS devices and paste them externally as images or within the same spreadsheet as a duplicate chart. In addition, you can modify text formatting using the contextual toolbar in Sheets when a keyboard is attached to iOS tablets. | Rolling out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about adding & editing a chart or graph and editing & formatting a spreadsheet.

New ways to use the Google Sheets app on iOS devices

Adding ‘Admin managed apps’ category to Google Workspace MarketplaceWe’re excited to announce a new featured app category in the Marketplace: Admin managed. These Enterprise apps can be installed only by a Google Workspace administrator for their organization. | Available now to all Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about Featured app categories.

Bulk select in Gmail on Android and iOS devices We’re introducing a feature that enables you to bulk select a batch of messages in the email threadlist with one tap using the Gmail app on Android and iOS devices. After clicking the select all icon, a batch of messages will be selected, enabling you to easily perform email actions such as deleting multiple messages or marking them as “read”. | This feature is available now on Android devices and is rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains on iOS devices. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Bulk select in Gmail on Android and iOS devices

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Create shareable video presentations in Google Slides We’re introducing slides recordings, a new Google Slides feature that lets you easily record yourself presenting, and then share the presentation with others to view when it works for them. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus and Education Plus only. | Learn more about slides recordings.
The next evolution of automated data entry in Google Sheets Enhanced Smart Fill in Google Sheets is available for customers with the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on. | Learn more about enhanced smart fill.
Expanding message bubbles in Google Chat to iOS devices In September, we introduced message bubbles in Google Chat on web and Android, enabling users to more easily differentiate incoming versus outgoing messages in the Chat message stream. This week, we’re excited to announce the expansion of message bubbles to iOS devices. | Learn more about message bubbles.
Updates to the Google Drive scanner on Android & iOS devices We’re introducing additional enhancements to the Drive scanner on Android devices, which now powers the Google Pixel camera and includes improvements to the scanner experience when capturing content. We’re also expanding the Google Drive scanner and title suggestion feature to iOS devices. | Learn more about Drive scanner.
Introducing a new homepage view in Google Drive We’ve added a new streamlined homepage for Drive called Home that makes it easier and faster for you to find files that matter most. | Learn more about Drive home.
Introducing a new mobile experience for Google Chat We recently announced a streamlined user experience in Google Chat to help you find what you need much faster, including new features like home and mentions. Starting today, we’re excited to introduce a new bottom navigation bar within the Chat app on Android & iOS devices to help you easily access these features on mobile. | Learn more about the Chat mobile experience.
Google Vault now supports Google Calendar Google Vault now supports Calendar, which means customers can take new actions around Calendar data. | Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus customers or customers with the Vault add-on license only. | Learn more about Vault supporting Calendar.
More insights to help admins troubleshoot Google Meet hardware issues In 2022, we introduced several improvements for managing Google Meet hardware devices. These improvements included surfacing additional information about device issues, such as a description of the issue, when the issue was detected, and more. Now, we’re taking these improvements one step further by providing admins with even more data points. | Learn more about Google Meet hardware issues.
Monitor insider risk of Google Workspace data with Chronicle Admins can now more seamlessly integrate their Google Workspace data with Chronicle (Google’s cloud-native Security Operations platform), to quickly detect, investigate and take action on risky activity and threats. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus customers only. | Learn more about Chronicle.
Google Classroom now supports roster import from SIS partnersEducators can now easily import students from their student information system (SIS) to Google Classroom using OneRoster. This integration saves educators time and helps make class setup much quicker. | Available to Education Plus and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade only. | Learn more about roster import.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Take Google Meet on-the-go with ease (iOS)
1:1 video calling in the Google Meet mobile app is now available (iOS)
Streamlining the user experience in Google Chat to help you find what you need much faster
Improved search query suggestions in Google Chat web
Raise your hand with gesture detection in Google Meet

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Introducing an updated and more inclusive emoji picker in Gmail

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

What’s changingStarting today, you can access a more complete emoji selection and set emoji skin tone and gender preferences with the modernized emoji picker in the web version of Gmail.

updated and more inclusive emoji picker in Gmail

Who’s impactedEnd users

Why it matters This update enables users to express themselves more authentically using emoji variations in Gmail.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: This feature will be ON by default and cannot be disabled by the user. To select your emoji preference, click the emoji icon in the bottom toolbar of your email draft > select the arrow in the bottom right corner of an emoji > choose your skin tone or gender preference for that specific emoji. These individual selections will be saved until updated by you.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 25, 2023
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 13, 2023

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 20, 2023

Friday, October 20, 2023

4 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.
Multi-task using new split screen feature in the Gmail app on large screen Android devices Last year, we announced numerous improvements to the Google Workspace experience on large screen Android devices, which included multi-instance support on Drive, Docs, Sheets & Slides. We’re excited to introduce a similar feature for the Gmail app on Android tablets & foldables. With this update, you can now open links & attachments directly beside your email content when your device is in landscape orientation.

Upon tapping a link (or attachment) in your email, the link (or attachment) will open on the right half of the screen and the email will move to the left half.
You can control the width of each half or make one the full screen by dragging on the divider handle.

This feature is now available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about 7 productivity apps for Android tablets and foldable phones.

Multi-task using new split screen feature in the Gmail app on large screen Android devices

Add Google Groups to spaces in Google Chat Last month, we rolled out the admin controls for a new feature that enables space managers and users with the permission to manage members to add Google Groups to a space. Starting this week, end users can utilize this option and add Groups to spaces in Chat. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for November 1, 2023. | Available to all domain-verified Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about adding a Google Group to a space.

Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Slides Last week, we announced the ability to add emoji reactions to comments in Google Sheets. We’re excited to announce this is now available for comments in Google Slides, increasing collaboration by enabling you to quickly and creatively express your opinions about presentation content. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 31, 2023. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about using comments, action items, & emoji reactions.

Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Slides

Respond to access requests for Google Workspace files more efficiently on Android devices Earlier this year, we introduced a new file access experience to make it easier for file approvers to respond to pending access requests across Google Workspace. We’re happy to announce that this update is now available on Android devices. Within a file (Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDFs, etc.), click the Share button > select the Review button in the new banner to view the access request(s) > respond to the request(s). | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about sharing files from Google Drive.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Upcoming changes to third-party cookie requirements in Google DriveGoogle Chrome and other browsers have begun phasing out third-party cookies in order to better protect user privacy. Starting January 2, 2024, Drive will start serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies that are embedded on third-party websites. | Learn more about third-party cookie requirements in Google Drive.

Understand the impact of Context-Aware Access policies with Monitor Mode Admins can now use Monitor Mode to understand the implications of a Context-Aware Access (CAA) policy before deploying it to their end users. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Cloud Identity Premium customers only. | Learn more about Context-Aware Access policies with Monitor Mode.

Use the space management tool to bulk delete Google Chat spaces Using the space management tool, admins can now delete multiple spaces within their organization at once. Over time, as more spaces are created, the list of spaces for an organization can become cluttered with abandoned and inactive spaces. | Available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Frontline, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Teaching & Learning upgrade, Education Plus customers only. | Learn more about bulk deleting Google Chat spaces.

Subtly enhance your appearance with portrait touch-up when using Google Meet on mobile devices We’re introducing portrait touch-up in Meet, a new feature on mobile that enables you to lightly touch up your appearance from the green room before joining or during the meeting. | Available to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Google One and Google Workspace Individuals only. | Learn more about portrait touch-up in Meet.

Map and sync system attributes of users from External Directory into Google Workspace Using Directory Sync, admins can map all the system or default user attributes, including custom attributes, from Microsoft Active Directory or Microsoft Azure Active Directory to Google Directory user attributes and synchronize them. | Learn more about Directory Sync.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:
Stronger protection for additional sensitive actions taken in Gmail
Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Sheets
A more consistent experience for the guest list in Google Calendar
Scheduled Release Domains:
Differentiate messages better with additional modernizations in Google Chat (Web)
Easily link to a specific message in Google Chat (Web & Android)
New Google Calendar appointment scheduling features
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:
Include audio when sharing your screen on mobile
Additional improvements for monitoring Google Meet hardware issues in the Admin console
Presented content will be captured in higher definition in Meeting recordings
Filter by filter only fields and parameters with Connected Sheets for Looker
Map and sync system attributes of users from External Directory into Google Workspace

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - September 29, 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

3 New updates Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.Improved paste values experience in Google Sheets Previously, when pasting a number in Google Sheets using Paste special > Values only, the content pasted was only the text from the original range of cells. For example, for the date 9/21/2023, paste values only would paste the date serial number of 45190. To improve upon this feature, the default for paste values for numbers will include values and the number format, meaning all of your numbers will retain their formatting as you are working in Sheets. | Available now to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Improved paste values experience in Google Sheets

Different certificates for signing and encrypting messages in Gmail If your organization uses different certificates for signing and encrypting messages, you can now use the Gmail CSE API to upload different encryption and signature public certificates for each user. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 9, 2023. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using the Gmail CSE API to manage user certificates.

Allow certificate mismatches for client-side encrypted messages In some cases, the email address associated with a user’s certificate might be different from their primary email address — this is known as a certificate mismatch. Admins can now opt to allow certificate mismatches, which means their end users will be able to decrypt and read messages with a mismatch. It should be noted that we recommend allowing certificate mismatches only when this feature is absolutely required for our organization. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 9, 2023. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about allowing certificate mismatches for client-side encrypted messages in Gmail.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Create, modify, and insert email templates within Groups messages When you’re using Groups to send messages, you can save a composed message as a template to reuse in the future. | Learn more about email templates within Groups messages.
Additional space manager capabilities in Google Chat We’re adding two new controls to the list of space manager capabilities in Google Chat that were introduced earlier this year to ensure effective conversations take place in spaces. The new “Manage apps” and “Manage webhooks” options will allow space managers to control the ability of space members to add and remove apps and webhooks to a space. | Learn more about new space manager capabilities.
Easily link to a specific message in Google Chat Building upon the recent updates in Google Chat, such as message views, in-line replies and larger spaces, we’re introducing message linking, an additional feature that helps teams collaborate more effectively. | Learn more about message linking.
Easily add or remove groups of members to a space in Google Chat We’re introducing a new app for Google Chat called Bulk Member Manager that enables space managers and space members, who have permission to manage members, to easily add or remove members to or from a space in bulk. | Learn more about the Bulk Member Manager app.
The next phase of digital whiteboarding for Google Workspace In late 2024, we will wind down the Jamboard whiteboarding app as well as continue with the previously planned end of support for Google Jamboard devices. | This update impacts all Google Workspace customers who use the Jamboard app or 55-inch Jamboard device. | Learn more about the winding down of the Jamboard whiteboarding app.
Updates regarding the transition from spaces organized by topic to in-line threading in Google Chat In 2022, we introduced in-line threading for Google Chat and since March 2023, all newly created spaces in Google Chat are in-line threaded by default. On September 30, 2023, we will begin taking the next step toward a single, streamlined flow of conversation in Google Chat: all existing spaces organized by conversation topic will be upgraded to the in-line threaded experience. We’d like to share more information regarding the migration, what to expect, as well as what’s next for Google Chat. | Learn more about in-line threading in Google Chat.
Client-side encryption in Gmail is now available on mobile devices We’re expanding client-side encryption in Gmail to Android and iOS devices, so you can read and write encrypted messages directly from your device. | Learn more about client-side encryption in Gmail on mobile devices.
Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported Google Workspace will no longer support the sign-in method for third-party apps or devices that require users to share their Google username and password. | Learn more about Access to Less Secure Apps (LSA).

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:
Collaborate more seamlessly with Live pointers in Google Slides
Pair your video tile in Google Meet to improve accessibility for users with language interpreters
Scheduled Release Domains:
Find what you need faster with new Google Drive organizational options
Adding bulk conversion for place chips in Google Sheets
Copy space member email address in Google Chat
Evolving collaboration in Google Chat with smart chips
Expanding autocorrect to Google Chat
Insert links in the Google Sheets app on iOS devices
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:
Dynamic groups now supports negation queries
Add Google Groups to spaces in Google Chat (admin control)
Create, modify, and insert email templates within Groups messages
Easily add or remove members in bulk to a space in Google Chat
Client-side encryption in Gmail is now available on mobile devices

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported

Friday, September 29, 2023

What’s changing As part of our commitment to user safety, Google Workspace will no longer support the sign-in method for third-party apps or devices that require users to share their Google username and password. This antiquated sign-in method, known as Less Secure Apps (LSAs), puts users at an additional risk since it requires sharing Google Account credentials with third-party apps and devices that can make it easier for bad actors to gain unauthorized access to your account.

Instead, you’ll need to use the option to Sign-In with Google, which is a safer and more secure way to sync your email to other apps. Sign-in with Google leverages industry standard and more secure OAuth method of authentication already used by the vast majority of third-party apps and devices.

We previously announced this change in 2019, and are now ready to share an updated timeline regarding this change:

Access to Less Secure Apps (LSA) will be turned off in two stages:

Beginning June 15, 2024:

The LSA settings will be removed from the Admin console and can no longer be changed. Enabled users can connect during this time, but disabled users will no longer be able to access LSAs. This includes all third-party apps that require password-only access to Gmail, Google Calendar, Contacts via protocols such as CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, SMTP, and POP.
The IMAP enable/disable settings will be removed from users’ Gmail settings.
If you’ve been using LSAs prior to this date, you can continue using them until September 30, 2024.

Beginning September 30, 2024:

Access to LSAs will be turned off for all Google Workspace accounts. CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, POP and Google Sync will no longer work when signing in with just a password — you will need to login with a more secure type of access called OAuth.

As part of this change, Google Sync will also be sunsetted:

Beginning June 15, 2024: New users will not be able to connect to Google Workspace via Google Sync.

September 30, 2024: Existing Google Sync users will not be able to connect to Google Workspace. Here is how you can transition your organization off Google Sync. To find Google Sync usage in your organization, please go to the Admin Console, navigate to Devices > Mobile & Endpoints > Devices, and filter by Type: Google Sync.

See below for more specific guidance for admins, end users, and developers regarding this change.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Getting Started

Admins

Preparing your end users

In order for your end users to continue using these types of apps with their Google Workspace accounts, they must switch to a more secure type of access called OAuth. You’ll receive more information via email with affected users in your organization in the coming months. We recommend that you share the user instructions (included below) to help them make the necessary changes.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) Impact

If your organization uses a mobile device management (MDM) provider to configure IMAP, CalDAV CardDAV, POP or Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync) profiles, these services will be phased out according to the timeline below:

June 15, 2024

MDM push of password based IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV, STMP, POP and Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync) will no longer work for customers who try to connect to an LSA for the first time.

If you use Google Endpoint Management, you will not be able to turn on "Custom Push Configuration" settings for CalDAV and CardDAV.

September 30, 2024

MDM push of password based IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV, SMTP and POP will no longer work for existing users. Admins will need to push a Google Account using their MDM provider, which will re-add their Google accounts to iOS devices using OAuth.

MDM push of password based Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync) will no longer work for existing users. Admins will need to push a Google Account using their MDM provider, which will re-add their Google accounts to iOS devices using OAuth.

If you use Google Endpoint Management, “Custom push configuration-CalDAV” and “Customer push configuration-CardDAV” (more details about the settings here) will stop being effective.

Scanners and other devices

If you have scanners or other devices using simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) or LSAs to send emails, you’ll need to either: configure them to use OAuth, use an alternative method, or configure an App Password for use with the device.

End users

If you are using an app that accesses your Google Account with only a username and password, take one of the following actions to continue to access your email, calendar, or contacts. If you do not take one of the following actions by September 30, 2024, you will begin receiving an error message that your username-password combination is incorrect and you will not be able to log in.

Email Applications

Outlook 2016 or Earlier

Move to Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365, a web-based version of Outlook) or Outlook for Windows or Mac, both of which support OAuth access.

Alternatively you can use Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook.

Thunderbird or another email client

Re-add your Google Account and configure it to use IMAP with OAuth.

The mail app on iOS or MacOS, or Outlook for Mac and use only a password to login

You’ll need to remove and re-add your account. When you add it back, select “Sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth.

MacOS:

iOS:

Calendar Applications

If you use an app that uses password based CalDAV to give access to your calendar, switch to a method that supports OAuth. We recommend the Google Calendar app [Web/iOS/Android] as the most secure app to use with your Google Workspace account.

If your Google Workspace account is linked to the calendar app in iOS or MacOS and uses only a password to login, you’ll need to remove and re-add your account to your device. When you add it back, select “sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth. Read more.

Contacts Applications

If your Google Workspace account is syncing contacts to iOS or MacOS via CardDAV and uses only a password to login, you’ll need to remove your account. When you add it back, select “sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth. Read More.
If your Google Workspace account is syncing contacts to any other platform or app via CardDAV and uses only a password to login, switch to a method that supports OAuth.

All Other Applications

If the app you are using does not support OAuth, you will need to switch to an app that offers OAuth or create an app password to access these apps.

Developers

To maintain compatibility with Google Workspace accounts, update your app to use OAuth 2.0 as a connection method. To get started, follow our developer guide on using OAuth 2.0 to access Google APIs. You can also refer to our guide on OAuth 2.0 for mobile & desktop apps.

Users with personal Google accounts: In the coming weeks we will be removing the IMAP enable/disable toggle from your Gmail settings. IMAP access is always enabled over OAuth and your current connections will not be impacted. No action is required of users.

Availability

This change impacts all Google Workspace customers.

Resources

Google Help: Check Gmail through other email platforms

Client-side encryption in Gmail is now available on mobile devices

Friday, September 29, 2023

What’s changing We’re expanding client-side encryption in Gmail to Android and iOS devices, so you can read and write encrypted messages directly from your device. This allows your users to work with your most sensitive data from anywhere on their mobile devices while adhering to compliance and regulatory requirements. The Gmail mobile apps support encrypted mail natively, so users don't need to download multiple apps, or navigate to an external portal, to access their encrypted messages.

While Workspace encrypts data at rest and in transit by using secure-by-design cryptographic libraries, client-side encryption ensures that you have sole control over encryption keys and access to your data. Client-side encryption ensures sensitive data in the email body and attachments are indecipherable to Google servers — you retain control over encryption keys and the identity service to access those keys. For more information, check out our original announcement and the Workspace blog.

Getting started

Admins: Admin will need to enable the Android and iOS clients in the CSE admin interface in order for users to have access. This can be done in the Admin Console by going to Security > Access and data control > Client-side encryption > Identity provider configuration.
End users: To add client-side encryption to any message, click the lock icon and select additional encryption, and compose your message and add attachments as normal. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using client-side encryption for Gmail.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Availability

Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers

Resources

Useful Links

Join the official community for Google Workspace administrators

In the Google Cloud Community, connect with Googlers and other Google Workspace admins like yourself. Participate in product discussions, check out the Community Articles, and learn tips and tricks that will make your work and life easier. Be the first to know what's happening with Google Workspace.

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Learn about more Google Workspace launches

On the “What’s new in Google Workspace?” Help Center page, learn about new products and features launching in Google Workspace, including smaller changes that haven’t been announced on the Google Workspace Updates blog.

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Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - January 19, 2024

Extending Trusted Types to Gmail

New guide to help screen reader users transition from Gmail HTML view to Gmail Standard view

Set client-side encryption as the default mode for new emails, events, and files

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 1, 2023

Introducing an updated and more inclusive emoji picker in Gmail

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 20, 2023

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - September 29, 2023

Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported

Client-side encryption in Gmail is now available on mobile devices

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