Gmail for Android introduced a new “quick reply” interface inside emails last year, but Google looks to be replacing it with a simpler docked bar.
With the quick reply UI, Gmail was aiming for a messaging app-inspired design that let users write/compose while still viewing and referencing the email. Google said the interface was “best for quick, lightweight responses.”
This was widely rolled out for Android in August of last year, but Google eventually pulled it for Workspace users due to “performance and quality” issues. It remained available for personal accounts. (Note: Google did not roll it out to users testing AI features in Workspace Labs.)
The quick reply UI now appears to be gone on accounts we checked today. In its place is a persistent toolbar for Reply, Reply all, Forward, and emoji reactions. These are the same actions that previously only appeared if you scroll down to the bottom of an email.
It’s docked to the bottom of your screen and remains available as you scroll and read. It does reduce available screen real estate, but the cut isn’t particularly drastic.If you have the bottom bar for Chat and/or Meet enabled, the docked bar gets stacked (though the bottom navigation disappears upon scrolling).
This docked reply bar is not yet widely rolled out, but is appearing on half of the devices/accounts we checked today with Gmail 2025.05.04.x on Android.
Original vs. new
More on Gmail:
- Google rolling out Material 3 redesign of Gmail for iPhone
- Gmail rolls out adjustable layout on Android tablets, foldables
- Gmail rolling out ‘Manage subscriptions’ page with one-click unsubscribe on Android
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