According to a report from Android Authority, the Gmail for Android app is being updated to include a “Create new” option in the label management menu. Previously, Android users could only apply existing labels to emails and had to use the desktop version of Gmail to create new ones. This change streamlines the workflow for users who rely on labels to categorize and manage their inbox.
The introduction of on-device label creation brings the Android app closer to functional parity with its iOS counterpart. For years, the inability to create labels was a notable omission, forcing users to switch to a desktop browser for a core organizational task. However, the functionality is not yet complete. The updated Android app still does not allow users to assign or change a label’s color, a feature that remains available on the desktop and iOS versions. Managing nested labels also still requires the desktop interface.
This update is part of Google’s ongoing effort to enhance the user experience and functionality of its mobile applications. Labels are a fundamental tool for many Gmail users to combat inbox clutter and implement organizational systems like “Getting Things Done” (GTD). By enabling label creation on mobile, Google removes a significant point of friction and makes the Android app a more self-sufficient tool for power users.
The specific timeline for the feature’s complete global rollout has not been officially announced by Google. It is also unknown if or when Google plans to add the remaining label management features to the Android app, such as the ability to edit label colors, create nested labels, or delete labels directly from a mobile device.
Users can expect to see the “Create new” option appear in their Gmail for Android app as the update rolls out. The next logical step in development would be for Google to introduce the missing color editing and advanced management features to achieve full parity with the desktop and iOS experiences. No official plans for these subsequent updates have been confirmed.
To access the new feature, users should ensure their Gmail app is updated to the latest version available on the Google Play Store. To create a new label, select one or more emails, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select “Change labels,” and tap the “Create new” option. For advanced tasks like assigning colors, users must continue to use the desktop version of Gmail.
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