The new version will come with Android 5.0 Lollipop

Oct 20, 2014 13:52 GMT  ·  By

One of the few Google applications that have yet to receive an update that would make it compatible with the new Material Design UI in the Android 5.0 Lollipop is Gmail.

The main email client for Android users who make use of Gmail services, the application will definitely receive a facelift in the newest version of the mobile platform.

However, unlike other apps like Google Music, Google Play Store, Newsstand and many more, the new and redesigned Gmail app may not be available for download until Android 5.0 Lollipop gets officially released.

According to Google, the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop should happen in early November when the company plans to start shipping the new Nexus 6 flagship smartphone.

Even so, it looks like someone has just leaked a short ad showing some of the new features included in the new version of Gmail, which is likely to be bumped to 5.0.

The folks over at AndroidPolice have been able to get their hands on the .apk file as well, though Gmail 5.0 hasn’t been made available for download yet and probably never will until Android 5.0 Lollipop makes its debut on the market next month.

Among the most important new features included in Gmail for Android is the new design that fits better into Lollipop’s Material Design UI. In addition, Gmail users won’t have to switch apps anymore in order to access their Outlook and/or Yahoo accounts.

Basically, you will be able to check your other than Gmail email account from within the Android app by simple swiping or touching the account drop down.

Design-wise, Gmail 5.0 will come with new icons and a fresh design, flatter and cleaner than any previous version of the email client.

Yahoo and Outlook may not be the only email providers supported in Gmail 5.0

While the short ad leaked online confirms that the new version of Gmail will definitely support Outlook and Yahoo email accounts, it’s unclear whether or not other email providers will be supported as well.

Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync would be another great email provider to receive support inside the Gmail app, but this has yet to be confirmed by Google.

Judging by the new leak, it appears that Google wants to group all emails users receive into a single place, just like BlackBerry does with the Hub.

Obviously, the search giant is still far from the level of functionality offered by BlackBerry Hub, but it’s nice to see Google is trying to improve where it can. Stay tuned for more info on the next version of Gmail for Android.