Gmail adding redesigned summary cards to your inbox with ‘Happening soon’

Abner Li | Oct 2 2024 - 9:00 am PT

Gmail for Android and iOS are getting new summary cards that are more glanceable and actionable, with Google also directly surfacing them in your inbox.

Gmail has long offered summary cards inside emails that highlight orders/receipts, package tracking, and flights in a consistent manner.

Old vs. new design

Google is now updating the Gmail summary card format across four categories and making them richer. The cards are dynamic and update with the latest information as things change. They do a better job of highlighting key information with large text.

Purchases note what was brought with an image. You get package tracking information complete with a progress bar, order, and tracking number. “Track package” lets you get live details and “View order” takes you to the merchant website.

Events feature the name and date with location and a link to your Google Calendar entry. Other specific information might include the section and seat, while the carousel of buttons let you “Invite others,” “View ticket,” and get “Directions.”

Bills will prominently show the balance and due date in the case of credit card statements. The “minimum due” will also be noted with a “Remind me” button to quickly create a Google Tasks entry and “View bill” shortcut.

Travel features a prominent graphic that can note the airports, departure/arrival times, flight, and confirmation number. You also get buttons to “Check-in” and “Manage booking.” For hotels, you will see check in/out times.

Besides appearing at the top of an individual email, summary cards will appear in Gmail search and in a new “Happening soon” section above your inbox. If there are multiple cards, you can tap the dropdown/count to expand the stack. You can dismiss with the ‘x’ button.

For example, once the estimated delivery date of a purchase is two days away, “Happening soon” will show the purchase summary card, allowing you to see when your package is arriving at a glance.

As of today, the updated summary cards for purchases are rolling out to Gmail for Android and iOS. The event, bill, and travel summary cards, as well as Happening soon, will be available in the coming months.