Google appears to be in the process of developing a new feature for Gmail that could give the email platform a more interactive and messaging-app-like feel. The initial hint of this feature surfaced a few weeks ago when The Tape Drive reported the discovery of code in the iOS Gmail app that hinted at the possibility of users reacting to emails using emojis, similar to the emoji reaction features available on competing platforms such as Outlook.
Further evidence supporting this claim has been uncovered in the latest Gmail APK for Android. Google leaker AssembleDebug has found several lines of code within the APK that explicitly reference emoji reactions. While the details are somewhat limited, one line from the APK code suggests that this feature is “coming soon” and that a select group of Gmail users will be among the first to access emoji reactions, implying a gradual rollout before a broader release.
According to AssembleDebug, Gmail users will have the option to use emoji reactions directly from the email screen or the three-dot overflow menu, although the latter option is currently disabled. The code also indicates certain limitations, such as the inability to use some emoji reactions with encrypted messages, in large group conversations, or when you’ve been BCC’d. Additionally, there may be a cap of 20 emoji reactions for a single email, and some messages could have a limit of 50 unique reactions.
It’s worth noting that Google has not made an official announcement regarding the development of the emoji reactions feature for Gmail. When asked for confirmation, Google spokesperson Madison Cushman Veld provided the enigmatic response: “????,✋????.” Stay tuned for further updates on this intriguing feature.
