Gmail Dark Mode rollout finally complete on iPhone and iPad

iOS 13 Dark mode
iOS 13 Dark mode (Image credit: iMore)

What you need to know

  • Dark Mode for Gmail is finally here.
  • You can now switch between light and dark on iOS 13 on iPhone or iPad.
  • You can also match Gmail to your system default if you keep Dark Mode on a timer.

Google has updated its Gmail app for iPad and iPhone, finally bringing official Dark Mode support to the platform.

In the latest software update the release notes state:

Pro tip (if you haven't noticed): You can now switch between dark or light themes after upgrading to iOS 13. Or you can use the default system theme.

As MacRumors notes, the feature has been subject to "delay and inconsistent functionality". Dark Mode was announced for Gmail way back in September of last year. Whether people have had access to Dark Mode, or whether it works has seemingly been something of a lottery. Now, officially listed in the latest update release notes, it looks like Dark Mode is here to stay.

You can activate Dark Mode within Gmail through the Menu section of the app, located in the top left-hand corner of the screen (three-line icon). From there select 'Settings' and then 'Theme' to select either 'Light', 'Dark' or 'System Default'. The first two settings are constant, whereas the latter means Dark Mode in Gmail will default to whatever your iOS device is set to, this is the best option if you like your Dark Mode on a timer.

Over the last couple of months, Gmail has added a couple of exciting new features to its Gmail app for iOS, including support for Siri shortcuts when sending emails, and adding attachments to emails from the iOS files app.

The latest version is available to download here.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9