Google is testing out a new Gmail feature that allows users to access third-party email accounts from its iOS app, putting the title in direct competition with other multi-account email titles including Apple's own Mail.

Announced through a post to the official Gmail Twitter account on Tuesday, the new feature would bring Google's iOS client in line with the company's Android offering.

On Android, supporting multiple accounts makes sense as Gmail is the mobile operating system's default email service. Akin to Mail on iOS, Gmail serves as Google's go-to email app for sending, receiving and managing messages.

For now, the feature remains firmly in the testing phase, though Google is opening the beta to anyone with a Gmail account to evaluate the service.

Those interested can sign up by filling out a form through a dedicated beta webpage. Prerequisites for entry into the program include current status as a Gmail user, ownership of a non-Gmail email account (which should be everyone with an iOS device) and iOS 10 or later.

Google is using Apple's TestFlight app and backend to run its new multi-account access beta feature, suggesting a new version of the Gmail app is required for integration.