Google has rolled out an update to its Gmail iOS app today, one designed to guide users towards the Internet giant’s other native apps.

Though Google finally launched its Gmail iOS app way back in November 2011, thus far links to the likes of Google Maps have opened up in the browser, rather than the app. Now, with version 2.2.7182 (yup!), all links shared through the email client will open in their respective apps – this includes YouTube, Chrome and Google Maps.

It’s worth noting here, that if you prefer the mobile Web default, you can revert to that through the in-app settings. But this update brings the iOS version of Gmail into line with Google’s own Android Gmail app, giving users the option.

Google on iOS

Following on from the Gmail app launch 18-months ago, Google released a standalone YouTube app almost a year later, one that replaced the stock YouTube app Apple removed for the launch of iOS6. Then, in the wake of the furore over Apple Maps, Google Maps landed in the App Store just before Christmas.

Interestingly, in August last year, Google+ for iOS was updated to open links in Chrome (if you have the browser installed), leading us to question how long it would take other Google apps to follow suit.

With today’s update, Google also now enables users to sign out of a single Gmail account, rather than signing out of all accounts at the same time. And it’s all part of the company’s plans to create a Google ecosystem on iOS.

The updated Gmail for iOS app is available to download now.

➤ Gmail | iOS

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