Google on Tuesday released an update for its Gmail for iOS app. The update adds a new image blocking setting that provides easier access to the option to prevent Gmail from automatically loading attached images.
Users can now choose to be asked before external images are displayed automatically. To enable this for new incoming messages, go to “Settings” -> “specific account” -> “Images” and enable “Ask before displaying external images.”
The feature helps prevent email senders from tracking when you’ve opened and read an email. Many email tracking clients use small, invisible images to track when an email has been opened. This acts as a read receipt. The new Gmail for iOS feature will help prevent such tracking, possible reducing the number of trash emails you’ll receive.
Gmail on the desktop has long included a setting to allow images to be blocked by default, and Tuesday’s update makes it easier to access the setting to iOS devices.
The Verge points out that Google’s move appears to be a response to a recent controversy over the Superhuman email app that allowed users to track when an email was opened and even to track the location of the user that opens it.
Gmail for iOS is free and is available in the App Store. [GET IT HERE]