Nigeria, Dec. 29 -- Google is preparing a significant update to Gmail that would allow users to change their email address without closing their existing account, according to reports cited by people familiar with the plans.

The feature is expected to be introduced in 2026.

At present, Gmail users who want a different address must create a new account, then manually move emails, contacts, and files. The proposed update would remove that requirement and allow users to keep all account data while adopting a new Gmail address.

Under the reported plan, users would be able to access the option through Gmail's account settings. After selecting a new address, subject to availability and Google's rules, the account would continue to function a...