[JetSpiegel]

Until Google deprecates IMAP for @gmail accounts. It's already disabled by default for new accounts.

[icebraining]

It's been disabled by default for years, as far as I know. Not sure why they'd deprecated it now.

EDIT: A quick search shows it was always disabled by default, since 2007, when it launched.

[TomMarius]

Doesn't that support GP's argument? Seems like they really don't want anyone to use it, since the beginning.

[int_19h]

The replacement API that GMail offers (which reflects their different approach) is open and free to use, so it's not really an issue, as third-party apps can support it. And many, in fact, do.

That's not the case for YouTube, though, which is exactly why it's a problem when GMail isn't.

[vetinari]

The Gmail concepts do not really map very well to IMAP and traditional mail clients. They do provide a custom API that does mirror their semantic for that.

[TomMarius]

Not today, I agree. It was just an ordinary email up until a few years ago though.

[micv]

Gmail's labels have always been an arse to map on to normal IMAP-based email.

[skbly7]

I don't know people here noticed but they are already doing so by bringing "confidential email", etc to all users which explicitly require WEB VERSION or Gmail app.

[taneq]

They also have a regular alert which nags you to "improve your security settings" if you use 'insecure' IMAP. I'm glad I don't use gmail any more.