Does Google pre-fetch images differently in Gmail promotions tab vs inbox?

Experts from Email Geeks theorize that Google may pre-fetch images differently in the Gmail promotions tab compared to the inbox, potentially delaying preloading until user interaction, which could explain lower open rates in that tab. This notion is supported by Google Developers documentation that Gmail Annotations are specifically designed for the promotions tab. Other experts note that image prefetching inflates open rates, with Apple's Mail Privacy Protection further skewing results. Image proxying may also be implemented differently based on email placement (inbox vs promotions), as noted by Spam Resource. General caching mechanisms and Gmail settings could also play a role, but most sources don't provide direct confirmation of differential prefetching between Gmail tabs.

Several email marketing experts have discussed the impact of image prefetching on open rates, with prefetching often inflating open rates because images load even if the user doesn't open the email. Apple's Mail Privacy Protection prefetches images, potentially influencing open rates. Image preloading is common but can distort open rates. Some email marketers say Apple's Mail Privacy Protection skews open rates due to image preloading. If images are not automatically pre-loaded then users may not read your message as much. When it comes to tracking opens there is the suggestion that pre-fetching images distorts results, though there is not much discussion about if that distortion occurs differently in different tabs of gmail.

Experts from Email Geeks theorize that Google pre-fetches images differently in the promotions tab versus the inbox, potentially withholding preloading until the user actively visits the tab. This could explain lower open rates but consistent revenue in the promotions tab. Spam Resource notes that image proxying, which impacts open tracking, might differ based on placement (inbox vs promotions). However, Word to the Wise highlights Gmail's complex image caching process affecting open rates based on user activity but doesn't confirm tab-specific pre-fetching variations.

Google Developers documentation suggests that Gmail Annotations, designed specifically for the promotions tab, imply different handling and rendering, potentially impacting image prefetching. RFC documentation explains HTTP caching mechanisms that *could* influence prefetching across tabs based on cache control headers, but this is not Gmail-specific. Google Workspace Admin documentation notes settings affecting image display but lacks details on tab-specific prefetching differences. IETF documentation confirms message delivery regardless of image preloading, without addressing tab-specific distinctions.