There are actually three different ways to set up your Google Apps account on your iPhone or iPad. Each of these has benefits and detriments.
- You can set up your account as an Exchange account.
- You can set up your account as a Gmail account (IMAP).
- You can use the Gmail application.
| Topic | Exchange Account Settings | Gmail Settings (IMAP) | Gmail Application |
| Advantages | Officially supported as the “correct” way to sync data.This will provide the fastest data sync. | All data syncs. This is a standard method for syncing mail. Many different email clients will work. Subscribed calendar information will sync automatically. | Constantly updated Allows for a distinct separation of accounts. |
| Disadvantages | Subscribed calendars must be added manually. Each time you subscribe to a calendar, you must add it to each mobile device. | Slightly slower sync speeds. Not the officially supported Google methodology. | A separate account to check. |
| Know this… | This method requires maintance, but will be the fastest to sync. | This is a separate application that is maintained and updated by Google. It can change. | |
Please note that you select which type of account when you are first creating your account.