Apple Mail app redesign introduces new categorization feature in iOS 18.2

Apple’s new Mail Categories in iOS 18.2 and later are here to help you take control and make managing your email a lot easier. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of these new inbox features on your iPhone.

 

 

 

 

How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later

First things first, let’s update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Select Software Update
• Tap Update Now
• Enter your passcode and agree to terms
• Wait for the installation to complete

 

GET ORGANIZED: NEW IOS 18 CALENDAR FEATURE

 

Using Categories in Mail on iPhone

In iOS 18.2 and later, the Mail app enhances email management by automatically sorting messages into distinct categories. This feature is designed to help you quickly find and manage your emails.

Categories overview

• Primary: Contains personal messages and time-sensitive information.
• Transactions: Tracks confirmations, receipts, and shipping notices.
• Updates: Includes news, newsletters, and social media updates.
• Promotions: Displays coupon and sales emails.

Note: If a message in the Transactions, Updates, or Promotions categories contains time-sensitive information, it will also appear in the Primary category.

 

IOS 18’S NEW TEXT FORMATTING AND EFFECTS IN MESSAGES  

 

Using the New Mail categorization feature

Now that you’re all set with iOS 18.2 or later, let’s explore how to use the new Mail Categorization feature:

• Open the Mail app on your iPhone.
• At the top, you’ll see the four new categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
• Tap on any category to view emails sorted specifically for that section.
• If you want to see all your emails together, swipe from right to left at the top to reveal the “All Mail” option.
• Once you update to iOS 18.2 or later, the default will be the “Categories” view. If you tap the three horizontal dots in the top right corner of your inbox, you’ll see it is set to Categories.
• If you prefer not to use categories, tap the three horizontal dots again and select List View.

 

SECRET TRICK TO SEND A TEXT MESSAGE AGAIN WITH IOS 18’S NEW “SEND LATER” FEATURE  

 

Ensuring important emails land in Primary

To make sure important emails, like the CyberGuy newsletter, land in the “Primary” category:

• Scroll through your inbox and locate and tap any email from the CyberGuy Newsletter.
• If you don’t have one handy, check your “Junk” or “Promotions” folders.
• Tap the leftward arrow.
• Click where it says “Categorize Sender.”
• Tap Primary.
• Then, tap Continue.

This simple action helps signal its importance. Once you manually move an email to the Primary category, Apple’s Mail app will learn from this action.

 

How to change the mailbox view back to what it was before the iOS 18.2 update

If you’re not a fan of the new categorization feature in the Apple Mail app on iOS 18.2, you can easily opt out. Here’s how:

1. Open the Mail app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select “List View.”

This will disable the category views and show all your emails in a single list.

If you ever want to switch back to the categorized view, you can follow the same steps and select “Categories” instead.

 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple’s new Mail Categories feature aims to streamline your email management by automatically sorting your messages. While it can be incredibly helpful, it may take some time to adjust and fine-tune. Remember to periodically check other categories to ensure important emails aren’t misclassified. With a bit of patience and customization, you can transform your inbox into a more organized and efficient space.

Have you found the new email categorization feature helpful, or do you wish you could go back to the way things were? Let us know in the comments below. 

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