With the release of iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a new feature in the Mail app called Mail Categories, designed to automatically organize incoming emails into four distinct sections:
– Primary: Personal and time-sensitive emails.
– Transactions: Receipts, orders, and delivery information.
– Updates: Newsletters, social notifications, and appointment alerts.
– Promotions: Special offers, deals, and sales emails.
This categorization aims to streamline email management by grouping similar messages together. Notably, time-sensitive information from the Transactions, Updates, or Promotions categories will also appear in the Primary inbox to ensure they aren’t overlooked. Additionally, on devices equipped with Apple Intelligence, a Priority Messages section highlights urgent emails, such as boarding passes or event invitations.
While this feature can be beneficial for organizing emails, some users may prefer the traditional chronological inbox view. If you find the categorized layout distracting or if emails are being misclassified, you can revert to the classic list view by following these steps:
On iPhone or iPad:
1. Open the Mail app.
2. Tap the More button (three dots) located at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. From the dropdown menu, select List View.
On Mac:
1. Launch the Mail app.
2. Click the More button at the top center of the window.
3. Uncheck the Show Mail Categories option.
By switching to the List View, your inbox will display all emails in chronological order, restoring the familiar layout. It’s worth noting that Apple plans to refine the Mail Categories feature over time. If you decide to give it another try in the future, you can easily re-enable it by following the same steps and selecting the Categories view.
In summary, while Mail Categories offers a structured approach to email management, Apple provides users with the flexibility to choose the viewing style that best suits their preferences.
