iOS 18 brings a slew of exciting updates to the Mail app, promising a smarter, more organized, and efficient email experience. While some features are still in beta, here’s a guide to help you navigate the new landscape and get the most out of your inbox.
1. Automatic Categorization: Taming the Email Chaos
iOS 18’s Mail app now intelligently sorts your emails into four categories:
- Primary: Your main inbox for important messages from people you know and time-sensitive emails.
- Transactions: Receipts, order confirmations, and other financial communications.
- Updates: Newsletters, social media notifications, and similar updates.
- Promotions: Marketing emails, sales pitches, and other promotional content.
You’ll also find an “All Mail” tab for a chronological view. This feature promises to keep your inbox clutter-free and make it easier to find the emails that matter most.
2. Digest View: Conversations at a Glance
Tired of scrolling through endless email threads? Digest View groups emails by sender, allowing you to quickly see all your interactions with a particular business or individual. This feature is currently limited to categorized emails, but it’s a handy tool for staying on top of important conversations.
3. Highlighted Unread Emails: Never Miss a New Message
Unread emails now visually stand out within each category, floating to the top so you can easily spot them amidst older messages. This simple yet effective change ensures you won’t miss any crucial communications.
4. Smart Reply (iOS 18.1): AI-Powered Responses
Leveraging the power of Apple Intelligence, Smart Reply helps you craft thoughtful and contextually relevant replies to emails. When you tap on a suggested reply, it generates a draft response, considering the key points of the original email.You can even provide additional input for a more personalized touch.
5. Writing Tools (iOS 18.1): Elevate Your Emails
While not exclusive to Mail, Writing Tools is particularly useful for crafting professional emails. You can ask Apple Intelligence to make your emails sound more friendly, professional, or concise, generate key points, proofread, or even completely rewrite them.
6. Email Summaries (iOS 18.1): Get the Gist Quickly
Don’t have time to read every email? Apple Intelligence can provide concise summaries right in the list view, saving you precious time. You can also access a more detailed summary within the email itself. However, for crucial matters, it’s still wise to read the full email.
7. Priority Messages (iOS 18.1): Time-Sensitive Emails First
Time-sensitive emails, like event invitations, flight check-ins, or meeting cancellations, now appear at the top of your inbox. This ensures you never miss important deadlines or updates.
Stay tuned for further updates as iOS 18 continues to evolve!
