What Are Apple’s Mail Categories and How to Turn Them Off on iPhone

iOS 18 Updates: What You Need to Know

Apple has been rolling out updates for iOS 18, bringing a host of new features and improvements to your iPhone. The latest updates, iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.2, have introduced exciting advancements, particularly for users of the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup. Among the standout features are Genmoji and Image Playground, which leverage Apple’s AI capabilities to enhance your communication and creativity. However, one of the most transformative updates for all iPhone users is the introduction of Mail Categories in iOS 18.2. This feature is designed to help you prioritize your emails more effectively, but it’s not without its quirks. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Mail Categories and how to make the most of the iOS 18 updates.

What Are Mail Categories?

Mail Categories are Apple’s attempt to simplify your email experience by automatically sorting your messages into four main groups: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. This feature is reminiscent of Gmail’s categorization system, but with Apple’s signature polish. The idea is to help you focus on the most important emails while keeping less critical messages organized and out of the way.

• Primary: This category is for emails that Apple considers most relevant to you. It’s a bit of a catch-all, but it’s intended for personal communications, such as messages from friends, family, or important notifications like refunds or customer service updates.
• Transactions: Here, you’ll find emails related to purchases, receipts, and delivery updates. If you’ve ordered something online or signed up for a service, this is where those confirmations will land.
• Updates: This category is for emails like newsletters, social media notifications, and subscription-based content. It’s perfect for keeping up with your favorite blogs or staying informed about news without cluttering your Primary inbox.
• Promotions: As the name suggests, this is where all your deals, discounts, and marketing emails go. Whether it’s a sale alert from your favorite retailer or a special offer from a service you use, this category keeps it all in one place.

How Do Mail Categories Work?

The Mail app uses AI to determine which category an email belongs in. While it’s generally accurate, it’s not perfect. For example, an email from a local theater with ticket information might end up in Promotions, even if it’s something you want to keep an eye on. Fortunately, you have some control over how emails are categorized, though there are some limitations.

To manually recategorize an email, follow these steps:

1. Open the Mail app and tap on the category tab (Transactions, Updates, or Promotions) where the email is currently located.
2. Select the email you want to move.
3. Tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Tap Categorization, and then choose the category you’d like to move the email to.

One thing to note is that while you can recategorize most emails, you can’t change the category of emails in the Primary tab. This means that once an email is in Primary, it stays there unless you manually move it to another category. Additionally, when you recategorize an email from a specific sender, all future emails from that sender will go to the new category. While this can be helpful for consistency, it can also be frustrating if you only want to move a single email.

How to Customize Your Mail Experience

If you find that Mail Categories aren’t working quite the way you want, don’t worry—it’s easy to adjust your settings or even revert to the classic view. Apple understands that not everyone will love the new categorization system, so they’ve made it simple to customize your experience.

To switch back to the traditional list view:

1. Open the Mail app.
2. Tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner.
3. Select List View.

This will display your emails in chronological order, just like they did before the update. You can toggle between the categorized view and the list view as often as you like, giving you the flexibility to use the app in a way that suits your workflow.

Other Features in iOS 18

While Mail Categories have been a major focus of iOS 18.2, there’s plenty more to explore in the latest updates. For example, users with an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or a device from the iPhone 16 lineup can now enjoy Genmoji and Image Playground, two innovative features that showcase Apple’s commitment to AI-driven creativity.

• Genmoji: This feature allows you to create personalized emojis using Apple’s advanced AI technology. Whether you’re looking to add some personality to your messages or just want to have a little fun, Genmoji is a great way to express yourself.
• Image Playground: If you’re into photo editing or digital art, Image Playground is a must-try. This feature lets you experiment with AI-generated images, combining your creativity with Apple’s cutting-edge technology.

For those who are more interested in practicality, iOS 18.3 has introduced several bug fixes to ensure your iPhone runs smoothly. From improving performance to addressing any lingering issues, these updates are all about enhancing your overall user experience.

Exploring More of iOS 18

If you’re curious about all the features iOS 18 has to offer, there’s no shortage of resources to help you get up to speed. Apple has released a comprehensive guide to iOS 18, including detailed information on Mail Categories, Genmoji, Image Playground, and much more. If you’re looking for a quick reference, the iOS 18 cheat sheet is a great place to start. It covers everything from the latest features to tips for getting the most out of your device.

Whether you’re new to iOS or a seasoned user, there’s always something to learn. With iOS 18, Apple has taken another step forward in creating a seamless, intuitive, and powerful mobile experience. So why not dive in and see what all the fuss is about? Your iPhone is more capable than ever, and with these updates, it’s ready to help you tackle whatever comes your way.