Apple’s recent announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference revealed the impending release of iOS 26 this fall, promising exciting features like a new Liquid Glass design and call screening functionality. However, for those using iOS 18.2, there’s a noteworthy update regarding the Mail app that has already begun to change the email experience: Mail Categories.
This feature sorts incoming emails into distinct categories, streamlining management and retrieval. Apple describes it as a tool to help users find and organize messages more efficiently. But if the new organization method isn’t to your liking, fear not—Apple offers options to turn it off or revert to the traditional layout.
Understanding Mail Categories
Mail Categories function similarly to those in Gmail, filtering emails into four main areas: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. The Transactions category captures emails related to receipts and delivery information, while Updates includes subscriptions and social alerts. Promotions gathers all those deals and offers you might want to consider.
The Primary category, however, is a bit more ambiguous. It’s intended for “Messages that matter most,” yet it can quickly become a mixed bag. In my experience with the beta version, I’ve noted everything from personal messages to miscellaneous customer service emails flooding this section, making it somewhat of a catch-all.
Adjusting Email Categories
While you can categorize most messages, not all can be moved. Follow these simple steps to change an email’s category:
1. Open the Mail app.
2. Tap on either the Transactions, Updates, or Promotions tab and select a message.
3. Tap the three dots (…) in the upper right corner.
4. Select Categorize Sender.
This allows you to reassign messages from one category to another, except emails in the Primary category, which can be quite frustrating. For example, when I attempted to shift my ticket confirmation email from Promotions to Primary, it permanently altered how all future emails from that sender were categorized, mixing deals with important messages.
Disabling Mail Categories
If you’re not a fan of the Mail Categories feature, you have options to revert back to a unified inbox style. The simplest method is to swipe left on the categories bar at the top of the Mail app and select All Mail. This displays all emails in a single list, although the category tabs remain visible.
If you’re aiming for a complete return to the old layout, here’s how:
1. Open the Mail app.
2. Tap the three dots (…) located in the top right corner.
3. Select List View.
Your emails will now populate chronologically in the inbox, similar to the previous design, providing an uninterrupted flow of incoming messages.
Stay engaged with the latest developments in iOS by checking out insights on aspects like enabling call screening in the beta version and exploring all the features Apple is set to roll out in the coming months.