iOS 18.2 delivers a major overhaul of the Mail app, introducing a redesigned interface and new features to enhance email management.
Redesigned Interface
The updated Mail app now prominently displays contact photos alongside emails, similar to the Messages app. Businesses can upload logos for branding, while place icons from Apple Maps appear if no logo is available. This visual change makes the inbox more engaging and easier to navigate.
Inbox Categories
A key change is the automatic categorization of emails into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Each category is further divided into 'New Messages' and 'Older Messages'. Users can customize notification badge settings to prioritize the Primary category or include all messages.
Manual Adjustments and Alternative Views
While the system automatically categorizes emails, users can manually adjust settings to ensure specific senders' messages are routed to the desired category. For those who prefer the traditional unified inbox, the 'All Mail' view is accessible with a left swipe. Alternatively, the 'List View' option disables categories altogether, reverting to the pre-iOS 18.2 sorting method.
Digest View and Customization
The new Digest view groups messages from the same sender within each category, streamlining the inbox further. However, this feature can be disabled for users who prefer individual message displays. iOS 18.2 Beta 4: Refinements and Accessibility offers further details on these changes.
Overall Impact
This significant update to the Mail app offers both a visual refresh and functional improvements. The flexibility to customize settings ensures users can tailor the experience to their preferences. For insights into other software updates, check out One UI 7 Beta Delayed Again, Now Expected in December. Those interested in new devices can explore New Smartphones Launching Next Week.