iOS 18.2 is here, and it’s making waves with major updates. While Apple Intelligence features take center stage, the redesigned Mail app is another highlight. Let’s dive into the changes that make this the app’s biggest overhaul yet.
A Familiar Look With a Modern Twist
The Mail app now feels more in sync with the Messages app. Opening your inbox reveals an updated aesthetic, featuring contact photos for senders alongside their emails. This shift introduces a splash of color and personality, making your inbox less text-heavy and more engaging.
Apple has also integrated Branded Mail tools for businesses, allowing companies to upload logos that appear in your Mail, Phone, and Apple Pay apps. For businesses yet to adopt this feature, icons from Apple Maps will fill in the gaps.
Smarter Inbox Organization With Categories
Beyond aesthetics, iOS 18.2 revamps inbox functionality by automatically sorting emails into four categories:
- Primary: Your most important messages live here.
- Transactions: All your purchase details and delivery updates in one place.
- Updates: A home for newsletters, alerts, and similar content.
- Promotions: Keep track of business offers and ads.
Each category is further divided into New Messages and Older Messages for better clarity. Notifications can be customized to show badge counts for just the Primary inbox or for all messages, depending on your preference.
Full Control Over Categorization
Not happy with the automated sorting? Apple lets you manually assign senders to a specific category, and the app will remember your preferences. Prefer the classic unified inbox? You have two options:
- All Mail View: Swipe left in any category to access a full inbox overview.
- List View: Tap the three-dot menu and switch off categories for a pre-iOS 18.2 layout.
New Digest View for Streamlined Reading
iOS 18.2 also introduces a Digest view, which consolidates emails from the same sender into a grouped format. This feature is designed to reduce inbox clutter, but it can be disabled if you prefer individual email listings.
Wrapping Up: A New Era for Apple Mail
Apple Mail’s redesign in iOS 18.2 makes the app more functional and visually appealing while giving users plenty of customization options. Whether you embrace the changes or stick to the old format, this update ensures that the Mail app caters to a variety of preferences.
Now that iPhone users are enjoying this revamp, it’s only a matter of time before Apple extends these changes to iPads and Macs. iOS 18.2 is shaping up to be a game-changer—especially for your inbox.
This revised blog maintains a conversational tone and focuses on the key updates while simplifying some details for easier readability.
