Apple’s Mail app, a mainstay on iPhones, iPads, and Macs for over fifteen years, has received a significant update with iOS 18: a new inbox categorization system. While the automatic filtering into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions categories aims to tame overflowing inboxes, initial experiences proved frustrating for some users. A hidden feature within the app, however, offers a solution – manual sender categorization.
The Problem with Automatic Categorization
The core issue, as reported by users, lies in the automatic system’s occasional misclassification of important senders. Messages from contacts users regularly engage with were sometimes relegated to secondary categories, increasing the risk of missed communications. This is a common pain point for many email users, who rely on consistent inbox presentation to prioritize messages.
A Hidden Solution: Categorize Sender
Apple provides a surprisingly simple, yet effective, workaround. By swiping left on any message and tapping the ‘More’ button, users can access a ‘Categorize Sender’ action. This allows for manual assignment of a sender’s messages to a specific category. The functionality effectively overrides the automatic system, ensuring that crucial communications consistently land in the ‘Primary’ inbox.
This manual control is particularly useful in two scenarios. First, it allows users to guarantee delivery of messages from important contacts to the Primary inbox. Second, it provides a quick fix for senders that are consistently miscategorized by the automatic system. The ability to correct these classifications for all future messages streamlines inbox management.
How to Use the Feature
The process is straightforward. After selecting ‘Categorize Sender,’ the user is presented with the four available categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Selecting the appropriate category applies the change retroactively to all previous messages from that sender and ensures future messages are also categorized accordingly.
For users who prefer a more traditional inbox view, it’s possible to temporarily disable the categorization feature altogether. By navigating to the Mail app settings and selecting List View, the inbox reverts to a single, chronological list of messages. However, this eliminates the benefits of automatic filtering for less critical emails.
Beyond Manual Categorization: Resetting Preferences
Apple also provides a way to reset all manual categorizations. Located within the Settings app under Mail, then Apple Intelligence & Siri, is an option to “Reset Manual Categorization.” This returns all senders to the automatic categorization system, allowing users to start fresh if their needs change.
The Value of Control
The addition of manual sender categorization transforms Apple Mail’s new inbox system from a potential source of frustration into a genuinely useful tool. Without this feature, many users might have opted to disable the categorization system entirely. The ability to fine-tune the system to individual needs ensures that users can continue to benefit from the automated filtering while maintaining control over their most important communications.
The update highlights Apple’s approach to software design – providing powerful features while also offering users the flexibility to customize their experience. While the initial automatic categorization may not be perfect for everyone, the inclusion of manual controls demonstrates a commitment to user agency and a recognition that one size does not fit all when it comes to email management.
