The newly released iOS 18.2 brings a brand-new Categorization feature to the Mail app that automatically sorts your emails into four different sections- Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Apple says this feature lets you find and manage your emails much faster. While it’s a useful addition for people with an overloaded Mail app, not everyone might like the new layout. Some people may even find those extra sections distracting. If you’re also missing the older layout of the Mail app, read on to learn how to disable Mail categories in iOS 18.2.
Mail Categories in iOS 18.2
The Mail Categories feature in iOS 18.2 automatically sorts your incoming emails into four categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. The Primary category shows personal and time-sensitive emails. The Transaction section keeps a track of order confirmation, receipts, and shipping information. The Updates section displays news, newsletters, and social notifications. Finally, your coupon, deals, and sales email show up in the Promotions section.
It’s worth knowing that if Transactions, Updates, or Promotions sections contain time-sensitive information, they will be displayed under the Primary message list.
On Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones and iPads, you’ll find an additional option for Priority Messages. This feature shows you the most urgent emails like a dinner invitation or your boarding pass. You won’t find this feature on devices that do not support Apple Intelligence.
Return to List View in Mail App in iOS 18.2
When you update to iOS 18, the Mail app will automatically sort your emails into categories. If you feel this categorization isn’t ideal for your email management style or notice that some emails are incorrectly categorized, you can switch back to the traditional list view. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Mail app on your iPhone or iPad.
- From the top-right, tap on the More button (three dots).
- You’ll see that the Categories layout is selected by default. Simply select List View to turn off Mail categories in iOS 18.2.
Once you switch to the List View, the Mail app will show all your emails in chronological order, as you would see them before installing iOS 18.2. Apple aims to improve the Mail app categorization feature over time. If you want, you can always enable Mail Categories on your iPhone or iPad.
That’s how you can turn off Mail app categorization in iOS 18.2. This will help you enjoy the same “all mail” experience and ensure you don’t miss out on emails because of automated categorization.
