I love this new Mail feature in iOS 18.2, although it still needs improvements.

Apple has implemented a significant update to its Mail app with the release of iOS 18.2, introducing a new Categories feature. This feature, available on compatible iPhones such as the iPhone 16, aims to streamline email management by automatically organizing messages into four different categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Although email categorization is not a new concept—apps like Spark and Gmail have offered it for some time—this is the first time Apple has applied this idea to its native mail application.

Since its announcement, the Categories feature has generated expectations, as many users are looking for more efficient ways to manage their inboxes. However, the current experience with automatic email classification leaves much to be desired. Some users have found this feature frustrating, to the point of disabling it on their devices, while still hoping for improvements.

The categories established by Apple have a logical sense. The Primary category stores the most relevant emails, such as personal messages and urgent matters. Meanwhile, Transactions automatically organizes emails like confirmations, receipts, and shipping notifications, making it easier to access crucial information such as order tracking. As for Updates and Promotions, these include less urgent emails, such as newsletters and advertising messages.

The idea behind this categorization is clear: to transform chaotic inboxes into organized spaces where valuable information can be quickly found. However, in practice, Apple's approach has added some complexity to email management. Many users report that emails that should go to the Primary category end up in other categories arbitrarily. Additionally, the system appears rigid, as there is no option to customize the predefined categories, which is frustrating.

The icons designated for each category have also been criticized for their lack of clarity. For instance, the Transactions icon shows a wallet, while the Updates icon represents a building, which seems inconsistent. Furthermore, the icons for the Promotions category vary depending on the type of promotion, which could work if implemented more intuitively.

Despite the implementation of these categories not living up to expectations, there is a possibility that they will improve over time. However, for now, many users feel confused, especially when they notice that Mail Categories are not visible on other devices such as Macs or iPads. This can create clutter when managing emails sent from the iPhone to other inboxes, causing additional complications.

For those looking to maximize their experience with Categories in Apple Mail, one suggestion is to wait for improvements before using them across all email accounts. It's also possible to opt for list view for simpler management, or to limit their use to personal emails to avoid confusion with work correspondence. This allows users to maintain order without fear of losing important information.

Undoubtedly, the potential of this functionality is high, and many are eagerly awaiting future updates that will optimize the email experience on Apple devices.