Introduction

In a much-anticipated update, Apple's Mail app is gearing up to roll out automatic email categorization for macOS and iPadOS, according to a reliable report by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg. This feature has been available on iPhones since the launch of iOS 18 and is expected to make its debut on Macs and iPads in April, coinciding with the release of macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4.

Automatic Sorting System

The automatic sorting system, similar to what Gmail introduced back in May 2013, will categorize incoming emails into four primary groups: “Primary,” “Transactions,” “Updates,” and “Promotions.” Users can easily adjust sorting by manually moving emails between categories, which helps the system learn how to categorize future messages from the same sender. However, it's important to note that users won't be able to create custom categories or modify the default sorting criteria.

User Experience

While this innovative feature aims to streamline email management, some users might prefer the traditional, uninterrupted view of a single inbox. Having multiple inboxes can lead to concerns about important emails being misplaced or misclassified. Personally, I've found categorization on iOS to be beneficial, using the Filters button to quickly access emails addressed specifically to me. As a Mac user, I tend to favor Mimestream for managing my Google Workspace emails, but I'm eager to see how the new categorization functionality will enhance MacMail.

Device Compatibility

What’s particularly interesting about this update is that it does not require Apple’s latest M-series devices; the automatic sorting will work on existing devices, operating entirely on the device itself. This feature will first cater to English-language emails, making it accessible for a large segment of its user base.

Upcoming Siri Improvements

In addition to Mail's enhanced sorting capabilities, Apple is also preparing to introduce an upgraded version of Siri with improved contextual understanding. For example, Siri will be able to comprehend commands such as “Add this address to Rick's contact information” or “When is my mom’s flight landing?” This indicates a clear effort from Apple to refine its digital assistant for more intuitive interactions.

Conclusion

As Apple continues to roll out new features across its platforms, they’ve also released the third beta of macOS 15.3, hinting that we may see early iterations of the enhanced email sorting system soon. With the excitement building around macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4, users can look forward to these innovative updates that promise to make their email management experience smoother and more efficient! Stay tuned for further details!