Apple is set to broaden its intelligent email categorization system to Mac and iPad users, extending a feature that has already proven successful on iPhones since iOS 18. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the automatic sorting capability will arrive through macOS 15.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates, expected to roll out in April 2025.
The expanded functionality mirrors the efficiency of Google’s long-standing Gmail categorization system, offering users a streamlined way to organize their inbox into distinct sections: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. While the system doesn’t allow for custom category creation, it does learn from user behavior, adapting its sorting rules when emails are manually moved between categories.
Notably, this enhancement stands apart from Apple’s recent artificial intelligence initiatives, as it operates entirely on-device and doesn’t require Apple Intelligence capabilities. This means users with older devices can still benefit from the feature, though it currently only supports English-language emails.
The timing of this expansion aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of refining its core applications across its ecosystem. With the recent release of macOS 15.3’s third beta, developers can expect early access to builds featuring the new mail sorting capability within weeks. The simultaneous deployment across macOS and iPadOS platforms reflects Apple’s commitment to maintaining feature parity across its devices.
The sorting system’s implementation raises interesting considerations for power users who may prefer a unified inbox view over separated categories. While the categorization helps reduce inbox clutter, some users might find themselves checking multiple sections to ensure important messages aren’t misclassified. The iOS version has addressed this concern partially through the Filters button, allowing users to quickly view all directly addressed emails.
This mail enhancement arrives alongside other significant updates to Apple’s software ecosystem. Devices equipped with Apple Intelligence capabilities will receive an upgraded version of Siri in the same update, featuring improved contextual understanding. This enhanced assistant will better comprehend screen content and app information, enabling more natural interactions with users’ personal data and schedules.
Apple’s measured approach to rolling out new features is evident in its handling of intelligence-based capabilities. The company has strategically distributed various aspects of its Apple Intelligence framework across different point updates. While iOS 18.2 introduced ChatGPT access and image generation capabilities, iOS 18.3 focuses on refining notification handling, particularly in how it presents and manages news-related alerts.
The expansion of mail categories to Mac and iPad represents a significant step in Apple’s ongoing efforts to unify and enhance the user experience across its platforms. By making the feature device-independent and focusing on local processing, Apple demonstrates its commitment to privacy while delivering practical improvements to everyday tasks.
For users of third-party email clients like Mimestream, which caters specifically to Google Workspace accounts, the addition of native sorting in Apple Mail might prompt a reevaluation of their email workflow. The effectiveness of Apple’s implementation on larger screens, particularly in the desktop environment, will be closely watched by the user community.
This update underscores Apple’s dedication to evolving its core applications while maintaining accessibility across its device lineup. By bringing iPhone’s successful email categorization to Mac and iPad users, Apple continues to strengthen its ecosystem while respecting user privacy and device limitations.
Add Comment