Switch Between Classic Mode and Categories View in Mail

About this QuickTip
Discover how to use the new categories in the iPhone Mail app with iOS 18.2! This update introduces four inbox categories, but if you prefer the classic Mail style, I’ll show you how to unlock the All Mail view or disable categories entirely. Learn how to switch between Categories and List View to customise your inbox exactly how you like it.
Transcript
The iPhone Mail app has had a big update in iOS 18.2, introducing four categories at the top that attempt to filter your mail for you. This can be quite useful in some instances, but to be honest, I find it a bit frustrating at times. The messages I want are often hidden in a category I don’t check that often, and I end up missing important things.
One way to see all of your messages again is to swipe left across these four categories, which kind of unlocks a secret fifth category called All Mail. This view makes your inbox feel much more like it did in the past, where you can see all of your messages in one place. However, you still have the option to jump between those categories if you want to.
You can also disable the categories completely and go back to the old classic-style Mail app. All you need to do is tap the three dots in the corner, and from there, you can choose Categories or List View. List View is the traditional layout you had before. You can jump back and forth between these layouts anytime you like.
For now, I think I prefer the classic Mail style.
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Technical details: This QuickTip was recorded on an iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.2 in January 2025.
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