In the ever-evolving world of technology, change is the only constant. Just as we adapt to these changes, tech platforms like to keep us on our toes with their latest updates which, more often than not, spark debate and dissatisfaction. The latest example? The Apple Mail app overhaul in iOS 18, now making waves on iPads and MacBooks as well.
The redesigned Apple Mail app organizes your emails into categories such as Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Alongside this, the app now features contact photos for every sender, which ties into Apple’s broader branding strategy for businesses within the iOS ecosystem.
This overhaul has been met with mixed reactions. Some users find the visual changes unappealing and the navigation cumbersome. Reports of missing important emails have added to the frustration, which is far from ideal when staying connected is paramount.
A chorus of disgruntled iOS users has taken to social media to vent their frustrations, labeling the update as “completely unreliable,” “indecipherable,” and “so ugly.” One user even humorously wished for the app’s UX designers to experience a rare form of discomfort.
Fortunately, if you’re not a fan of the new look, you’re not stuck with it. Here’s how you can revert these changes without resorting to drastic measures.
To switch back to a familiar view, open your Mail app on iOS 18. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner. Choose “List View” instead of “Categories” to restore your previous email layout.
Yet, there’s still the issue of contact photos cluttering your screen. While these images might be helpful in FaceTime or Messages, they often obstruct rather than assist in an email context, especially when similar icons are assigned indiscriminately to different senders.
Here’s how you can remove those contact photos:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to the Apps section.
3. Find and select the Mail app.
4. Under Message List, toggle off the option for Show Contact Photos.
With these steps, your Mail app should be more streamlined, though managing those incessant promotional emails is a task you’ll need to tackle separately. Perhaps it is time for a digital clean-up and unsubscribing from a few mailing lists? After all, an uncluttered inbox is just a few clicks away.
