Filter Mail on iOS 10 - A Simple Guide
iOS 10 Introduces Email Filtering Capabilities
With the release of iOS 10, users can now leverage email filtering directly within the Mail application. This functionality allows for the categorization of messages based on predefined criteria, representing a significant enhancement to email management.
Understanding Mail Filters
While email filtering isn't novel to desktop users of Mail or other email clients, it was previously unavailable on mobile devices. Previously, sorting mailboxes required alternative methods, but this is now simplified.
Mail filters provide a way to quickly focus on specific types of messages, improving efficiency.
Accessing and Applying Filters
To begin utilizing filters, launch the Mail app on your iPhone or iPad. Then, tap the newly introduced filters button located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Selecting the filter button reveals the currently applied filter scheme at the bottom of the Mail window. As an example, the mail may be filtered to display messages addressed to the user ("Me") and those containing attachments.
Tap the "Filtered by" link to access the Filter panel. Currently, the available filtering options are limited to those presented within this panel.
Completing and Managing Filters
Once you have selected your desired filtering criteria, tap the "Done" button in the upper-right corner. This action returns you to your inbox or the currently selected mailbox folder.
The applied filter will remain active until you disable it by tapping the Filter button again.
Filtering Across Multiple Mailboxes
When viewing "All Inboxes," the filter options expand to include mail from any or all of your configured mailboxes. This provides a comprehensive view of filtered messages across your accounts.
For instance, you can filter all mailboxes to display unread messages addressed to you, as well as those where you were carbon copied (CC'd).
Filter Persistence and Future Potential
Filters are persistent, meaning that your chosen settings are saved for each mailbox. If different filter schemes are assigned to different accounts, each scheme will be retained for its respective account.
These filters offer a valuable tool for managing the substantial volume of email many users receive daily. It is anticipated that Apple will further enhance these filters in future updates, potentially adding more criteria and the ability to create custom filter rules.
This new feature provides users with essential tools to locate important emails that might otherwise be obscured by spam and less relevant communications.