iOS 18 Mail app rumored to get 3 new features, including a 'Smart Replies' perk

Mail on iOS 18 is reportedly getting a significant AI-based update — and we're hoping to find out more about it at the upcoming WWDC 2024 event on Monday.

But so far, we can only rely on AppleInsider's sources, which claim that the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning on unleashing a gaggle of new features for Mail that will supposedly streamline the process of navigating one's inbox.

According to AppleInsider, there are three key features coming to iOS 18, the next big OS update set for later this year, that will benefit Mail users.

iOS 18 Mail: 3 new features rumored for iPhone

Which trio of AI-based Mail features are expected to roll out to iOS 18? Let's dive in.

1. Better search results

Rumor has it that the Mail app, thanks to Apple's on-device large language model (LLM) codenamed "Ajax," will provide more useful and varied search results. This is because these results will include data from Contacts and locally stored documents.

2. A new 'Smart Replies' feature

Also relying on Ajax, Appleinsider claims that the iOS 18 Mail app will have "Smart Replies," which will allow users to take advantage of instant AI-powered responses. This perk is also rumored to be available on Messages and Siri.

Similar to what you'll find on the likes of Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, AI-powered Mail will have the ability to adjust the tone of a message. For example, you can choose to make a text sound more professional.

3. Better email categorization

Thanks to machine learning analyzing the contents of users' emails, Mail on iOS 18 should get major improvements to email categorization in a Gmail-esque fashion. Sources told AppleInsider that emails will classified under the following umbrellas:

• News

• Commerce

• Promotions

• Social

• Transaction

• Other

For example, email notifications about replies to your X post would fall under "Social" while your New York Times subscription will get categorized under "News."

For more details about what iOS 18 has in store for iPhone users, check out our oft-updated iOS 18 rumor hub.