Apple will add AI Mail tools to Macs and iPads this spring – Computerworld

Had you noticed?

Apple has equipped email with a tool that lets you dig more deeply into the categories active on your device. Open Mail and tap the three dots icon at top right. Here you can switch between Categories and the traditional List view and also tap the About Categories item. When you do, you’ll be taken to an About Categories page in which you’ll find interesting information, such as:

• How many of your messages are seen as being ones that matter the most. 
• How many receipts, orders, and delivery-related emails you received in the last seven days.
• The frequency and magnitude of promotional email received.

What else is coming?

The new tools will likely appear as Apple introduces new contextual awareness to its devices, which means Siri will be able to answer questions that relate to what’s on your screen or in your apps. That means you’ll be able to engage in tasks such as adding address data to contact cards, or checking your next dinner date with your gran while looking at a message from her.

What people think

Apple drew criticism when it first introduced these features, with some users not adapting to them at all. They complained about the icons used, and didn’t seem to understand how to manage the new features or the layout within Mail. But control remained in their hands; disabling Categories is simple.