iOS 18.5 Beta Revives Classic Apple Mail: How to Restore the Old Design & Explore New Features

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What’s New in iOS 18.5 Beta?
3. Why Did Apple Bring Back the Classic Mail Design?
4. How to Restore the Old Apple Mail Design in iOS 18.5 Beta
   • Step 1: Install iOS 18.5 Beta
   • Step 2: Access Mail Settings
   • Step 3: Enable Classic Mode
5. New Features in Apple Mail (iOS 18.5 Beta)
   • Enhanced Privacy Controls
   • Smart Categories & Improved Search
   • AI-Powered Email Summaries
   • Customizable Swipe Gestures
6. Pros & Cons of the Classic vs. New Apple Mail Design
7. User Reactions to the iOS 18.5 Mail Update
8. FAQs About iOS 18.5 Beta & Apple Mail
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Apple’s iOS updates always bring a mix of excitement and skepticism among users. While some love the fresh redesigns, others miss the familiarity of older versions. With the iOS 18.5 Beta, Apple has listened to user feedback and reintroduced the Classic Apple Mail design—a nostalgic return for long-time iPhone users.

But that’s not all. Alongside the revival of the old design, iOS 18.5 Beta introduces several new Mail app features, including AI-powered email summaries, smarter categorization, and enhanced privacy controls.

In this 3000-word guide, we’ll explore:

• How to restore the old Apple Mail design in iOS 18.5 Beta
• New features in the updated Mail app
• User reactions to the changes
• Step-by-step instructions for seamless transition

Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or just curious about the latest iOS developments, this guide will help you maximize your email experience on iPhone.

2. What’s New in iOS 18.5 Beta?

The iOS 18.5 Beta is a significant update, particularly for Apple Mail. Here’s a quick rundown of the key changes:

✅ Classic Mail Design Returns – Users can now switch back to the pre-iOS 16 layout.
✅ AI-Powered Email Summaries – Get quick overviews of long emails.
✅ Enhanced Privacy – Better protection against email tracking pixels.
✅ Smart Categories – Automatically sorts newsletters, promotions, and personal emails.
✅ Customizable Swipe Actions – More control over swipe gestures for archiving, deleting, or marking emails.

This update is currently available to developers and public beta testers, with a full release expected in the coming weeks.

3. Why Did Apple Bring Back the Classic Mail Design?

Apple’s decision to reintroduce the Classic Mail design stems from user backlash against the iOS 16 redesign. Many long-time users found the new layout less intuitive, with complaints about:

• Cluttered navigation
• Hidden features (like mark-as-read buttons)
• Slower performance on older devices

By allowing users to switch back to the old design, Apple demonstrates its commitment to user preferences—a smart move to retain loyal customers.

4. How to Restore the Old Apple Mail Design in iOS 18.5 Beta

If you miss the pre-iOS 16 Mail app, follow these steps to restore the classic design:

Step 1: Install iOS 18.5 Beta

• Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program (if not already).
• Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download iOS 18.5 Beta.

Step 2: Access Mail Settings

• Open the Mail app.
• Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner).
• Select Settings.

Step 3: Enable Classic Mode

• Scroll to “Appearance”.
• Toggle “Classic Mail Design” to ON.
• Restart the app for changes to take effect.

Now, your Apple Mail will look like it did before iOS 16—cleaner, faster, and more familiar.

5. New Features in Apple Mail (iOS 18.5 Beta)

Beyond the classic design revival, iOS 18.5 Beta introduces powerful new Mail features:

🔒 Enhanced Privacy Controls

• Block email trackers more effectively.
• Hide IP addresses when loading remote content.

📂 Smart Categories & Improved Search

• Auto-sorting for newsletters, receipts, and personal emails.
• Natural language search (e.g., “emails from John last week”).

🤖 AI-Powered Email Summaries

• Brief overviews of lengthy emails.
• Key action points highlighted.

↔️ Customizable Swipe Gestures

• Choose between swipe to archive, delete, or mark as read.

6. Pros & Cons of Classic vs. New Apple Mail Design

Verdict: If you prefer speed and simplicity, stick with the Classic design. If you want AI-powered tools, the new layout is better.

7. User Reactions to the iOS 18.5 Mail Update

Early beta testers have mixed feelings:

👍 Positive Feedback:

• “Finally! The old Mail app was perfect.”
• “AI summaries save me so much time.”

👎 Negative Feedback:

• “Why can’t Apple stick to one design?”
• “The new features are great, but the UI is still confusing.”

8. FAQs About iOS 18.5 Beta & Apple Mail

Q1: Is iOS 18.5 Beta stable?

A: It’s a beta, so expect minor bugs. Backup your iPhone before installing.

Q2: Will the Classic Mail option stay after the final release?

A: Likely, but Apple may remove it in future updates.

Q3: How do I get iOS 18.5 Beta?

A: Join the Apple Beta Software Program or wait for the public release.

9. Conclusion

The iOS 18.5 Beta brings back the beloved Classic Apple Mail design while adding cutting-edge features like AI summaries and smarter organization. Whether you prefer nostalgia or innovation, this update offers the best of both worlds.

What do you think? Will you switch back to the old design or stick with the new one? Let us know in the comments!