With iOS 27, the Mail app receives a significant update: a fundamentally improved search function, deeply integrated Siri AI assistance, writing aids directly in the inbox, and clever integrations with Phone, Calendar, and Wallet. However, which of these features you actually receive depends heavily on your hardware and region.
Apple is expanding the Mail app in iOS 27 in several areas – from a revamped search function and new AI tools to detailed improvements in speed and reliability. Some of these improvements are further developments of what Apple Intelligence has already initiated in the Mail app; others are new and linked to the next generation of Siri. These new features are part of iOS 27, which is currently in beta and will be released this fall. Important note: The search improvements will be available to everyone, while the new AI features will only be available on certain devices and in specific regions.
Better search for everyone
The most noticeable new feature doesn't require any AI activation: iOS 27 introduces a revamped search system that also works in Mail. Instead of sorting results by keyword and recency, the search now prioritizes relevance and intent. In practical terms, this means that if you search for a retailer's name to find a specific order, the relevant order confirmation will appear at the top – not the promotional emails from the same sender. This improvement is available on all iPhones running iOS 27.
Siri AI directly in the inbox
A new feature is the built-in "Ask Siri" function. A long press on an email allows you to ask the assistant to summarize the content, retrieve specific information, track a package, find a flight number, or save a photo. After the response, a swipe down opens the Siri interface for follow-up questions, and the conversations are then transferred to the Siri app.
Furthermore, Siri AI can directly execute tasks within the Mail app – such as deleting all emails from a specific sender or adding information from a message to Reminders. This transforms the inbox into a platform that can be largely controlled via voice or text commands.
Writing with Siri support
For composing emails, there's a "Write with Siri" bar above the keyboard. Tapping it provides writing assistance: The assistant can draft an email, review a finished text, rephrase it, adjust the style, or offer writing tips. The feature adapts to your own writing style, including punctuation and tone, so that your emails sound less like AI and more like you. Additionally, the iPhone will now display both typos and grammatical errors as you type.
Write with Siri is the new way to access Apple's writing tools, which were previously accessible via a separate menu – and this innovation is tied to the next generation of Siri.
Intelligent responses and context-aware actions
Apple's suggested Smart Replies are now tailored to your writing style, so the one-tap suggestions sound more like your own phrasing. Additionally, Apple has redesigned the context-sensitive suggestions at the top of the Mail app and opened them up to third-party apps.
Specifically, this means that an email with a flight time or restaurant reservation will display a one-tap button to add the appointment to your calendar. A message with directions can open the route on a map, and shipment tracking can be followed via your wallet. These context-aware suggestions will initially only be available in English.
Call Context and faster
One of the most interesting new features combines email with the phone app: Call Context displays relevant information from an associated email when you call a company – such as an airline or retailer. A booking or order number can appear on the screen without having to search for the email. The feature works entirely on the device and relies on who you are calling – not on the tone of the conversation.
In addition, there are improvements under the hood: messages load faster, search indexing works more reliably, and the unread email counter synchronizes more reliably between iPhone and Mac. Apple has also redesigned the list view.
Requirements: Hardware and region
The requirements warrant a closer look, as the Mail updates fall into two categories. The improved search function works on any iPhone with iOS 27 and in any language. The AI features – Ask Siri, Write with Siri, Call Context, and context-aware suggestions – however, require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, i.e., iPhone 15 Pro or later.
For users in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), there's an additional regional hurdle. The Siri AI-powered features, especially Ask Siri and Write with Siri, won't be available on iPhones and iPads in the EU for the time being due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – this affects Germany and Austria. In Switzerland, which isn't subject to the DMA, these features are available on compatible hardware, just like in the rest of the world. Furthermore, the context-aware suggestions are initially only available in English, meaning German-speaking users will have to wait. The improved search function remains unaffected and will be available everywhere.
The Mail app in iOS 27 – the most important features at a glance
Ultimately, the Mail app in iOS 27 is primarily one thing: more context-aware. Search now finds what is meant rather than what was typed, Siri AI handles routine tasks directly in the inbox, and links to Calendar, Maps, Wallet, and Phone automate small actions. The practical benefit is therefore greater than with a purely design-based update.
For users in Germany and Austria, the catch remains that the most exciting AI features are tied to Siri AI and therefore unavailable at launch, while the full version is available in Switzerland. However, the improved search function and faster loading times are an improvement that every compatible iPhone will benefit from.
The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
- iPhone Ultra (iPhone Fold): All rumors and facts at a glance
- iPhone 18 Pro: All the rumors at a glance
- CarPlay in iOS 27: All new features at a glance
- Why the iPhone will not be affected by the EU's 2027 replaceable battery requirement
- Apple Ring: All the rumors at a glance
- iPhone Air 2: All the rumors at a glance
- Apfelpatient Weekly #13
- Apple Watch Series 12: All the rumors at a glance
- AirPods Ultra: All the rumors at a glance
- Apple Maps in iOS 27: An overview of all new features
- Apple TV in July 2026: All the highlights at a glance
- iPhone 18e: All the rumors at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions: The Mail app in iOS 27
A search sorted by relevance, the Siri AI function "Ask Siri", the writing aid "Write with Siri", Smart Replies tailored to your own style, revised context-related suggestions, the phone link Call Context, as well as faster loading and more reliable synchronization.
Not available at launch: Ask Siri and Write with Siri are dependent on Siri AI, which will not be available on iPhones and iPads in the EU – i.e., in Germany and Austria – with iOS 27 for the time being. These features are available in Switzerland.
No. The new search, sorted by relevance and intent, works on any iPhone with iOS 27 and in any language – regardless of Apple Intelligence and region.
If you call a company for which you have a matching email address, the phone app will display relevant information from it – such as a booking or order number. This feature works on the device and only analyzes who you are calling, not the conversation itself.
Yes, via "Write with Siri" above the keyboard. The assistant drafts, checks, or rephrases emails and adapts to your writing style. However, this feature requires Siri AI.
The search function works on any iOS 27 iPhone. The AI features require an Apple Intelligence-enabled device, i.e., iPhone 15 Pro or later.
iOS 27 is currently running as a beta and will be released in the fall, together with the new iPhone generation.
