Apple Mail Still Beats Gmail on iPhone

If you're using an iPhone, Apple Mail is not only the default app, it's also the better choice. While Gmail has a lot of features, Apple Mail offers what's really needed.

 

4. Stronger focus on privacy

Apple has made privacy a cornerstone of the iPhone experience, and that commitment is evident in Apple Mail. From blocking invisible tracking pixels to hiding your IP address , the app silently puts up shields that most users don't even realize. Its privacy protections prevent advertisers and marketers from silently tracking your behavior just because you opened an email.

Things work a little differently with Gmail. Google 's business model revolves around data, and while it doesn't read your emails like it used to, it still collects a lot of information about how you use the service. On iOS, Gmail doesn't have the same robust privacy controls that Apple Mail offers by default.

 

This doesn't mean Gmail isn't secure—but it does mean Apple Mail is more private right out of the box. You don't have to dig through settings or enable extra features. It's already looking for you, and on a personal device like your iPhone, that kind of invisible protection goes a long way.

3. Better performance and battery life

​​​​​​​There's something subtle but satisfying about using an app that doesn't drain your battery or slow down your phone - and Apple Mail strikes that balance. Because it's built directly into iOS, it's optimized to run efficiently in the background. You won't notice it hogging resources or draining your battery percentage while you check for new messages.

Gmail, on the other hand, has a bit more issues. It runs as a third-party app, which means it has to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work just to update. That can lead to slower performance, especially if you have a lot of email or multiple accounts connected. And while it's not a battery hog, it's certainly not the most efficient option.

Just like how Chrome uses more battery on iOS than Safari, the difference isn't always noticeable. But it adds up over time. If you're someone who checks your email frequently or leaves it open throughout the day, Apple Mail will run smoother, quieter, and be kinder to your battery.

 

2. VIP contacts are really useful

​​​​​​​​Apple Mail's VIP feature is one of those underrated tools that, once you start using it, you'll feel like you can't do without. It lets you mark certain people (your boss, your most important partners, or your clients) as VIPs. Emails from these contacts will automatically be filtered into a dedicated inbox, and more importantly, they'll trigger special notifications so you never miss a thing.

This is especially helpful when your inbox is flooded with newsletters, shipping updates, and random subscriptions. Instead of having to wade through a sea of ​​messages, Apple Mail lets you focus on what really matters. And since it's a native feature, it's built seamlessly into iOS. You can view VIP emails on your lock screen, set custom notification sounds, and even prioritize them in Focus mode.

Sure, you can use some Gmail tricks and hacks to emulate this feature, but it requires more manual setup and lacks the elegance and immediacy of Apple Mail's VIP system. And let's face it: When something is hidden behind a lot of taps and filters, you're less likely to use it.

1. Apple Mail works better with iPhone

​​​​​​​​If you've ever wondered why Apple Mail feels smoother on your iPhone, there's a good reason: It's built for that purpose. Unlike Gmail, which was essentially ported from a more Android-centric experience, Apple Mail is built directly into iOS. That means it's designed to work alongside the operating system, not just exist alongside it.

Everything from sharing emails to attaching files from iCloud feels effortless in Apple Mail. You don't encounter the stutters or awkward transitions that plague third-party apps like Gmail. Want to use Siri to send an email or check your inbox? Apple Mail responds instantly. Even simple actions like swiping on a notification to archive a message are smoother.

And then there's the design consistency. Apple Mail follows iOS design guidelines exactly, meaning its interface looks and works the way you expect it to on an iPhone. Gmail, despite its recent design update, still feels like an outsider. Functional, sure, but not quite as familiar.

Gmail tries to blend in with the iPhone. Apple Mail was born there. The difference is in how it handles privacy, contacts, and battery efficiency. It's cleaner, more private, and more streamlined on the iPhone. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out on the email experience your phone was really built for.