Apple is finally getting serious about removing junk messages
Apple has just rolled out the second developer beta for iOS 16, and the first thing that’s caught our eye is revamped message filtering. With this update, the company has signaled that it’s getting serious about streamlining your SMS-based messages.
The new update allows developers of filter extensions — like the one built by Truecaller, or Apple’s own SMS filter available in India and Brazil — to classify non-personal messages into 12 sub-categories within “Transactions” and “Promotions.” The Transactions category includes Finance, Reminders, Orders, Health, Public Services, Weather, Carrier, Rewards, and Others; the Promotions category includes Offers, Coupons, and Others.
During this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) session, Apple detailed how developers can incorporate these categories into their SMS filters. Based on this, it looks like the new categories will be only available for Indian users. We’ve asked Apple to clarify if these sub-categories will be available in other countries, and we’ll update the story if we hear back.
Indian iPhone users will also get extractable events — such as a movie or a train ticket booking — as Siri suggestions, in Messages threads, and in Calendar Inbox. Apple wants to make sure you don’t miss your train.
