Disabling preview pane on iPad email?

Question

Level 1

6 points

Disabling preview pane on iPad email?

I recently purchased an iPad 3. Although I am generally satiisfied with it, I am *very unhappy" with the preview pane in the Email app. I prefer to simply be able to look at a list of the e-mails and then decide which ones I would like to open and view and which I would like to delete without opening (as on the iPod-Touch, for example). Based on my search here at Apple Communities, it seems others have asked the same question, but I have not seen any responses indicating a way to remove the preview pane and simply have a single window with the e-mail list.

A separate preview pane is objectionable for two reasons. A preview pane destroys linear workflow by removing control of when a specific email is viewed. Second, the preview pane forces the user to view emails from untrusted sources which would be deleted without opening for security reasons.

Is there a way to disable the separate preview pane?

This preview pane is sufficiently disruptive and displeasing, I have even considered returning the iPad-- and this from a long-time satisfied Apple customer.

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Sep 16, 2012 5:36 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Saskia33

Level 1

9 points

May 30, 2013 12:49 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes you still see the email, I have the same problem, whenever I open the email app, the newest email is automatically opened in the preview pane. So if I have a spam mail as the newest message, it will be opened as soon as I open my email program. I also wonder if apple mail is sending auto-read confirmations whenever the sender requested this.

I am extremely dissatisfied with this preview pane, I don't want to open any email, unless I say so.

I think people here misunderstood the problem, it is not about deleting messages, but about the preview pane in general.

I guess I will read my email on my tiny iPhone then, cause this seems very insecure.

Reply

Answer 2

Sep 16, 2012 5:49 PM in response to JAM9

JAM9 wrote:

Is there a way to disable the separate preview pane?

No.

Submit your feedback requesting this feature directly to Apple using the appropriate link on the Feedback page:

http://www.apple.com/feedback

Reply

Answer 3

JAM9 Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 16, 2012 6:06 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

But one still sees the preview of the email in the separate preview pane and is thus forced to view its content. Moreover, it is not clear to me what the security implications are of having a preview of an email with malicious code display on your device in a preview pane.

Thanks to all for your comments! It appears Gmail on the iPad has really become quite poor as the first commentator pointed out there is no way to turn off the preview pane. Alas... I have submitted my feedback directly to Apple as suggested. Since the separate preview pane appears however one accesses Gmail--- Mail app, Google app, or through Safari-- a large part of the blame appears to go to Google. Hence, I have also submitted feedback to Google and encourage others to do so as well.

Reply

Answer 4

May 30, 2013 3:07 PM in response to Saskia33

The Mail app on the iPad does not send any read responses. Having a spam email opened only poses a threat to your sense of decency. There are currently no viruses in the wild that affect an unjailbroken iPad.

If you don't like the Mail app, download something different from the App Store.

Best of luck.

Reply

Answer 5

Saskia33

Level 1

9 points

May 31, 2013 2:01 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yeah, just like Microsoft: Oh just download a third-party Start button if you don't want your desktop full of icons in Windows 8.

We don't want to make nice software, download it elsewhere......

Ok, thanks.

I won't use the option "Enhancement request" anymore then, because obviously you guys are not in for enhancing your product and react on what your customers have to say. We have preview panes on iPad, just eat it.

...

Reply

Answer 6

Saskia33

Level 1

9 points

May 31, 2013 2:07 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Update: I just checked the AppStore, unfortunately there is no Mail App that can handle non-gmail IMAP and or coorporate Exchange accounts. But thanks anyway. I guess I will program an app myself then.

Reply

Answer 7

May 31, 2013 2:12 AM in response to Saskia33

Umm, first, we don't work for Apple. We are all, like you, only users. Ask a question and get troubleshooting help for peers willing to donate their problem-solving time to others. Please be nice and it will be reciprocated.

Second, you're incorrect in your statement that swiping displays the email. It does not. Try it.

Third, there are many alternate email clients. I'm sure you can find one that meets your needs.

Reply

Answer 8

JimHdk

Level 7

28,898 points

Sep 16, 2012 5:49 PM in response to JAM9

You can delete an email without opening it by swiping across the email description. This will display a delete button. Pressing the delete button will delete the email and it is never opened.

Reply

Answer 9

Sep 16, 2012 5:51 PM in response to JAM9

Maybe I'm not understanding your question, but you can delete a message without it being opened by swiping accross it left to right and then tapping Delete.

Matt

Reply

Answer 10

JimHdk

Level 7

28,898 points

Sep 16, 2012 6:14 PM in response to JAM9

You do not see the preview of the email if you swipe the description - that is the point. The email is NOT opened.

Reply

Answer 11

Sep 16, 2012 6:18 PM in response to JAM9

Have you tried the Gmail app?

Reply