Since Apple added pull to refresh to iOS 6, they removed the refresh button on the bottom bar. I'm always one to utilize dead space so I conceptualized a way to easily navigate to other folders within an account right from the inbox view.

Branch for some reason isn't formatting the direct URL so follow the link provided and read the first article on my Tumblr. Post your thoughts on it here!

This sounds awesome, perhaps to get back to the previous view Apple could add some sort of gesture.. Cool idea though! Would love to see it implemented.

Why a gesture? That would be a cool thing for sure but what I've proposed would use default handling. It would have a "Cancel" button on the far right.

Also, it would conflict with the fact that the cells are tappable. You could accidentally tap a folder on accident as you are performing the gesture.

I like the idea of being able to navigate to certain folders using this button, but I think it would be cool to be able to select multiple folders and then filter the "All inboxes", so that it shows only messages from these folders.

This should also be done with mailboxes as I often only want to see messages from a few of my addresses. This implementation could help achieve this.

As someone who wants Apple to put the refresh button back (I still tap that blank area out of habit), I actually think this could be a much more useful feature.

How would you have folders organized if I were to tap the icon from the "All Inboxes” view?

@Andrew So your idea is to filter an inbox (or All Inboxes) so you can only view emails in the folders you specify?

That's an interesting thought. The current way the hierarchy is displayed leaves no option to integrate it. I'd be something to think about. Do you have any thoughts on it?

@Clayton Good question. If you go to move an email now, the first view is the default hierarchy for whatever inbox the email is in. You'll notice a Accounts button on the left side. If you go to that page, that will be step one from the "All Inboxes" view with the folder button.

True, the vacant space for refresh button should be utilized.

I wonder though how would the list of folders look on a smaller screen of iPhone. The popover menus never looked good there, and I cannot recalled one that can be said impressive. If it is not popover, it would kind of replicate the mailboxes functionality.

On iPad, a floating popover can handle this though.

@Amit The default view of navigating to move an email somewhere is what would be used to change folders but with a few format changes.

Isn't Sparrow's approach the best? Having both button, and a gesture (like also found in facebook and google+ app) + folders in a sidebar serms very comfortable for me;)

I personally don't see any reason to have both the gesture and the button, as after a while, chances are that, you are going to start using the gesture subconciously. If there is a new space avaliable for something, it would only make sense to fill it with something new.

@Mieszko I've never used Sparrow so I apologize for my possible ignorance.

The side drawer has a button yes, and for the sake of the user, it's important to have both a button and a gesture (if added) as a reminder. Many "average people haven't discovered you can do the side gesture instead of the button. Hence, it's significant to have both.

Also, the way Sparrow is designed allows you to perform that gesture. In the stock Mail.app, that gesture would be confused with deleting an email. Having two of the same type of gesture for two separate things right next to each other can lead to problems. Furthermore they designed the space to utilize the drawer button whereas the stock Mail application does not...[cont]

I don't disagree that there are some good things about Sparrow but it wasn't enough for me to switch. Personally, I like the way Apple has done their application but I know it can be improved.

To accomplish what you've proposed, it would call for a complete re-design of the application itself. It could be done but for what I'm proposing with folder switching, it wouldn't seem appropriate. The default handling for me serves all my purposes. Simple and easy to use.

I always prefer an option to use either gesture or a visible button. I guess even Apple has always preferred this. Actions via gestures always have a visible alternative.

Said that, the space emptied has to have some option which is a pain point, folders list is for sure a good choice.

If there is a grsture conflict, then maybe you should use edge off-screen swipe?
Btw. it'd be nice to have a folders button top-left, and a new mail button top-right.
Controls on the top of the screen are easier to use, than the ones at the bottom;)

I don't disagree with you Mieszko. It's always best to put the most important buttons and content at the top of the screen because the user looks their the most often.

But, the issue at hand is how to utilize the dead space with the refresh button being gone. There are so many ways to improve anything and the Mail.app is no exception. I however have always argued that quick change hurts the user; new things much be gradually integrated. I would love the opportunity to re-work the Mail.app from an interaction perspective.