During the WWDC 2026 event, Apple revealed significant improvements to its search functionality for emails and photos, addressing user frustrations with previous search inefficiencies. Stacey Ford, vice president of OS Program Management, acknowledged the common experience of users struggling to locate emails or photos despite knowing they exist. To remedy this, Apple has completely rebuilt the search foundation that supports Spotlight, Photos, and Mail across its devices. The new system introduces a Search Index, which acts as a comprehensive catalog of all user content, enhancing the device's ability to understand and locate information. Additionally, a new ranking system within the mail app is designed to prioritize relevant emails, regardless of when they were sent. Ford expressed optimism about these updates, hoping they will significantly improve the search experience for users. Many Apple device users, including those who have faced challenges in retrieving important emails or photos, are looking forward to these enhancements, which promise to streamline the search process and deliver more accurate results.