Files App Tag Layout Changes in iOS 15

Apple's iOS 15 introduced several refinements to the native Files app, specifically updating how file tags are categorized, accessed, and managed across iPhone and iPad. This guide outlines the specific layout and functional updates made to file tag categorization in iOS 15, detailing the revamped sidebar, streamlined tagging menus, and improved tag-filtering navigation.

Redesigned Tags Section in the Sidebar

In iOS 15, the Browse sidebar received a cleaner, more modular interface. The Tags section at the bottom of the sidebar was restructured with the following changes:

  • Collapsible Groups: Tags are grouped into a dedicated, expandable list beneath locations and favorites, allowing users to collapse the section to reduce screen clutter.
  • Inline Color Indicators: The visual layout was updated to display vibrant, circular color badges directly alongside tag labels, making them easier to identify at a glance.
  • Reorganized Default Tags: Default system tags (such as Red, Orange, Work, and Home) are presented in a unified list rather than fragmented menus, providing immediate access to common categories.

Streamlined Context Menu Tagging

The process of assigning and removing tags from files was overhauled with an updated contextual action menu:

  • Direct Tagging Interface: Long-pressing a file or folder now brings up a redesigned context menu with a prominent "Tags" option that opens a compact, floating card rather than navigating away from the current directory.
  • Inline Tag Creation: Users can create and assign a new custom tag directly within the tagging popover, complete with immediate color assignment, without entering the app settings.
  • Multi-Tag Visual Badging: Files with multiple tags display stacked color dots beneath their file names in both list and icon views, reflecting the updated visual hierarchy introduced across system apps.

Enhanced Tag-Based Filtering

The categorization layout for viewing tagged files was also simplified:

  • Dedicated Tag Views: Tapping any tag in the sidebar opens a dedicated filter view that aggregates tagged files across all connected storage locations, including iCloud Drive, local device storage, and third-party cloud services.
  • Persistent Sorting Controls: Within a tag category view, users can quickly apply sorting parameters (by date, size, or kind) without losing the tag-specific filter, creating a more consistent file management experience.