iOS 15 Notes Tag Browser Navigation Updates

Apple's iOS 15 introduced a built-in tagging system to the Notes app, anchored by a dedicated Tag Browser navigation tool. This update transformed note retrieval by enabling users to rapidly categorize, filter, and locate tagged documents across their entire library directly from the main folder hierarchy, eliminating the need to organize notes solely through manual folder structures.

The Tag Browser Section

The primary navigation change was the addition of the Tag Browser, located at the bottom of the main Folders list. As users add inline tags using the # symbol anywhere inside a note, the Tag Browser automatically populates with those labels. This centralized hub provides an instant visual index of every unique tag active across all accounts, such as iCloud or On My iPhone.

Multi-Tag Selection and Filtering

Navigation within the Tag Browser supports multi-selection filtering:

• Single-Tag Filtering: Tapping any single tag displays an instant list of all notes containing that specific label.
• Compound Filtering: Users can tap multiple tags simultaneously. The Tag Browser applies "AND" logic, dynamically narrowing the search to show only notes containing all selected tags.
• Visual States: Selected tags highlight to indicate active filters, while unavailable combinations adjust automatically based on existing note contents.

The "All Tags" View

At the top of the Tag Browser interface, iOS 15 added an "All Tags" option. Tapping this navigation item aggregates every note that contains at least one tag, providing a filtered overview of tagged content separate from untagged notes.

Smart Folders Integration

The Tag Browser directly links with iOS 15's Smart Folders. Users can convert their active tag navigation filters into permanent Smart Folders straight from the interface. Once created, these folders automatically collect future notes matching the designated tag parameters, appearing in the primary navigation list above the Tag Browser.