Why do people include 'Sent from my iPhone' in email copy?
Matthew Whittaker
Co-founder & CTO, Suped
Published 6 Jul 2025
Updated 18 Aug 2025
8 min read
The phrase "Sent from my iPhone" is an incredibly common email signature, so much so that it's almost a digital staple. It typically appears at the end of emails composed and sent from Apple's mobile devices, often replacing any custom signature a user might have set up on their desktop email client. While seemingly innocuous, its presence (or absence) can subtly influence how an email is perceived by the recipient.
Its ubiquity has led to various interpretations and sometimes even a little confusion, especially when an email contains complex formatting, images, or even an unsubscribe link that clearly indicates it wasn't typed out on a small screen. This raises questions about intent, professionalism, and the subtle art of email communication. Let's delve into the reasons behind this signature's prevalence and its broader implications.
The default setting and its origins
At its core, the "Sent from my iPhone" signature is simply a default setting. When a user sets up an email account on their iOS device for the first time, this pre-filled signature is automatically applied. Many users, either unaware of its existence or simply not bothering to change it, leave it as is. This makes it a passive, rather than an active, choice for a large portion of senders.
From Apple's perspective, this default signature serves as a genius marketing strategy. Every email sent from an iPhone acts as a subtle, pervasive advertisement for their product. It leverages their user base to promote the brand organically, turning every email into a micro-billboard. This widespread exposure, often overlooked by recipients, reinforces the iPhone's market presence and cool factor.
If you wish to remove or change this default signature, the process is straightforward and can be done directly from your iPhone's settings. Customizing your signature allows you to maintain consistent branding or professionalism across all your email communications, regardless of the device used.
How to change your signature
Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone.
Navigate to Mail: Scroll down and tap on "Mail".
Find Signature: Scroll to the very bottom of the Mail settings screen and tap "Signature".
Edit or remove: Here, you can delete the default signature or type in your custom one.
Perceived professionalism and intent
For many senders, including the "Sent from my iPhone" disclaimer is a deliberate choice aimed at managing recipient expectations. The common understanding is that emails composed on a mobile device might be shorter, contain more typos, or be less formally structured than those written on a desktop. By including this signature, senders implicitly signal to the recipient to be more forgiving of such imperfections, as the email was crafted on the go.
However, this perceived benefit can backfire, particularly in professional contexts. If an email with a "Sent from my iPhone" signature contains a complex, highly formatted design, or an unexpected element like an unsubscribe link typically found in bulk mail, it can appear disingenuous. This discrepancy between the implied mobile origin and the actual sophistication of the email can raise questions about the sender's attention to detail or even their honesty.
The signature's impact on professionalism is a debated topic. While some argue that it provides context and demonstrates responsiveness, others view it as unprofessional or indicative of a lack of attention. The context of the communication (e.g., quick reply vs. formal business correspondence) plays a significant role in how it's received. An expert in professional email writing even suggests its inclusion can positively impact communication by setting expectations.
Perceived benefits of keeping
Recipients might be more understanding of brevity, formatting quirks, or typos if they know the email was sent from a mobile device. This sets an expectation for a less formal or rushed communication. It can also subtly convey that the sender is busy and responsive, replying quickly even when away from their primary workstation.
Potential drawbacks of keeping
In formal or business communications, the default signature can appear unprofessional or indicate a lack of attention to detail. If the email content itself is polished and extensive, the "Sent from my iPhone" tag can create a disconnect, potentially undermining credibility or appearing disingenuous to the recipient.
Marketing and brand visibility
Beyond individual perception, the default iPhone signature contributes to Apple's brand visibility. Each email acts as a mini-advertisement, subtly reminding recipients of the sender's device choice. This passive marketing is incredibly effective because it's organic and non-intrusive. It turns millions of daily emails into brand impressions, contributing to the iPhone's status as a premium and ubiquitous device.
This strategy is a testament to the power of default settings. By making the signature opt-out rather than opt-in, Apple successfully leverages its massive user base for continuous, free advertising. It's a prime example of how even small, seemingly insignificant details in user experience can have a profound impact on brand recognition and market dominance. This marketing genius ensures the iPhone brand is always top of mind, even in casual email exchanges.
While the signature's direct impact on email deliverability is negligible, the broader context of an email's content, including signatures, plays a role in sender reputation. For instance, if a signature is excessively long or contains elements that trigger spam filters (like too many links or unusual characters), it could potentially contribute to delivery issues. Ensuring that your email signature, whether from an iPhone or a desktop, is concise and professional is a deliverability best practice.
Deliverability and reputation impact
While the "Sent from my iPhone" signature itself doesn't directly cause emails to be blocklisted (or blacklisted), it ties into the broader subject of email authenticity and reputation. Email service providers (ESPs) and inbox providers (like Google or Outlook) analyze various signals to determine an email's trustworthiness. A signature that appears inconsistent with the email's content, especially if it's a marketing email disguised as a personal one, could subtly contribute to negative recipient engagement, leading to lower sender scores over time. This is especially relevant if you're trying to improve your domain reputation.
More broadly, while the signature itself doesn't affect email authentication protocols like DMARC, SPF, or DKIM, the content of an email is crucial for inbox placement. Inconsistent messaging or a perceived attempt to mislead recipients (e.g., a bulk email designed to look like a personal one) can lead to higher spam complaint rates. For comprehensive email health, it is important to address all aspects of your email campaigns, from authentication to content. If you're encountering deliverability challenges, understanding why your emails are failing is key.
Ultimately, the presence of "Sent from my iPhone" is a minor detail in the grand scheme of email deliverability. However, it highlights the importance of consistency and authenticity in email communication. A well-crafted email, with a relevant and professional signature, reinforces trust and ensures that your message is received as intended, minimizing any chance of being flagged by filters or recipients. The impact of your signature on your emails being delivered to the inbox can be critical. You can learn more about why email signatures affect deliverability.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always customize your email signature for professionalism, regardless of the device you are sending from.
Ensure consistency across all email clients, including desktop and mobile, to maintain a unified brand image.
Review your email content and design to ensure it aligns with any included signature, especially for marketing emails.
Common pitfalls
Leaving the default 'Sent from my iPhone' signature on professional or marketing emails.
Using a complex, formatted signature from an iPhone, which can appear disingenuous.
Ignoring how your signature might contribute to the overall perception of your email's authenticity.
Expert tips
Implement a consistent email signature policy across your organization for all devices.
Regularly test your email signatures across different email clients to ensure proper rendering.
Consider a simple, text-based signature for mobile replies to maintain context and avoid formatting issues.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says that getting a message from someone that includes a
2019-05-17 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says that it is disappointing when organizations known for good email practices defend using the 'Sent from my iPhone' signature, especially in sales or marketing communications.
2019-05-18 - Email Geeks
Making your email signature work for you
The "Sent from my iPhone" signature, while a simple default, carries multiple layers of meaning, from subtle marketing for Apple to an implicit signal about the email's composition circumstances. Its prevalence is a testament to the power of default settings and the casual approach many users take towards their email setup. However, for those focused on professional communication and email deliverability, it's a reminder of the importance of consistency and intent.
While it won't land you on a blocklist, carefully considering your email signature, whether it's the default iPhone one or a custom creation, contributes to your overall sender reputation and how your messages are perceived. Customizing it can help maintain professionalism, manage expectations, and ensure your emails always convey the right message, regardless of the device you're using to send them.
Google or 
Outlook) analyze various signals to determine an email's trustworthiness. A signature that appears inconsistent with the email's content, especially if it's a marketing email disguised as a personal one, could subtly contribute to negative recipient engagement, leading to lower sender scores over time. This is especially relevant if you're trying to improve your domain reputation.
Apple to an implicit signal about the email's composition circumstances. Its prevalence is a testament to the power of default settings and the casual approach many users take towards their email setup. However, for those focused on professional communication and email deliverability, it's a reminder of the importance of consistency and intent.
