1. Make an app password
Apple asks for an app-specific password for mail apps. Create one at account.apple.com under Sign-In and Security.
iCloud Mail, in a calmer app.
On the Mac, iCloud Mail means Apple Mail or a browser tab.
zora is a third option: a calm, keyboard-first email client that's happy to sit next to both.
Adding iCloud takes a minute.
zora connects to iCloud over IMAP, and fills in the server settings for you.
2. Add the account
Type your iCloud address and that password in zora. The servers are filled in.
3. Your mail is there
Folders, flags and read state stay in sync with Mail on your iPhone and iPad.
What you get on top.
Keyboard first
A command palette on ⌘K, plus J K to move, E to archive and R to reply.
Search that narrows
⌘F to search, then filter by sender, dates, excluded words or attachment size.
Gmail next to it
Add Gmail with real labels, plus Fastmail, Yahoo or any IMAP account, in one window.
Fast and offline
Mail is cached on your Mac. It opens instantly and stays readable without a connection.
Private by default
Passwords live in the Keychain, and remote images stay blocked until you ask.
Nine color themes
Everforest, Flexoki, Gruvbox, Kanagawa, Nord, Rosé Pine, Solarized, Zenwritten and zora's own.
Fair to say.
A few iCloud extras live in Apple's own apps.
Mac only
No zora for iPhone or iPad. Keep Mail there, it all stays in sync on iCloud.
Hide My Email
Create new Hide My Email addresses in Settings or Apple Mail. zora reads mail sent to them like any other.
Not free
zora costs €99, once. Try every feature free for 14 days before you decide.
Made by one person.
zora is paid for by the people who use it, so its only job is to be a good mail app for them.
Pay once. A lifetime license, no subscription.
No server in between. zora talks straight to iCloud. Nobody else receives your mail, including me.
No tracking, AI off by default. No analytics, no telemetry. Optional AI features use your own API key and stay off until you turn them on.
Your iCloud Mail, in a calmer place.
Requires macOS 14 or later.
Apple, Mac, macOS and iCloud are trademarks of Apple Inc. zora is an independent app and is not affiliated with Apple.