Updated
Updated · CNET · Jul 19
iOS 26 Call Screening Blocks Spam Calls With 3 Options for iPhone Users
Updated
Updated · CNET · Jul 19

iOS 26 Call Screening Blocks Spam Calls With 3 Options for iPhone Users

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Jul 19

Summary

  • iOS 26 lets compatible iPhones screen unknown callers with three settings—Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence—aimed at cutting spam-call interruptions.
  • Ask Reason for Calling keeps the phone from ringing, prompts unsaved callers to explain why they are calling, and sends the user a transcript before they decide whether to answer.
  • Silence sends all unsaved numbers straight to voicemail, while Never leaves calls unchanged, making Ask Reason for Calling the most balanced option for users expecting legitimate calls.
  • The feature is not tied to Apple Intelligence, so any iPhone that supports iOS 26 can use it once enabled through Settings, Apps, and Phone.

Insights

With iOS 26 now screening calls, how are AI scams evolving to trick the system?
As Apple silences unknown callers, are businesses abandoning the traditional phone call for good?
Has Apple's war on spam created a new risk of missing life-saving alerts from unknown numbers?