Apple’s iOS 26 Update: A New Tool to Block Robocalls and Spam

With the release of iOS 26, Apple introduces a new feature aimed at tackling the growing problem of robocalls and spam. This call screening tool allows iPhone users to screen unknown callers by requiring them to state their name and the purpose of their call. To activate the feature, users need to update their iPhone to iOS 26, available for iPhone 11 and newer models. The feature provides three options: never screen calls, silence unknown callers, or ask the caller for their reason for calling. Users can choose the middle option, which prompts unknown callers to provide information. If the caller’s response is deemed relevant, users can choose to answer or send a preset reply. Although the feature works well in most cases, some users have reported issues, such as delivery drivers hanging up or missed calls from important contacts who didn’t realize they needed to respond to the prompt. This call screening feature is an improvement over Apple’s previous efforts but still faces a few technical challenges. Google has had a similar feature for years, and Apple seems to be catching up with its own version, which may prove more useful as it improves over time.