iOS 26 introduces a new call screening feature that helps block spam and unknown callers.
If you’re constantly getting interrupted by annoying spam calls, Apple’s latest iOS 26 update has something that might just make your day a built-in call screening feature that puts you back in control.
The public beta of iOS 26 dropped on July 24, bringing in a wave of new updates like the sleek Liquid Glass look and customizable alarm snooze times. But one of the most practical tools? The ability to screen unknown callers making spam calls a thing of the past.
And no, this isn’t part of Apple Intelligence, so you don’t need the absolute latest model to use it. Any iPhone that supports iOS 26 like the iPhone 14 Pro will have this feature when the final version rolls out this fall.
Want to turn it on? It just takes a few taps.
How to Enable Call Screening on iOS 26
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Apps
- Select Phone
From there, look for the Screen Unknown Callers section and you’ll see three options: Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each setting does and which one is right for you.
Which Option Should You Go With?
If you choose Never, then nothing changes. Calls from unknown numbers will still ring your phone, and they’ll be logged in your Recents tab just like before this feature existed.
Opting for Ask Reason for Calling introduces a bit of magic. Your iPhone will intercept calls from unsaved numbers and ask the caller to explain why they’re calling all without ringing your phone. You’ll then receive a transcript of their response and can decide if it’s worth picking up.
If you select Silence, your phone will go into full no-interruptions mode; any number that’s not in your contacts goes straight to voicemail. No transcript, no alert, just silence.
For most people, Ask Reason for Calling hits the sweet spot. You stay informed, avoid interruptions, and still catch important calls.
As one tester shared,
“I chose it, and while it notified me when scam callers answered some questions which they rarely did, it also notified me when my doctor’s office called to go over some test results.”
An important call might’ve been missed. And picking Never would have meant screening every ring just in case.
The good news? You’re not locked into your choice. If one setting doesn’t suit your needs, just head back into the menu and switch it up. And hey, there’s always the classic option.
“You can always silence your iPhone and not be bothered by any phone calls. My wife hasn’t taken her phone off silent in months and she remains blissfully unbothered by spam calls.”
A Quick Word of Caution
Remember, iOS 26 is still in beta. That means it could be a little buggy, and battery life might take a hit. If you’re curious to try it, consider installing the beta on a spare device, not your daily driver. Apple may also tweak or refine call screening before the final release this fall.
Looking for more on what iOS 26 is bringing to your iPhone? Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions and a full breakdown of the upcoming features later this year.
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