New shield against nuisance calls: iOS 26 Screen Unknown Callers
Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 26, introduces a virtual gatekeeper designed to curb the flood of robocalls and spam. The feature, called Screen Unknown Callers, sits between you and unfamiliar numbers, giving you more control over which calls deserve your attention. This addition joins a slate of improvements included in the iOS 26 release and is a welcome option for anyone tired of indiscriminate dialing from unknown numbers.
How to activate call screening
To start using call screening, you’ll need to update your iPhone to iOS 26. The feature works on iPhone 11 and newer models. Here’s how to enable it:
- Open Settings, go to Apps, then select Phone.
- Scroll to find Screen Unknown Callers and choose it.
- Pick your preferred option. The middle choice, Ask Reason for Calling, balances protection with accessibility. The Never option lets all unknown calls ring through, while Silence routes them to voicemail. If the option isn’t visible, a quick restart of the phone can help.
Some users have reported regional differences in the menu. If you don’t see the feature, check your region and language settings—an edge case reported by early testers who had to switch from regions like Hong Kong to the United Kingdom to unlock the updated menu.
How it works: a smart, conversational gatekeeper
Screen Unknown Callers adds a layer of interaction for numbers not in your contacts. When a call comes in from an unknown number, Siri-like voice prompts the caller to provide their name and the purpose of the call. You’ll see a notification that the call is being screened as the transcription appears in speech bubbles on your screen.
From there, you can decide how to proceed. You can answer, or use pre-written responses such as “I’ll call you later” or “Send more information,” which the AI voice will relay to the caller. If you prefer, you can type a custom response for the voice assistant to read aloud. If you don’t respond promptly, the call will continue to ring while you decide what to do.
Potential teething troubles
While Screen Unknown Callers is designed to minimize interruptions, it isn’t flawless. Reports and anecdotes show that some legitimate calls—think auto mechanics, delivery services, or important business numbers—may be delayed or misinterpreted, especially if the caller doesn’t stay on the line to interact with the system. A few users have described situations where a caller offered only a name, causing confusion about whether the person on the line was known. As with any automated screening tool, occasional false positives or missed calls can occur.
If you find the feature intrusive or inconvenient, you can disable it at any time in the same Settings menu where you enabled it. This ensures you retain full control over your call experience.
How it compares with Android and other options
Apple isn’t the first to introduce automatic call screening. Google’s Pixel line has offered a similar Call Screen function for years in the United States, and Google has expanded its rollout to countries including Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Google’s system is highly automated, attempting to identify spam and filter calls with the option to hang up on suspected junk calls. While effective in many cases, it’s not perfect and can misclassify legitimate calls. Samsung’s Galaxy devices also offer similar screening through Bixby’s text-to-speech AI for calls, underscoring a broader trend toward AI-assisted call management across platforms.
What this means for iPhone users going forward
iOS 26’s call screening adds a practical, user-friendly layer to digital privacy. For many, it provides a middle ground: less disruption than full silencing, but more protection than answering every unknown call. It’s especially helpful in environments saturated with marketing numbers and robocalls, offering a chance to review what’s important without missing urgent communications.
If you’re curious about how well Screen Unknown Callers serves your daily needs, enable it for a trial period and monitor which calls get through and which don’t. As with any AI-assisted tool, your mileage may vary based on regional networks, caller behavior, and how diligently you interact with the feature.
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Kelvin Chan, The Associated Press
