iPhone call screening in iOS 26 can block spam calls

iOS 26 introduces a call screening feature for iPhones that offers three options—Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence—to manage calls from unsaved numbers; the article reports fewer spam rings after the author enabled the feature.

iOS 26 adds a call screening control that aims to limit unwanted calls on compatible iPhones. The feature is separate from Apple Intelligence and is available to any iPhone that supports iOS 26. An early beta user described seeing far fewer spam calls after turning it on. The control must be enabled in the device settings to take effect. Key facts: - iOS 26 provides three Screen Unknown Callers modes: Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence. - The article describes “Ask Reason for Calling” as prompting unsaved-number callers to state a reason and delivering a transcript to the phone owner; the author reported it filtered spam while allowing legitimate calls, such as from a doctor’s office. - The “Silence” option sends unsaved-number calls to voicemail without ringing, and “Never” leaves call handling unchanged from prior behavior. - The article says the setting is found under Settings > Apps > Phone, in the Screen Unknown Callers section. Summary: The new call screening control gives iPhone users three distinct ways to handle calls from unsaved numbers, and the article reports reduced spam rings for the author after enabling it. Undetermined at this time.