Apple launches extremely effective spam call blocking feature for iPhone

Apple continues to expand its efforts to protect users from the growing problem of spam calls, with a new call screening feature built into the iOS 26 update.

This was one of the most prominent features introduced with the previous release and quickly gained attention as mobile users grew increasingly tired of robocalls and scams.

How to enable call screening

To experience this tool, users first need to update iPhone to iOS 26 (supported from iPhone 11 and above).

After updating, accessSetting→Application→Phone, then scroll down to the “Screening of unknown callers".

Here, Apple provides 3 control options:

- Never:Prevent all unknown numbers from ringing.

- Silence:Forward unknown calls directly to voicemail.

- Ask Why They're Calling:The recommended intermediate option allows Siri to ask the caller for a reason before the user decides to answer.

If users don't see this option, try restarting their device. Some users have also found that regional settings can affect the feature's visibility.

How call screening works

This feature acts as a virtual layer of protection between the call recipient and the caller.

When an unknown number calls, a Siri-like voice will ask the caller to identify themselves and state their reason for calling. Meanwhile, the recipient will receive a notification that the call is being screened.

When the caller answers, the response is displayed on the screen, allowing the call recipient to read and decide whether to pick up the phone or not.

If they don't want to answer, the call recipient can choose one of the automated messages like “I'll call you back later” or “Please send more information,” and Apple's AI will read it back to the caller.

The call recipient can also type their own message for the virtual assistant to read aloud. During the call recipient's decision, the phone will continue to ring, allowing the call recipient the flexibility to respond.

While a useful feature, it’s still experiencing some minor glitches in its early stages. In theory, it’s a balance between silencing all unknown numbers and letting all calls through. But in practice, it’s not perfect.

In reality, there are also cases where legitimate calls are mistakenly filtered, such as from delivery people, repairmen, or doctors, who may hang up thinking they're getting an automated dialog.

Apple is not the leader, but chooses a different way to catch up with Google and Samsung

Although it has just appeared on Apple's iOS operating system, the idea of ​​​​call screening has been implemented by Google and Samsung before.

Google has been rolling out Call Screen for Pixel users in the US for years now, and last month the company expanded to Australia, Canada, and Ireland.

When enabled (in Settings → Phone app → Call Screen), Google Assistant will ask the caller for their identity and reason. If it is determined to be a spam call, the system will automatically hang up, but valid calls will still be routed to the user.

However, Google also admits that AI cannot detect 100% accurately and sometimes does not understand clearly what the caller is saying.

Similarly, Samsung has equipped Bixby Text Call - a feature that allows the virtual assistant Bixby to answer and filter calls on behalf of users in a similar way to Apple.

Despite some limitations, the call screening feature on iOS 26 marks a big step forward in protecting users from spam calls.

Apple is trying to automate more, making the iPhone not only smarter in processing information but also proactively protecting users against the risks of fraud and harassment.

In the context of spam calls and identity fraud are increasing sharply worldwide, having such a "virtual gatekeeper" will certainly help iPhone users feel more secure every time their phone rings./.