Phishing messages are exploding: iOS 26 brings a new layer of defense for iPhone users.

iOS 26 enhances the shield against phishing messages.

In response to the growing wave of fake messages and scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Apple has upgraded its in-app security system.Messageon iPhones via the latest iOS update. The goal is to help users easily identify and avoid interacting with content that shows signs of fraud.

Specifically, the new feature allows iPhones to automatically categorize incoming messages based on the sender's trustworthiness. Messages from contacts or verified sources will appear in the main conversation thread, while suspicious messages will be moved to the "Trustworthy" section.Spam" for users to review later."

By default, legitimate messages from unknown numbers, such as bank OTP codes or business notifications, still appear in the main inbox.

However, Apple has added an option that allows users to isolate all messages from unknown senders with just a few taps, such as opening the app.Message, select the three horizontal lines icon in the upper right corner, scroll down “Filter management", then turn on "Unknown sender"

When activated, these messages will be moved to the "" folder.List of unknown senders"This helps you better control unverified contact sources."

This new feature demonstrates Apple's proactive efforts to protect users from SMS scams, which are on the rise globally.

Despite its simplicity, this intelligent filtering system promises to significantly reduce the risk of iPhone users inadvertently providing sensitive information to malicious actors.

Text message scams: A multi-billion dollar criminal "industry".

SMS scams are spreading at an unprecedented rate, becoming a lucrative "business" for global cybercriminals. In the past few years, criminal gangs based in China have profited more than $1 billion from these types of scams, according to recent reports from cybersecurity agencies.

A new survey by the non-profit Pew Research Center (USA) shows that 61% of American adults report receiving phishing messages at least once a week, while 20% even face them daily. These messages can take on anything from delivery notifications and bank alerts to account verification requests, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fake.

More worryingly, AI tools like ChatGPT are being exploited by cybercriminals to create more natural-looking and persuasive phishing messages than ever before, blurring the lines between legitimate and malicious messaging.

While previously victims were primarily older people, now 26% of users aged 18-29 also admit to having lost money to online scams, according to data from the Pew Research Center.

In this context, increased vigilance against scams is crucial. Apple responded quickly with a smart message filtering system in iOS 26, which automatically isolates and flags suspicious messages.

Furthermore, the company introduced Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) – a new security technology on the iPhone 17 series, designed to prevent spyware and strengthen users' defenses against sophisticated attacks.