iOS 26 Brings Call Screening: Apple’s New Weapon Against Phone Scams

iOS 26 Brings Call Screening: Apple’s New Weapon Against Phone Scams!

If you raised your phone every time an unknown number popped up — stop. That call might not be a friend or a client. It could be a scammer fishing for your bank details, your personal info, or even just your voice to use in a deepfake scam.

Until now, iPhone users had little choice but to either gamble by answering or let everything go to voicemail. But with iOS 26, Apple finally introduces Call Screening — a feature Android users have had for years — and it might just save you from your next phishing attempt.

Why Call Screening Matters

Phone-based phishing scams (vishing) are booming. Criminals spoof caller IDs to make it look like your bank, your doctor, or even your own number is calling. Once you pick up, they pressure you into sharing sensitive information — or capture your voice for identity fraud.

The golden rule: Never answer calls from numbers you don’t know. But ignoring unknown calls isn’t always practical. That’s where Call Screening steps in.

How Call Screening Protects You

With Apple’s new feature, when an unknown number calls:

• The call is answered by Apple’s built-in digital assistant — not you.

• A real-time transcript of the caller’s voice appears on your screen.

• You decide whether to pick up, ignore, or block — without ever speaking a word.

This way, scammers never get access to your voice or personal details.

How To Turn On Call Screening in iOS 26

1. Open Settings

2. Scroll to Phone

3. Tap Call Screening & Identification

4. Toggle Call Screening → On

5. Choose whether to allow only Contacts, Favorites, or Recent Numbers to ring through.

Once enabled, every unknown call gets screened before it ever reaches you.

Why This Is Big for iPhone Users

• Peace of Mind: You don’t need to wonder if that unknown number is a client or a scammer.

• Time Saved: No more voicemails full of robocall nonsense.

• Security First: Protects against social engineering attacks where a scammer only needs your voice.

For SMBs, healthcare offices, law firms, and schools, where phone calls are still mission-critical, this reduces risk without interrupting business flow.

The Bottom Line

Apple may be late to the game, but with call screening now built into iOS 26, iPhone users finally have a strong defense against voice phishing scams.

In today’s world, your best response to an unknown caller isn’t to pick up. It’s to let technology do the screening for you.

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