iOS 26 offers new help against spam voicemails

Apple has introduced a number of small and large changes with iOS 26, particularly in the Phone and Messages apps. One of the more striking new features is the ability to mark voicemails as spam. With this, Apple aims to systematically address the problem of unwanted calls and messages. iOS 26 is currently available only to developers; a public beta will be released in July, and the final version will be released this fall alongside the iPhone 17.

Spam calls and fraudulent messages are a daily annoyance for many iPhone users. With iOS 26, Apple is introducing new tools that give you better control over which contacts can reach you – and which can't. Particularly interesting is the new feature in the Phone app that lets you directly report voicemails from unknown numbers as spam. Apple is also improving text message filtering and introducing new protection mechanisms for incoming calls.

New button to report voicemails

The redesigned Phone app in iOS 26 now offers an additional option when playing voicemails: You can forward messages from unknown numbers directly to Apple using a new button labeled "Report as Spam." You have two options: You can report the voicemail and keep it, or report it and delete it at the same time. Apple does not explain in detail what happens to the reported voicemails. There is also no indication of whether reported senders are blocked or whether the content is automatically analyzed in some way. However, it is likely that Apple will use this information to better train spam filters in the future – similar to the already established function for reporting iMessages.

Important to know: Reporting a voicemail as spam doesn't block the caller. If you don't want to receive further messages or calls from that number, you'll need to block it manually.

Call screening filters unknown calls in advance

In addition to the voicemail feature, iOS 26 introduces a new setting called "Call Screening." If someone calls you whose number isn't saved in your contacts, the call will first be intercepted. The caller must briefly introduce themselves and state the reason for the call. Only then will the call be connected to you. This feature is designed to help identify fraudulent or unwanted calls early on, without you having to actively intervene. You'll only hear calls that provide a meaningful introduction—which should automatically filter out many spam attempts.

Message filter expanded in iOS 26

iOS 26 also includes new spam-fighting features in the Messages app. Apple now clearly distinguishes between messages from "Unknown Senders" and those classified as spam. Two-factor codes or messages from companies continue to land in the "Unknown Senders" folder. More suspicious spam messages, such as those with fraudulent content or suspicious links, are now moved directly to a dedicated "Spam" folder. If a message hasn't been classified correctly, you can manually flag it. Using the "Report as Spam" option, you can correct the error and forward it to Apple. This manual entry helps to further improve the filters. Messages from unknown numbers or numbers classified as spam are muted by default. You won't receive push notifications, but you'll see a small icon in the Messages app indicating new content. If that's too restrictive for you, you can deactivate the filter functions in the settings at any time.

Future developments possible

There's currently no automatic filtering of voicemails like there is for SMS. However, Apple appears to be building the necessary infrastructure for it. If enough users take advantage of the new reporting feature, it's conceivable that future versions will include automatic detection of spam voicemails. Similar to iMessages, Apple could then automatically identify certain numbers or content and filter them out in advance.

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iOS 26: The anti-spam update at a glance

With iOS 26, Apple is delivering important new anti-spam features – for both phone calls and text messages. The new button for reporting voicemails, call screening for unknown calls, and separate management of spam and system messages in the Messages app demonstrate that Apple is taking this issue seriously. iOS 26 is currently only available to developers, but the public beta version will be available starting in July. The full update will be released this fall, along with the new iPhone models. If you're fed up with spam calls and scam messages, iOS 26 is a step in the right direction. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including accessories for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)