iOS 26 makes iPhones smarter when it comes to calls

Unwanted calls remain a problem. Whether robocalls, spam attempts, or aggressive advertising – they cost time and stress. Users may turn to third-party apps or block numbers manually, but this rarely works reliably. With iOS 26, Apple now wants to tackle the problem itself – directly in the operating system, without any additional apps.

At the WWDC25 developer conference, Apple introduced two new iPhone features designed to make phone calls easier and significantly more enjoyable. Both will be included with iOS 26, which will be released this fall. While "Hold Assist" makes hold times more bearable, "Call Screening" ensures that spam calls won't bother you in the first place.

iOS 26 brings call screening to the iPhone

The most important new feature is call screening. Instead of the iPhone ringing immediately when an unknown number is called, it now automatically takes the first step: It answers the call without displaying anything and asks the caller for their name and the reason for the call. The response is displayed as text. This makes it easy to quickly determine whether the call is genuine or spam. If no meaningful response is given—which is often the case with robocalls—the iPhone remains silent and the call is terminated in the background.

The goal is clear: fewer interruptions in everyday life, more control over who gets through. This can be a significant relief, especially for people who receive a lot of calls, whether professionally or privately.

Spam calls are a growing problem

According to the service Truecaller, users in the US receive an average of 3.3 billion spam calls each month. While this number has recently decreased slightly, the problem persists. The cause is often data brokers who resell phone numbers. This means that even private or new numbers quickly end up in spam lists. With iOS 26 and its call screening feature, Apple is tackling the problem directly. This method of pre-filtering the call before it is even connected could be particularly effective with automated systems. These are usually unable to provide meaningful information – and thus fail at this new hurdle.

Hold Assist: Hold queues run in the background

The second new feature in iOS 26 is called Hold Assist. This puts the iPhone on hold for the user if no one is available to answer a call. Instead of hanging on the phone and listening to hold music, the connection continues in the background. As soon as a real person answers the phone, the iPhone notifies them and connects the call. In the meantime, the device can be used as normal. This also saves time and makes dealing with hotlines more pleasant—whether it's customer service, government agencies, or support.

iOS 26 solves two annoying phone problems at once

With iOS 26, Apple is addressing two common everyday problems: spam calls and hold calls. The new Call Screening feature ensures unwanted callers don't bother you in the first place, and Hold Assist relieves you of the stress of waiting on the phone. Both features directly intervene in your phone's behavior without you having to actively manage it. The launch of iOS 26 is planned for fall. So, if you're fed up with constant spam calls or endless hold calls, you'll be pleased with this update. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)