For many, the phone has become an afterthought on our smartphones. Between robocalls, spam, and endless notifications, answering an unknown number feels like a gamble. But a recent update from Apple aims to change that. iOS 26 introduces some powerful new features designed to make your iPhone usable as a phone again, tackling the frustrating deluge of unwanted calls and texts.
One of the standout features is the AI-powered call screening. This isn’t just your standard spam filter; it intelligently analyzes incoming calls, identifying potential scams and robocalls before they even reach your ear. Crucially, it’s off by default, so you’ll need to activate it manually in your Phone app settings. The process is simple enough, and the peace of mind it offers is invaluable. This feature alone might be enough to make you want to answer your phone again.
In addition to call screening, iOS 26 also includes a spam filter for text messages. Unlike the call screening feature, this one is automatically enabled. While the initial setup might seem a little unclear, the benefit of a significantly reduced spam text inbox is undeniable, especially if you’re tired of the constant barrage of unwanted messages.
The author of this article, a veteran tech journalist, admits to having largely ignored his phone for the past few years, relying on voicemail transcriptions for most communication. Even he found the new features compelling enough to give answering his phone another try. This underlines the effectiveness of Apple’s efforts in making the iPhone a more user-friendly device for its core function: communication.
Ultimately, iOS 26 represents a significant step towards reclaiming the phone function on our iPhones. By intelligently filtering out unwanted calls and texts, Apple is addressing a major source of frustration for many users. If you haven’t already updated, it’s time to do so and take back control of your phone.
