Too many junk calls to your iPhone? Try Apple's new iOS 26 call screen feature

"iPhone users have a new tool to combat the scourge of nuisance phone calls: a virtual gatekeeper that can screen incoming calls from unknown numbers.It's among the bevy of new features that Apple rolled out with last month's release of iOS 26. The screening feature has been getting attention because of the ever-increasing amount of robocalls and spam calls that leave many phone users feeling harassed."

"First, you'll need to update your iPhone's operating system to iOS 26, which is available to the iPhone 11 and newer models.To switch call screening on, go into Settings-Apps-Phone. Scroll down and you'll find a new option: Screen Unknown Callers.You'll be presented with three choices. The Never option lets any unknown call ring through, while Silence sends all unidentified numbers directly to voicemail. What you want to tap is the middle option: Ask Reason for Calling."

"Call screening introduces a layer between you and new callers.When someone who's not in your contacts list dials your number, a Siri-style voice will ask them to give their name and the purpose of their call.At the same time, you'll get a notification that the call is being screened. When the caller responds, the answers will be transcribed and the conversation will pop up in speech bubbles."

iOS 26 introduces a call screening tool for iPhone 11 and newer that filters incoming calls from unknown numbers. Users enable it in Settings > Apps > Phone under Screen Unknown Callers and choose Never, Silence, or Ask Reason for Calling. Some users may need to restart the phone or adjust region and language settings to see the option. When enabled, an automated Siri-style voice asks unknown callers to state their name and purpose; the responses are transcribed and displayed as speech bubbles. Users can answer, send prewritten replies like "I'll call you later" or "Send more information," or silence unwanted calls.

Read at Fast Company