iOS 26 introduces Call Reasons to filter spam without missing important calls

Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces a feature called Call Reasons, designed to help users manage phone calls more effectively by filtering spam without missing legitimate calls. The feature prompts unknown callers to briefly explain the purpose of their call before the recipient decides whether to answer. This allows iPhone users to make informed decisions in real time.

When an unsaved number calls, the iPhone displays a live transcription of the caller’s message as they speak. This approach provides the benefits of voicemail but in real time, offering a clear understanding of the caller’s intent. Users can choose to answer if the message is relevant, such as a delivery, appointment, or business-related inquiry, or decline the call if it appears unnecessary.

Call Reasons offers a more flexible solution compared to the existing Silence Unknown Callers option, which sends all unknown numbers straight to voicemail, including legitimate calls. By screening calls interactively, iOS 26 helps reduce the risk of spam and robocalls while preserving communication from real contacts. Robocallers rarely respond to the prompt, automatically filtering many unwanted calls.

To enable the feature, users should navigate to the Settings app, select Phone, tap Silence Unknown Callers, and choose the Ask to Share Call Reason option. This setting only applies to numbers not saved in contacts, ensuring that calls from friends, family, and saved contacts ring through normally. Users should note that the feature requires iOS 17 or later, works for voice calls only, and may initially confuse some callers.