iOS 26 introduces some valuable updates to its Phone app, notably enhancing its anti-spam capabilities. Among the standout features are Hold Assist and Call Screening, designed to streamline user experience and combat unwanted communication.
Alongside these enhancements, Apple has also integrated a new option that allows users to flag spam voicemails. Although the specifics of how Apple utilizes these reports remain unclear, the system is similar to the one used for spam messages, indicating that user reports could help refine the voicemail filtering process in iOS 26.
When users report a voicemail as spam, it does not automatically block the sender; they must take further steps to do so. Apple has consistently aimed to empower users with tools that minimize spam interactions.
The Call Screening feature is another innovation, which engages callers from numbers not saved in the user’s contact list, prompting them to provide more information before the call proceeds. This additional layer of screening can be particularly helpful in identifying fraudulent calls.
The Messages app in iOS 26 has also undergone enhancements in spam reporting. Messages recognized as spam are now routed to a dedicated Spam folder, differentiating them from the Unknown Senders folder, which contains messages from non-contacts, including two-factor authentication messages.
Users can take action by reporting messages that may have been misclassified. Both categories of messages—spam and unknown senders—are silenced to avoid unnecessary notifications, although a badge will still appear in the Messages app.
These features, currently available in developer beta and set for a public release in the fall, provide significant relief for users who frequently face spam and scams. Even though spam voicemails are not a major issue for me, the ability to report them adds an important layer of control.
Overall, the updates in iOS 26 are a welcome enhancement for those seeking to manage unwanted communications effectively.