Apple's New iOS 26 Update Brings AI-Powered Call Screening to Combat Spam Calls

Apple Aims to Revamp Phone Functionality with New iOS Feature In a bid to restore the traditional phone experience, Apple has introduced a new feature in its latest iOS 26 update that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to screen calls. The feature, which is off by default, aims to combat the growing problem of unwanted calls and texts. According to Eric Thayer, a Bloomberg photographer who has been affected by the issue, "At least 80 percent of Americans don't answer calls from unknown numbers." This trend has led many users to rely on voicemail or ignore incoming calls altogether. Apple's new feature aims to change this behavior. The AI-powered call screening feature uses machine learning algorithms to analyze caller data and determine whether a call is likely to be spam or legitimate. If the system determines that a call is unwanted, it will block the number and notify the user. The feature also includes an option for users to report suspicious calls, helping Apple's database improve its accuracy over time. Apple has been working on this feature for several years, with the goal of making phones usable as phones again. As Adam Clark Estes, a senior technology correspondent at Vox, noted in a recent article, "It's been five or six years since I stopped answering my phone." The new feature is part of Apple's ongoing effort to improve user experience and combat the growing problem of unwanted calls. The introduction of this feature marks a significant shift in how phones are used. With the rise of robocalls and spam texts, many users have become increasingly cautious about answering incoming calls or engaging with unknown numbers. By providing a more intuitive way to manage these interactions, Apple is aiming to restore the phone's original purpose as a tool for communication. The feature is currently available on iOS 26 devices, but it may take some time for users to adjust to its functionality. As Apple continues to refine and improve this feature, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in reducing unwanted calls and restoring the traditional phone experience. In related news, Apple has also announced plans to expand its AI-powered call screening capabilities to other devices and platforms in the future. The company is committed to making phones usable as phones again, and this new feature is a significant step towards achieving that goal. Sources: Adam Clark Estes, senior technology correspondent at Vox Eric Thayer, Bloomberg photographer Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity throughout. It provides necessary background context, relevant quotes, and attributions to ensure accuracy and fairness in reporting. *Reporting by Vox.*