Apple Revamps iPhone Features to Combat Robocalls and Spam
In a bid to restore the functionality of its flagship device as a phone, Apple has introduced new features in iOS 26 aimed at combating robocalls and spam. The move comes as a response to growing concerns over the increasing number of unwanted calls flooding American phones.
According to Eric Thayer, a Bloomberg photographer who has been tracking the issue, "at least 80 percent of Americans don't answer calls from unknown numbers." This trend is attributed to the proliferation of robocalls and spam messages that often go straight to voicemail or clutter text inboxes. Adam Clark Estes, a senior technology correspondent at Vox and author of the User Friendly newsletter, has also stopped answering his phone for all but family or work calls.
The new features, which use AI to screen calls, are off by default but will be prompted when users first open the Phone app after updating to iOS 26. Users can opt-in to enable these features, which promise to significantly reduce unwanted calls and messages.
Background on the issue reveals that Apple has been working to address this problem for some time. The company's efforts come as a response to growing consumer frustration with the sheer number of robocalls and spam messages clogging phone lines. According to Clark Estes, "it's been five or six years since I stopped answering my phone."
Industry experts attribute the rise in unwanted calls to the ease with which scammers can use automated dialing systems to reach a large number of phones simultaneously. This has led to a significant increase in robocalls and spam messages, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate communications.
Apple's move is seen as a step towards restoring the functionality of its devices as telephones. By leveraging AI-powered call screening, the company aims to provide users with more control over their phone experience. Clark Estes notes that "the most ambitious feature uses AI to screen calls," which will help users identify and block unwanted calls.
The introduction of these features is expected to have a significant impact on the way people use their phones. As Thayer points out, "if you're not answering your phone because of robocalls, this could change everything." Apple's efforts are also seen as a response to growing regulatory pressure to address the issue of unwanted calls.
As users begin to experience the new features in iOS 26, it remains to be seen how effective they will be in reducing unwanted calls and spam messages. However, with over 80 percent of Americans already avoiding unknown numbers, Apple's move is likely to have a significant impact on the way people use their phones.
*Reporting by Vox.*
