Apple’s release of the second public beta of iOS 26 on August 7 has excited many users, thanks to its fresh features. Among the most noteworthy additions is a sleek new Liquid Glass design and a customizable snooze length for alarms. This update aims to enhance user experience on compatible devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, making it a prime choice for developers and beta testers.
One of the standout features is call screening, designed to help you fend off unwanted spam calls. While this isn’t a product of Apple Intelligence, it’s compatible across all iPhones that support iOS 26. You’ll need to enable it yourself, but I found it to be incredibly effective in blocking persistent spam calls.
However, it’s prudent to remember that iOS 26 is still in beta. This means you might encounter bugs, and battery life issues could arise. So, if you’re keen to experiment, it’s advisable to install it on a secondary device.
If you’re eager to start using the call screening feature, here’s how you can activate it on your iPhone.
How to Turn on Call Screening on Your iPhone
1. Tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Select Phone.
Under the section labeled Screen Unknown Callers, you’ll be presented with three different options: Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence. Each option serves a different purpose, tailored to various user preferences.
Choosing Your Call Screening Option
If you select Never, calls from unsaved numbers will ring through, and any missed calls will still appear in your Recents list. This is the default setting, perfect for users who prefer to receive all calls.
Opting for Ask Reason for Calling changes the game. Your iPhone will pose questions to any unsaved caller, gathering the reason for their call before notifying you with a transcript. This way, you can decide whether to pick up based on the caller’s response.
The Silence option takes an even more stringent approach. Unsaved numbers will be muted and sent straight to voicemail without any prior notification.
For most users, Ask Reason for Calling strikes the right balance. Personally, this setting allowed important calls—like one from my doctor’s office regarding test results—to come through while filtering out spam.
If you find that the Ask Reason feature isn’t for you, you can easily switch back to one of the other settings by following the same steps.
For those who prefer absolute peace, remember that you can silence your iPhone entirely. Many users, like my wife, choose this option to enjoy a spam-free existence.
As we await the final release of iOS 26, users can anticipate additional features and adjustments. The Liquid Glass design and other tweaks promise an upgraded interface and functionality that could redefine mobile usability for Apple fans.