NextFin news, Apple rolled out a new call screening feature on iOS 26 on Thursday, October 9, 2025, enabling iPhone users worldwide to screen unknown callers automatically. This feature asks callers from unsaved numbers to state their name and reason for calling before the phone rings, displaying the response as text on the iPhone screen.
The new feature, called “Ask Why I’m Calling,” aims to combat the growing nuisance of spam, robocalls, and unwanted calls, which have become a widespread problem for smartphone users. Instead of simply silencing unknown callers or sending them to voicemail, iOS 26 now provides a virtual gatekeeper that filters calls more intelligently.
When an unknown number calls, the iPhone answers with a brief automated message requesting the caller’s identity and purpose. The caller’s spoken response is transcribed into text and shown on the user’s screen, allowing them to decide whether to accept or reject the call without hearing a ringtone. This method helps users avoid interruptions from spam calls while still receiving important calls from new contacts such as doctors, delivery services, or repair personnel.
The feature is accessible through the iPhone’s Settings app under Apps > Phone > Check Unknown Numbers, where users can enable “Ask me why I’m calling.” Users can also choose alternative options such as muting unknown callers or allowing all calls to ring normally.
Apple’s new call screening feature is available on all iPhones compatible with iOS 26, including the latest iPhone 17 models and some older devices. The company encourages users to keep their contact lists updated to ensure important calls are not filtered unnecessarily.
According to reports from the Associated Press and Financial Post, this update represents a significant improvement over the previous “Silence Unknown Callers” option, which forwarded all unknown calls directly to voicemail, sometimes causing users to miss legitimate calls.
By implementing this feature, Apple aims to provide iPhone users with greater control and peace of mind in managing incoming calls, reducing time wasted on spam, and improving overall phone call security.
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