Apple’s next iPhone operating software, iOS 26, has just been announced. Its many updates include changes to the Phone app. Alongside new design, it includes two new features which attack two of the worst things about phones: scam calls and the dreaded hold music.
Apple iOS 26 will be available in public beta in July and on general release in the fall, though developers can try out the new software now.
Whenever you get to try it, this is how the two key new features will work.
iOS 26: Call Screening
If you turn on this feature, it will aim to save you from unwanted or scam calls. When it spots a call from a number that’s new to you, it will automatically answer for you, silently, so you’re not disturbed.
It will ask the caller for their name and the reason for your call before putting them through to you. At this point, I suspect, many machine-dialed calls will hang up anyway.
However, if they do answer the questions — and they could be a legit caller but ringing from a new number — then their answers are converted into text and displayed on the iPhone screen. This information can then tell you if you want to ignore the call or pick up.
iOS 26: Hold Assist
This could be even more useful. When you’re on hold, for example, to a travel agent or a utility company, the iPhone can automatically detect hold music (and let’s hope the machine is more tolerant of such annoying sounds than human ears).
The phone can then ask if you want it to wait for you and if so, it quells the hold music without dropping the call. You carry on using your iPhone or even put it away.
As soon as a live agent is available, the iPhone spots this and rings you to let you know to return to the call. Meantime, the system lets the agent know that you’ll be there shortly.
All of which sounds great, really great. A part of me worries that some agents will simply move on to the next customer if you’re not quick enough, but that’s the only issue, I’d say.
These are compelling reasons to upgrade to iOS 26, I believe.
