iOS 26 introduces a handful of intelligent features that make everyday communication feel more manageable – and the best part is, you don’t need a brand-new iPhone to use them. Unlike some of the flashier Apple Intelligence tools, these upgrades work on any device running iOS 26.
Screen those calls
When enabled, the new Call Screening feature automatically intercepts calls from unknown numbers. Instead of ringing through, these callers are sent to an automated assistant that politely asks who they are and what they’re calling about.
You’ll see a live transcription of their response appear on screen in a large notification bubble, alongside options to answer, dismiss, or request more information. Tap the latter, and the virtual assistant will keep the conversation going on your behalf, asking the caller to clarify their reason for calling. It’s a great way to weed out spam and avoid awkward interruptions without missing something important.
This feature can be switched on from Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers > Ask Reason For Calling. If you’d prefer to give strangers the cold shoulder, choose Silence instead to send them straight to voicemail with no notifications.
Hold the phone
On the other end of the line, Hold Assist takes the stress out of outgoing calls. If you ring a business and get placed in a long hold queue, your iPhone will monitor the call for signs of a real person picking up. That means you can step away from your phone or switch to another app without worrying you’ll miss the moment someone actually answers.
Once the hold music ends, you’ll get a ping letting you know there’s somebody there.
To use this feature, head back to Settings > Apps > Phone and ensure Detect Call Waiting is enabled.
Message sorting
There’s a similar helping hand in the Messages app too. Unknown senders are now automatically screened into a separate inbox, keeping your main messages tidy and free from junk. To see them, tap the menu button in the top right of the app and choose Unknown Senders.
You won’t get notifications for these messages unless you reply or add the sender to your contacts, at which point they’ll move back into your main inbox and behave like any other conversation.