iOS 26 Beta Makes Call Screening Awesome—And Makes Robocalls Way Less Annoying

Introduction

Apple’s iOS 26 public beta is now live, and it’s packed with sleek design updates and intelligent new tools. Among the most exciting: Call Screening, a clever feature that intercepts unknown callers, asks for their name and purpose, and gives you the transcript—so you decide whether to pick up. It’s about time your iPhone took your calls for you—literally. Tom’s Guide+15Tom’s Guide+15Diario AS+15

Why Call Screening Rocks

• Zero more guessing games
  When an unknown number calls, your iPhone answers automatically and says something like “State your name and reason for calling.” You see a real-time transcript and choose whether to accept or decline. It’s clean, efficient, and puts control back in your hands. AppleTom’s GuideMacRumors
• Built on solid roots
  This isn’t a brand-new idea—it evolves Apple’s Live Voicemail, giving unwanted calls a moment to make their case instead of getting sent straight to voicemail, improving your experience without extra effort. Tom’s Guide+6Apple+6numeracle.com+6
• More than just screening
  iOS 26 packs several complementary features in the Phone app:
  • Hold Assist alerts you when someone picks up after you’ve been put on hold.
  • Spam filtering & unknown caller management help you keep clutter out of your main call list.
  • Report Spam button for voicemails, or move unknown calls into a dedicated section.
  • Plus, the new unified layout merges Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into a single, streamlined view.TikTok+13Apple+13Tom’s Guide+13MacRumors
• Works across Apple devices
  These call features, including Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Live Translation, extend beyond the iPhone to iPads and Macs—so you stay in control, no matter your device. numeracle.com+15MacRumors+15Tom’s Guide+15

How It Compares—and Where It Excels

Tom’s Guide tried iOS 26’s Call Screening against Android 16’s version—and the results are telling. Apple’s implementation is solid: smooth transcription and caller info delivered before your phone ever rings. But Android’s does a step further—it offers real-time AI-generated response suggestions using more advanced contextual awareness. Still, for a first-gen implementation, iOS 26 delivers meaningful value—and everything runs locally, with a stronger focus on privacy. Diario AS+3Tom’s Guide+3TikTok+3

Bonus: More Handy Features You’ll Love

Call Screening peers into a package of clever enhancements that elevate everyday use:

• Liquid Glass UI – A translucent, tactile design language that brings depth and refraction across iOS.MacRumors+5WIRED+5The Sun+5
• Live Translation – Converts text and voice in real time during calls, FaceTime chats, and Messages. Tom’s Guide+2TechRadar+2
• Adaptive Power Mode, custom alarm snooze, dirty lens alerts, and more—offering usability improvements that really stick. WIRED+9Tom’s Guide+9TechRadar+9

Final Thoughts

Call Screening in iOS 26 is a game-changer. It hands back control during incoming calls, cuts through robocall clutter, and reduces interruptions with savvy automation. Add in Hold Assist, spam filtering, and a unified interface—and Apple’s well on its way to making phone calls less of a hassle—or a headache.