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iOS 26 Call Screening asks an unknown caller to state their name and reason for calling before your iPhone rings. You can then use that information to decide whether to answer. It can add context before you pick up, but Apple does not publish a scam-blocking rate or guarantee, so treat it as a way to manage interruptions—not as proof that a call is safe.
How does iOS 26 Call Screening work?
When an unknown number calls, the iPhone answers automatically and prompts the caller to share their name and reason for calling. After the caller responds, the phone rings and shows you the information so you can choose whether to answer. The feature builds on Live Voicemail, according to Apple’s iOS 26 announcement; Apple describes it as a way to gather details that help you decide whether to pick up or ignore a call.
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Screening is not the same as recognizing a caller. Apple says caller information may also come from Apple Business Connect, supported carriers, and supported call-identification apps. Those sources identify callers; Call Screening asks an unknown caller directly for information.
How do I screen unknown calls on iPhone?
- Open Settings > Apps > Phone.
- Under the unknown-caller controls, select Ask Reason for Calling.
- When an unknown caller responds to the prompt, review the stated name and reason when your iPhone rings, then decide whether to answer.
Apple’s iPhone guide says Siri speaks in the iPhone’s default language when answering screened calls. Availability depends on supported language, region, and local law.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What is the difference between screening, silencing, and filtering?
These settings handle unknown calls differently: screening gives you context before the phone rings, while silencing avoids the interruption by routing the call to voicemail. Filters sort or silence calls according to the category and identification available.
| Option | What happens | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Ask Reason for Calling | The iPhone asks an unknown caller for their name and reason; after the caller responds, the phone rings with that information. | You want a chance to assess an unfamiliar call before answering. |
| Silence | Calls from unsaved numbers are silenced, sent to voicemail, and shown in Recents. | You prefer not to be interrupted and can check missed calls later. |
| Never | Call Screening is off; calls from unsaved numbers ring normally. | You want unknown callers to reach you without screening. |
| Unknown Callers filter | Calls from unknown numbers are moved to an Unknown Callers list. | You want unknown calls separated for review. |
| Spam filter | Calls the carrier identifies as potential spam or fraud are silenced and moved to a Spam list. | You want carrier-identified potential spam or fraud calls handled separately. |
Apple documents the settings and behaviors in its guide to screening and blocking calls on iPhone. You can also mark an unknown number as known or block a specific number. Screening, the Unknown Callers list, and the Spam filter are separate controls; the Spam filter depends on the carrier identifying a call as potential spam or fraud.
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- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
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- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Can iPhone screen scam calls before they ring?
It can ask an unknown caller for information before the phone rings, which may help you decide whether to answer. But the caller’s response is not a verification of identity, and Apple’s product and support pages do not provide a measured scam-prevention rate or promise that screening will stop scams. Use the information as context, not as proof that a call is legitimate.
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Is Call Screening available on my iPhone and in my region?
Apple’s June 9, 2025 iOS 26 announcement lists iPhone 11 and later for the new software features. If your iPhone supports iOS 26, you do not need a new device just to use this built-in feature; an older unsupported iPhone would need compatible hardware to run iOS 26.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Call Screening is listed for supported locales in Cantonese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. Language names alone do not establish availability everywhere: Apple notes that feature availability can vary by region and local law, and Siri uses the iPhone’s default language for screened calls. Check Apple’s current iOS feature-availability list for the applicable region and language.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I turn off screening or let unknown callers through?
Go to Settings > Apps > Phone. Choose Never to turn off Call Screening and let unsaved numbers ring normally. Choose Silence instead if you want unsaved callers sent to voicemail without ringing. These choices change how calls are handled; they do not block a specific number.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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