Spam and scam calls are worse than ever, and to make matters worse, they are now often powered by AI tools and bots. Thankfully, service providers and phone manufacturers have been developing ways to identify and block these calls. With the new iOS 26 update, this issue may finally see some relief. A new setting allows users to restrict and mute certain calls or messages that reach their devices, making it a valuable tool for iPhone users who want to enhance their privacy.

Takeaways:

  1. The new iOS version introduces a setting that blocks spam in both messages and calls on your iPhone with just a few simple steps.
  2. You can avoid annoying calls from companies or unknown numbers and even request additional information about the call so you can decide whether to answer.
  3. Messages also have a useful setting to send them either to the unknown sender folder or directly to the spam folder.

How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on iPhone with iOS 26

Now, from your iPhone’s Settings app, you can find a new option to filter unwanted calls. Whether you have the iPhone 17 Pro or 16, if you’ve installed the iOS 26 update, you can use this feature. It’s a new method that allows you to accept, reject, or even mute calls from companies or unknown numbers.

If you want to avoid spam calls or prevent your voicemail from filling up, follow these steps in 2025 with iOS 26:

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone with iOS 26.
  • Scroll down to find the Apps option.
  • On the next screen, select the Phone app.
  • Scroll to the Filter Unknown Callers section:
  • Never: No filter is applied; you can receive any call.
  • Request Reason for Call: The caller or company will be asked to provide information about the call, so you can decide whether to answer.
  • Silence: No notification is shown, and the call goes directly to voicemail.

How to Set Up the New Spam or Unknown Sender Message Filter on iPhone with iOS 26

The anti-spam filter is also available for the Messages app on all iPhones compatible with iOS 26. To enable it and filter spam messages, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Scroll to find Apps.
  • On the next screen, open the Messages app.
  • Within the settings, find the Unknown Senders section:
  • Filter Unwanted Messages: Notifications are hidden, and messages go to the unwanted list. This includes messages from contacts not saved in your phone.
  • Filter Unknown Senders: Notifications are hidden, and messages go to the unknown senders list.
  • Additionally, a new option appears to apply filters according to your preferences. You can filter messages by verification codes or other unknown sender options.

This new mode is helpful to decide whether to reply to a message or not, and it prevents annoying messages from companies that disregard user privacy. It’s a simple setting that removes unnecessary notifications from your lock screen. The most important thing to remember about both of these features is that they won't block 100% of spam and scams, so you still need to rely on your common sense. I essentially assume anyone calling me wanting something is a scammer. So far, I've never had any issues.