iOS 26 Introduces AI Call Screening: Apple Finally Joins the Fight Against Spam Calls

Apple has officially announced that AI-powered call screening is coming to iPhones with the launch of iOS 26 on September 15. For iPhone users tired of robocalls and spam numbers, this feature feels like a breath of fresh air — but there’s no denying that Apple is playing catch-up with Google, whose Pixel phones have offered a similar feature since 2018.

Tackling the Spam Call Problem

For years, iPhone users have faced the frustrating choice of either answering every unknown number — and risking telemarketers — or missing important calls. iOS 26 promises to solve that problem.

With the new feature, iPhones will automatically answer calls from unknown numbers, ask for the caller’s name and purpose, and then display that information in a clean notification bubble. Users can then decide whether to pick up or ignore the call entirely. At launch, Apple is supporting nine languages including English, Spanish, and Japanese, making this feature globally accessible from day one.

If you’re planning to update your iPhone or even switch to a newer model to enjoy iOS 26’s features, moving your data should be effortless. This is where Smart Transfer mobile transfer app comes in.

Smart Transfer is a third-party iPhone app transfer tool designed to make phone-to-phone migration simple and stress-free. You can wirelessly transfer contacts, photos, videos, documents, and even text messages between iPhones or from Android to iPhone using just a secure Wi-Fi connection. I can easily transfer my data without any hassle. This ensures that when iOS 26 rolls out, you can focus on testing Apple’s new AI-powered features — instead of worrying about whether your data made it over safely.

Google’s Head Start in AI Call Screening

If you’re a Google Pixel owner, this may sound familiar — because it is. Google introduced Call Screen back in 2018, and it has since become one of the most loved features among Pixel users. Over the years, Google has made significant improvements, from making the automated voice sound more natural to adding tappable reply options and even real-time translations.

This fall, Google is expanding the feature to more regions, including India, where Pixel 10 users will get beta access with English and Hindi support, along with live translation.

Apple’s Catch-Up Game in AI Features

This is just the latest example of Apple joining the AI game later than Google. Google’s Magic Eraser for photo cleanup launched in 2021, while Apple’s version only arrived in 2024. Android got home screen widgets in 2017, and Apple followed three years later.

Of course, inspiration flows both ways — Google’s Quick Share came after Apple’s AirDrop, and Android’s Night Mode followed Apple’s Night Shift. But when it comes to AI-driven innovation, Google has clearly been ahead of the curve.

The Bigger Picture: Apple Intelligence and iOS 26

Apple is betting big on AI with iOS 26. Beyond call screening, the update includes live translation, automated hold management, and a visually stunning new Liquid Glass interface. These updates suggest that Apple’s focus is no longer just on design, but also on catching up in the AI arms race that defines the future of smartphones.

Final Thoughts

Apple may be late to the AI call-screening game, but its entry marks a turning point for millions of iPhone users. This feature addresses a real, everyday frustration and gives users more control over their time and privacy.

The competition between Apple and Google is pushing the boundaries of what AI can do for consumers. And while Apple might be arriving fashionably late, iOS 26 proves they are serious about the AI future — and about making the iPhone experience smarter than ever.