Have you ever received a call on your iPhone and been surprised to see the "Swipe to Answer" option sometimes, while other times you see the "Decline" and "Accept" buttons? If you're a long-time iPhone user, you've probably noticed this difference and wondered why. In this article, we'll explain in detail why the iPhone appears. Two different screens for incoming calls, and how you can navigate these options easily, with tips to improve your experience.

From iPhoneIslam.com, two smartphones display incoming calls. The left phone displays a call from Morrisville, Pennsylvania, at +1 (215) 666-2124. The right phone displays a call labeled "Potentially Nuisance," at +1 (813) 444-6439.

The iPhone can hold some surprises, even for seasoned users. One common question is: Why does the way you receive calls differ? Sometimes there are clear buttons to accept or decline, and other times you have to swipe the screen to answer. This difference isn't random; it's part of Apple's carefully thought-out design to improve your experience. Let's find out why together!

Why do two different call screens appear?

The answer is simple and depends on the state of your device when you receive the call. Let's explain:

When the iPhone is unlocked

From iPhoneIslam.com, a close-up of an iPhone in hand, showing the incoming call screen with options to accept or decline.

If you're using your iPhone, whether you're browsing the internet or watching a video, and you receive a call, a screen will appear with two buttons: a green button to accept the call, and a red button to reject the call.

On the latest versions of iOS, if you're watching a video or playing a game, you may not see the full call screen. Instead, a small banner will appear at the top of the screen letting you know about the call. You can tap it to answer or decline the call. If you prefer to always see the full call screen, you can change this option by:

◉ Go to Settings, then Phone, then activate the “Full Screen Calls” option.

◉ This design makes it easy to handle calls while using the device, without the need for complicated procedures.

When the iPhone is locked

From iPhoneIslam.com, Incoming calls on iPhone show a call from "Wife" ❤️. You can swipe to answer, set a reminder, or choose the options to decline and message instead.

If your iPhone is locked when a call arrives, you'll see a different screen with the "Swipe to Answer" option. This design isn't just a random selection; it's a clever solution Apple introduced to avoid accidentally answering or rejecting calls. For example, if your iPhone is in your pocket or bag, swiping from left to right reduces the likelihood of accidental taps.

Even in this case, you can control the call:

◉ Press the side button (power button) once to silence the call ringer without rejecting it.

◉ Double-press the side button to reject the call and send it to voicemail.

Why did Apple choose this design?

To answer this question, let's take a look at the evolution of iOS:

Date: iOS 1 to iOS 6

From iPhoneIslam.com, a black iPhone rests on a wooden surface, its screen lit up by a call from "MobiMix TV."

In early versions of iOS, from iOS 1 to iOS 5, the iPhone displayed only a single call screen with two buttons for accepting or rejecting, whether the device was unlocked or locked. This was convenient when using the device, but caused a problem when the device was locked. Imagine having your iPhone in your pocket and accidentally accepting or rejecting a call due to an unintended touch!

However, with the release of iOS 6, Apple introduced the "Swipe to Answer" feature for incoming calls when the device is locked. This design made it difficult to answer or decline accidentally, as swiping requires a deliberate movement. This innovation helped improve the user experience and protect the device from unintended actions.

From iPhoneIslam.com, two smartphones on a wooden surface display incoming call screens labeled "IT 6" and "IT 6S." The left phone displays the accept and reject options, while the right phone displays iPhone calls with the "Slide to Answer" option.

Compared to Android devices

From iPhoneIslam.com, a close-up shot of a hand holding an iPhone shows an incoming call screen. Options like "Declining" and "Accept" are available, while familiar options like "View Call" and "Swipe Up to Answer" invite you to interact with the user.

If you use Android devices or know someone who does, you'll notice that most Android phones display only one call screen, whether the device is unlocked or locked. Typically, you have to swipe a green or red button up or to the side to answer or reject. This design also protects against accidental touches, but it differs from Apple's approach, which separates the unlocked and locked states to provide a personalized experience.

Tips to improve your iPhone calling experience

From iPhoneIslam.com, a person wearing a dark jacket stands inside holding a smartphone with an impressive triple camera setup on the back, ready to capture life's moments or easily manage phone calls.

Here are some practical tips to handle incoming calls more easily:

◉ If you always prefer a full call screen, enable this option from the settings as mentioned earlier.

◉ Remember that double-pressing the side button directly rejects the call, which is useful if you don't want to swipe.

◉ If you do not want to answer certain calls, make sure your voicemail is set up and activated to receive messages.

◉ Also, make sure to update your device to the latest version of iOS to benefit from the best performance and features.

The difference between the appearance of the "Swipe to Answer" and "Accept" and "Decline" buttons on the iPhone is not just a coincidence; it's a deliberate design by Apple to enhance your experience and protect your device from accidental actions. When the device is unlocked, you have clear and easy options, while when it's locked, the swipe option ensures you don't inadvertently answer or decline a call. This attention to detail is what makes the iPhone special.

Have you ever had your iPhone accidentally answer a call? Share your story with us in the comments!

Source:

slashgear

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