The iOS 26 update brings a host of major changes to the Phone app on the iPhone. Apple has completely redesigned the interface, introduced smart call sorting tools, AI-powered features, and other great improvements. These updates aim to improve the calling experience, organize calls, and reduce inconvenience. Below, we'll take a detailed look at all the new features in the Phone app and explain how they work.
All new design
Apple introduced a new Phone app design option in iOS 26, allowing you to choose the new interface or revert to the old classic design at any time. When you install the update and launch the app for the first time, your iPhone will ask you to activate the new design or stick with the old one. All users get the Liquid Glass and subtle UI effects by default, but choosing the new design is up to you. You can easily switch between the classic and new view at any time.
If the new design is enabled, the app's previous tabs will be combined into a single new tab called "Calls." For example, you'll find that the three old tabs—Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail—have been grouped together in this new tab. This means you can access your incoming and outgoing call history, as well as everything related to your calls, all in one place, more easily. If you want to return to the old design, Apple gives you the option to revert at any time without losing any data.
Filter incoming calls from unknown numbers
The Phone app in iOS 26 has become smarter in handling unknown calls. Apple has added a new feature called "Unknown Caller Filtering," which automatically answers calls from numbers not in your contacts, meaning unknown numbers, without interrupting your work. During automatic answering, the system asks the caller for their name and the reason for calling before the iPhone rings. When the first actual ring appears on your iPhone, you'll receive advance information about the caller's identity and the purpose of their call, helping you decide whether to answer or ignore the call.
After a call is screened, filtered calls can be placed in a new area of your call log, separate from your main log. This allows you to focus on important calls while calls from unknown numbers are saved separately for later review if desired.
Additionally, iOS 26 combines the Unknown Senders filtering feature in the Messages app and the Phone app, so calls and messages from unknown sources are placed in dedicated sections away from the main view.
To activate these features:
◉ Go to Settings on iPhone.
◉ Tap Apps, then tap Phone. Choose one of the following:
◎ neverCall filtering is off and iPhone rings when you receive a call from an unsaved number.
◎ Asking why you are callingCalls from unknown numbers will ask for more information before your iPhone rings.
◎ SilenceCalls from unsaved numbers will be silenced, sent to voicemail, and displayed in your Recents list.
NoteWhen answering calls, Siri will speak in your iPhone's default language.
To filter unknown and annoying calls on iPhone
◉ From Settings > Apps > Phone you can enable two options:
◉ Unknown callers: Their calls are automatically moved to a private list away from your recent call log.
◉ Spam Calls: Calls identified by your carrier as spam or fraudulent are silenced, sent directly to voicemail, and appear in your “Spam” list.
◉ You can mark an unknown number as known through the Phone app > Filter > Unknown callers > Select the number > Mark as known, so that its calls will not be blocked later.
◉ To remove a number from the known list: From the Phone app > Contacts > Other known > Select the number > Mark as unknown.
Hold Assist
For the first time in iOS 26, the Phone app introduces an innovative feature called "Hold-On Assistant," designed to save you the tedious hassle of waiting on hold during long calls, often forcing you to listen to boring music. When a support center or other organization puts you on hold, you can simply leave the call and continue with your work. With this feature, your iPhone takes over the waiting task for you. Once your turn comes, your iPhone will immediately notify you with a ringtone, allowing you to return to the call in a timely manner without wasting time listening to that annoying music or waiting sounds. This way, the call resumes when it's your turn to talk.
Note:Feature available on iPhone 12 and later or iPhone SE XNUMXrd generation or later. Caption Assistant may not be available in all countries or regions.
Go to the Phone app on your iPhone.
When you're on a call and put it on hold, tap the More button, then tap Hold Assist.
Important: Check your ringer settings before disconnecting from a call. If Silent or Do Not Disturb mode is turned on, you won't hear the incoming call when a support agent is available.
The Caption Assistant will notify you when an agent or representative is online and available, and provide you with a transcript of the part of the call you missed. Press the Answer Call button to rejoin the call.
NoteYour phone can also automatically detect hold music and suggest you start caption assist. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone, then turn on Capture Assist Detection.
Instant translation of calls and voicemail
The phone app now uses artificial intelligence technologies to improve communication across languages and make voicemail more useful. Key new features include:
It allows you to make calls with people who speak a different language, as the system translates the speaker's voice directly and pronounces it for you. You can listen to the translation during the call and follow the translated text on the screen at the same time.
When you receive a voicemail message, the system now automatically summarizes its content. Instead of listening to a long clip, simply read the short summary to quickly understand the reason for the call.
These smart features save time and facilitate communication without requiring a direct understanding of the speaker's language. Please note that these features are only available on iPhones that support Apple's smart features, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Before using the live translation features in the mobile app, you must download the input and output languages.
NoteLive translation in the phone app is available for one-on-one calls in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
To activate it:
◉ Go to the Phone app on your iPhone.
◉ During a phone call, tap the More button, then tap Live Translation.
◉ Choose the language the caller speaks and your preferred language.
◉ Click Start Translation.
New ringtones
iOS 26 added a bunch of New ringtonesYou can find these tones under Settings > Sounds & Haptics. The collection includes seven new tones, most of which are variations of the default Reflections tone, plus a brand new tone called "Little Bird." Here are the new tones:
Defaul, Buoyant, Dreamer, Pond Pop, Reflected, Surge, Little Bird.
To add a ringtone to the iPhone, you can follow this article –Link.
Mobile app on Mac and iPad
The updates weren't limited to the iPhone; Apple also introduced the Phone app on Mac and iPad devices. Thanks to the Continuity feature, you can now make and receive iPhone calls directly from your Mac or iPad.
A dedicated Phone app was introduced in iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, featuring a new user interface that takes advantage of the larger screen sizes on Macs and iPads. The new app carries the same features as the iPhone, such as layout and call screening, but offers better element distribution for ease of use on larger screens.
The Phone app update is one of the biggest yet, combining radical design improvements with smart, innovative additions to make the calling experience smoother and more organized. The new unified design gives you centralized access to all your calls in one place, while features like call filtering and call hold help reduce distractions and save you valuable time.
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