How does Apple's new call-screening tool work?

The tool uses an automated voice to ask unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before the phone rings.

Why are people using Apple's call-screening feature?

The widespread adoption is driven by the overwhelming flood of spam and robocalls, making it difficult to manage phone communications.

What is Apple's call-screening tool compared to?

The AI screener is compared to the old Hollywood gatekeepers who would screen calls for stars.

Home / Technology / iPhone's Gatekeeper: Calls Meet AI Before You Do

iPhone's Gatekeeper: Calls Meet AI Before You Do

30 Jan

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Summary

Apple's iOS 26 tool makes unknown callers state their purpose.
The AI screener is compared to old Hollywood gatekeepers.
Spam fatigue drives adoption of call-screening features.

iPhone's Gatekeeper: Calls Meet AI Before You Do

Introduced with iOS 26, Apple's expanded call-screening tool is fundamentally altering how Americans manage their phone calls. The feature requires callers from unknown numbers to identify themselves and their purpose before the device rings, effectively transforming iPhones into modern-day gatekeepers.

This automated screening process, initially encountered with surprise by figures in Hollywood and Silicon Valley, has become a more common experience. Professionals are increasingly turning to this tool as a response to the relentless volume of spam and unsolicited calls. The convenience offered by this AI assistant is a significant factor in its rapid adoption.

The motivation behind embracing such technology stems from a desire to reclaim usability in an era saturated with unwanted calls. With billions of robocalls received monthly, users seek effective ways to filter communications. This shift also reflects evolving user expectations, where messaging and video calls are often preferred over unexpected phone conversations.