It’s about damn time: Apple will finally screen your calls and messages

There is a big feature that I look forward to in iOS 26, iPados 26 and Macos Tahoe 26, and this is that Apple had to add before ages: Call check and text. This can do more than protect me from conversations with strangers – it can protect me from fraudsters who want to steal my information or my identity.

Like features from Google and Samsung, checks on Apple call checks unknown calls by checking what they want before sending them your way. The company has announced the capabilities of its World Developer Conference 2025.

This could help limit the threat of AI voice clone fraud that allow fraudsters to create AI voice clones with just 3 seconds recorded voice. These call screening features can come years old after many Apple’s competitors have already implemented them, but it’s easy W for Apple.

There is also a new ability to filter text messages that puts messages from unknown senders in a separate folder to review or ignore. This could help limit the number of people who fall for work, fee, or other phishing fraud frauds.

I get two, maybe three of these text messages a week. Having their own small island may not stop the frequency with which they are sent, but it will certainly ensure some peace of mind that I will not accidentally click on a liaison for fraud or fall for fraud with AI. Plus, less the cluttered mailbox is always nice.

Apple’s new features also come in good times. A recent CNET survey showed that 96% of Americans receive at least one fraud from email, phone calls or texts each week. While Apple may be late for the party, anything that helps less scams to reach you is a welcome addition.