iPhone Now Asks Callers Their Reason Before Ringing You

Apple has introduced a new feature for iPhone users aimed at reducing spam calls while ensuring important calls are not missed. The ‘Ask Reason for Calling’ function, part of the iOS 26 update, automatically screens calls from unknown numbers and prompts callers to state their name and purpose before the phone rings.

Previously, Apple’s Call Screening option would send all unknown calls directly to voicemail, which sometimes caused users to miss legitimate calls. With the new feature, users are notified only after the caller provides a reason, giving them the choice to answer or ignore the call.

The system works silently in the background. When activated, the iPhone picks up unknown calls, requests a brief explanation from the caller, and then displays the information on the screen. Users can then decide whether to pick up, helping them avoid spam while staying reachable for deliveries, appointments, or other important communications.

Apple emphasizes that this feature is optional. iPhone users can disable call screening entirely using the ‘Never’ option in Phone settings or select between the traditional Silence Unknown Callers and the new Ask Reason for Calling.

To enable the feature, users need to open the Settings app, navigate to the Phone section, and select ‘Screen Unknown Callers.’ From there, the ‘Ask Reason for Calling’ option can be turned on.

The feature is available on all iPhones running iOS 26 and provides an additional layer of control over unwanted calls without blocking important communications.