Apple Phone App Adds Hold Assist and Call Screening in iOS 26
iPhone users can now use new Phone app tools to manage hold times and screen unknown callers, with more AI features arriving soon.
Key points
- Hold Assist detects when callers are placed on hold and notifies users when they return.
- Call Screening prompts unsaved numbers to identify themselves before the phone rings.
- Call Context, an Apple Intelligence feature, will surface relevant business details in iOS 27.
Apple has expanded the functionality of its native Phone application with the release of iOS 26, introducing tools designed to manage call interactions more effectively. According to reporting from 9to5Mac, these updates include Hold Assist and Call Screening, both available to current users, while a new AI-driven feature called Call Context is scheduled for arrival in the upcoming iOS 27 update next month.
Hold Assist addresses the common frustration of waiting on customer service lines. When a user is placed on hold during a call, the iPhone detects this state and displays a pop-up notification. Users can tap this alert to enable Hold Assist, which then allows them to step away from the device. The system monitors the call and sends a notification to the iPhone when the person on the other end returns, signaling that it is time to pick up.
Call Screening provides a mechanism for filtering incoming calls from unknown sources. As described by Apple, this feature requires callers using unsaved numbers to provide more information before the iPhone rings. The system asks for the caller's identity and reason for calling. Users can view this explanation on the Lock Screen and decide whether to answer the call or send the caller to voicemail, offering a layer of protection against spam.
Feature Availability and Configuration
Both Hold Assist and Call Screening were introduced with iOS 26 last year, making them accessible to users who have already updated their devices. To enable Hold Assist, users must navigate to the Settings app, scroll to the Apps section, and select Phone. Inside this menu, a toggle labeled "Hold Assist Detection" allows users to turn the feature on or off.
Call Screening is located in the same Settings path, under Apps and then Phone. This positioning makes it easy for users to manage both features in one location. The reporting from 9to5Mac highlights these as must-try features, particularly Call Screening, given the increasing prevalence of spam calls. Users can configure these settings directly within the Phone app's dedicated section in the system settings.
Future AI Integration
The next major update to the Phone app will come with iOS 27, introducing Call Context. This feature leverages Apple Intelligence to proactively surface relevant information during business calls. For instance, if a user calls an airline to change a flight, the system will automatically find the confirmation code in the Mail app and display it on the screen.
Similarly, if a user calls a company regarding a recent order, Call Context will surface the order number and other pertinent details. The feature is designed with privacy in mind, looking only at who you’re calling to show the necessary information. This approach ensures that the system provides helpful context without analyzing the content of the conversation.
Call Context is available on iPhone 15 Pro and later models. This hardware requirement defines the current scope of the feature's availability. Users with these devices will be able to utilize the proactive information surfacing once iOS 27 is released. The feature represents a significant addition to the Phone app, aiming to streamline interactions with businesses by providing relevant data automatically.
What should you do?
Users running iOS 26 or later should check their Phone app settings to enable Hold Assist and Call Screening. These features are currently available and can help manage unwanted or inefficient calls. Those with iPhone 15 Pro models or newer should prepare for the iOS 27 update to access Call Context. Monitor official Apple channels for the release date of iOS 27 to ensure timely access to the new AI-driven features.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Navigate to Settings, then Apps, and select Phone to enable Hold Assist Detection.
- Enable Call Screening in the same Phone settings menu to filter unsaved numbers.
- Ensure your device is running iOS 26 to access the current Hold Assist and Call Screening features.
- Wait for the official iOS 27 release to use Call Context on iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enable Hold Assist on my iPhone?
Go to Settings, scroll to Apps, select Phone, and turn on the Hold Assist Detection toggle.
What does Call Screening do?
It asks callers from unsaved numbers to identify themselves before your phone rings.
Which iPhones support Call Context?
Call Context is available on iPhone 15 Pro and later models with iOS 27.
