Apple’s Phone application is undergoing its most significant modifications to date this year with iOS 26, featuring a completely redesigned interface, call screening options, Apple Intelligence enhancements, and more. Here’s all the new functionality arriving in your Phone app in iOS 26.
## Entirely new interface
Apple is fully revamping the Phone app’s design in iOS 26. Unlike last year’s substantial overhaul of Photos, this time the new layout will be completely optional. Upon the initial installation of iOS 26 and after launching Phone, you’ll be prompted to decide if you wish to activate the new design. All users of iOS 26 will be presented with Liquid Glass components and other slight UI modifications within Phone, but you have the option to embrace Apple’s fresh ‘Unified’ layout or retain what is now referred to as the ‘Classic’ view. The decision is reversible, enabling you to toggle between the layouts at any moment. If you select the new design, the Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail tabs will merge into a newly introduced ‘Calls’ tab, which now acts as a central hub in the application.
## Screening calls from unknown numbers
iOS 26 debuts a new ‘Screen Unknown Callers’ feature. Your iPhone will take incoming calls from unidentified numbers and automatically inquire about who is calling and for what reason, giving you insight prior to the first ring. This function boosts your capability to determine whether to pick up or not. Furthermore, the new Messages app feature that organizes unknown numbers into a distinct section will also be accessible in the Phone app.
## Hold Assist alleviates long waits
The Phone app in iOS 26 incorporates a ‘Hold Assist’ functionality. When placed on hold during a call, Hold Assist allows you to hang up and continue with your activities. Your iPhone will monitor for a live operator to be available and will ring to alert you when someone is ready to converse.
## Apple Intelligence for translation and voicemail
With the aid of Apple Intelligence, the Phone app can introduce two new capabilities in iOS 26:
1. Live Translation facilitates calls with individuals who speak different languages, utilizing AI for spoken translations.
2. Voicemail transcripts will now feature AI-generated summaries, assisting you in swiftly grasping the intent of the call.
These capabilities will be restricted to newer iPhone models that are compatible with AI.
## Phone app expands to Mac and iPad
The enhancements will extend beyond the iPhone; Apple is also introducing its Phone app to the iPad and Mac. Leveraging existing Continuity features that allow the making and receiving of iPhone calls on other Apple devices, a dedicated Phone app will now be available in iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. Users can look forward to similar functionalities to those found on the iPhone, together with a new layout that better takes advantage of the larger displays of the Mac and iPad.
What new Phone features in iOS 26 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.
