Apple’s Phone application is undergoing its most significant transformations ever this year in iOS 26, featuring a completely redesigned layout, call screening capabilities, Apple Intelligence functions, and more. Here’s everything that’s new in your Phone app with iOS 26.
## Brand new design
Apple is undertaking a total redesign of the Phone app in iOS 26. Unlike the large Photos redesign from last year, this time the new layout is entirely optional. Upon installing iOS 26 and launching the Phone app for the first time, you’ll be prompted to decide if you want to activate the new design. Every user of iOS 26 will have access to Liquid Glass elements and various minor UI adjustments within Phone. You can choose between adopting Apple’s new ‘Unified’ layout or sticking with what is now referred to as the ‘Classic’ view. This choice can be reversed at any moment, enabling you to switch between layouts freely. If you choose the new design, the Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail tabs will be merged into a newly created ‘Calls’ tab, which now acts as a central hub within the app.
## Call screening for unknown numbers
iOS 26 presents a new ‘Screen Unknown Callers’ option that improves how incoming calls are managed. Your iPhone will respond to calls from unknown numbers and automatically inquire about who’s calling and the purpose of the call, equipping you with additional information prior to the first ring. Furthermore, the new Messages app functionality to filter unknown numbers into a distinct section will also be incorporated into the Phone app.
## Hold Assist saves you from long waits
The Phone app in iOS 26 reveals a ‘Hold Assist’ feature. While you are on hold during a call, Hold Assist lets you leave the call while your iPhone waits for a live agent to become available. You will receive a notification when someone is ready to converse with you.
## Apple Intelligence for translation and voicemail
Leveraging Apple Intelligence, the Phone app can execute two new tasks in iOS 26:
1. Live Translation facilitates calls with individuals who speak different languages, with AI providing verbal translations.
2. Voicemail transcriptions will now feature AI-generated summaries, allowing for a quicker grasp of the call’s purpose.
These functions will be restricted to newer iPhone models that support AI.
## New ringtones
iOS 26 will unveil a variety of new ringtone choices. Found in the Settings app under Sounds & Haptics, users will discover seven completely new ringtones, most of which are alternate versions of the standard Reflections ringtone. The new ringtones include:
– Default
– Buoyant
– Dreamer
– Pond
– Pop
– Reflected
– Surge
Additionally, a new Little Bird ringtone will be included as well.
## Phone app comes to Mac and iPad
The enhancements in iOS 26 will extend beyond the iPhone. Apple is also introducing its Phone app to the iPad and Mac. Utilizing existing Continuity features, a dedicated Phone app will be available in iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, featuring similar functionalities to the iPhone but with a new layout tailored for larger displays.
Which new Phone features in iOS 26 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.
