Discover 10 New Features in the Phone App of iOS 26

The iOS 26 update has officially launched, bringing a suite of new features for a range of compatible iPhone models, including the cutting-edge iPhone 17 series and the innovative iPhone Air. Users will experience several enhancements immediately following the update installation.

This article delves into the exciting new features introduced in iOS 26, highlighting key changes across essential apps like Photos and Safari, with a particular focus on the revamped Phone app. For those yet to upgrade to iOS 26, we also provide essential steps to consider prior to installation.

1. Sleek New UI with Liquid Glass

Comparing the Phone app on iOS 26 and iOS 18

The Phone app has undergone a stunning transformation in iOS 26, now featuring a cohesive design accentuated with Liquid Glass. This updated interface merges the Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails into a single streamlined layout. Users will notice a simplified navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, now reduced to four essential buttons: Calls, Contacts, Keypad, and Search.

Additionally, a Lens icon next to these buttons facilitates immediate searching within the app, eliminating the need to swipe down as in iOS 18. Simply entering a name in the search bar reveals pertinent entries from call history and contacts.

2. Quick Access to Favorite Contacts

The redesigned interface allows users to pin their favorite contacts directly at the top of the screen for easy accessibility, a feature previously found at the bottom. To pin a contact for quick dialing—be it a phone number, FaceTime, or Messages—tap the Edit button in the upper-left corner, then select ‘Edit Favorites.’

It seems the app permits a generous number of pinned contacts; during testing, we successfully added around 16 favorites, with more still permitted. However, to keep the interface clean, if more than six contacts are pinned, additional ones will be tucked away under a “Show All”option.

3. Innovative Call Screening Feature

The new Call Screening functionality aims to mitigate disturbances from incoming calls from unknown numbers. This feature presents pertinent details directly on your call screen, allowing you to choose whether to answer or ignore.

Currently, Call Screening operates in multiple languages and regions, including:

English: US, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, UK
Cantonese: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao
Mandarin Chinese: Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao
French: France, Canada
Spanish: US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain
German: Germany
Japanese: Japan
Korean: Korea
Portuguese: Brazil

4. Stress-Free Customer Support with Hold Assist

Hold Assist is a game-changer for users who often find themselves on hold when contacting customer support. This feature waits for you, sending a notification as soon as a live agent becomes available.

Hold Assist is available in several languages and regions, including:

English: US, Canada, Australia, India, Singapore, UK
Spanish: US, Mexico, Spain
French: France
German: Germany
Portuguese: Brazil
Japanese: Japan
Mandarin Chinese: Mainland China

5. Real-Time Language Translation

Enhancing communication, the Live Translation feature facilitates instant language translation across Phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages. This function utilizes Apple’s advanced on-device AI to provide seamless translation when conversing with non-native speakers.

Live Translation is part of Apple’s commitment to accessibility and supports various languages and regions, including:

English: US, UK
French: France
German: Germany
Portuguese: Brazil
Spanish: Spain

6. Efficient Unknown Caller Filtering

The iOS 26 update introduces automatic filtering for calls from unknown numbers, helping users to minimize unwanted interruptions. Missed calls and voicemails from these numbers are collected in a separate “Unknown Callers”list.

To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone, then toggle the “Call Filtering”option to ‘on.’ From there, users can access the unknown callers list through the More button within the Recents tab.

7. Collaborative Fun with SharePlay

Apple’s SharePlay feature will now function via the Phone app, allowing users to enjoy movies, listen to music, or engage in multiplayer games while on a voice call. This development provides a shared experience reminiscent of FaceTime’s screen-sharing capabilities.

8. Voicemail Summaries

Utilizing Apple’s intelligence, the Phone app enhances the voicemail experience by providing brief summaries. Users can quickly review who called and the context of the message directly alongside their missed calls.

9. Customizable Monogram Styles

iOS 26 Phone app gets new monograms for Contact Posters and Avatars

The update introduces new monogram styles, allowing users to personalize their own Avatars and Contact Posters, or those of their friends. To customize your Contact Poster, simply tap ‘Edit’ in the top-left corner of the Phone app, then select ‘Name and Photo Sharing.’

10. Enhanced Voice Quality

For users making calls on older cellular infrastructures, iOS 26 brings significant improvements in voice clarity and quality. This functionality is made available for models starting with the iPhone 16e, enhancing the calling experience.

These upgrades and new features reflect Apple’s commitment to evolving the traditional phone calling experience, integrating modern conveniences like Call Screening and Hold Assist while making communication smoother and more enjoyable. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more innovations in the Phone app in future iOS updates.

What feature in the Phone app excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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