iPhone users have a new tool to prevent nuisance calls.

iPhone users can now better deal with spam calls thanks to a new “virtual gatekeeper” tool that helps screen calls from unknown numbers.

This is one of many new features Apple launched with the iOS 26 operating system update last month, amid the increasing number of robocalls and spam calls that have made many users feel harassed.

To use, users need to update iPhone to iOS 26 (applicable to iPhone 11 models and above), go to Settings → Apps → Phone, scroll down to see the new option "Screen Unknown Callers".

There are three options for users: “Never”: allows all unknown calls to ring as normal; “Silence”: automatically forwards unknown calls to voicemail; and “Ask Reason for Calling”: this is the recommended option, allowing the system to screen and ask the caller for a reason before the user decides to pick up.

If you don't see this option, you should restart your device. In some cases, you may need to check your region and language settings, as this feature may not be available in all countries.

With this feature, when a call comes in from a number not in the contact list, a simulated Siri voice will ask the caller to state their name and the reason for calling. Meanwhile, the user will see a notification that the call is being screened.

The caller's response will be converted to text and displayed as a speech bubble on the screen. Users can reply directly if they want; Send quick responses with pre-made messages like “I'll call you back later” or “Please send more information”, and the AI system will read this message to the caller; Type a custom message for the virtual assistant to read back.

If the user does not respond immediately, the phone continues to ring while waiting for a decision.

This feature is considered a useful intermediate solution, helping users avoid being disturbed without missing important calls.

While there are reviews that the feature works smoothly and effectively blocks spam calls, there are many cases where delivery people or repairmen do not understand how to respond and hang up early, causing users to miss important calls.

Another user recounted that the first time he tried it, the caller answered using his own name, making him think he knew someone and when he picked up the phone, it turned out to be a commercial survey call.

If not satisfied, users can turn off this feature at any time in the settings.

For Android phones like Google's Pixel and Samsung's. Google rolled out a similar automatic screening feature for its Pixel line in the US a few years ago. Last month, Google expanded the feature to Australia, Canada, and Ireland.

On Pixel phones, when an unknown number calls, the AI system asks who the caller is and why. If it detects spam, the phone will automatically hang up, while valid calls will be routed to the user.

However, Google warns that this feature cannot block or understand 100% of cases accurately.

Samsung also offers a similar feature to Galaxy users, through the virtual assistant Bixby with the "Text Call" function, allowing screening and responding to calls using text converted to voice./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nguoi-dung-iphone-co-them-cong-cu-moi-chong-cuoc-goi-lam-phien-post1069417.vnp