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In an earlier edition of Security Bite, I predicted that Apple would finally announce end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to the RCS Universal Profile at WWDC 2025. That didn’t happen, but Apple did introduce two nice spam-protection tools along with a series of smaller updates designed to make the iPhone safer for everyone. Now that iOS 26 is basically in its final form ahead of wide release in tandem with the launch of iPhone 17, here’s a rundown of my favorite privacy features.
Advanced Fingerprinting Protection by default
With iOS 26, Safari will now apply Advanced Fingerprinting Protection across all browsing sessions by default. This feature blocks websites from accessing device-identifying info like screen dimensions, CPU cores, and even browser information like plug-ins you have installed. It works by presenting “a simplified version of the system configuration so more devices look identical to trackers, making it harder to single yours out,” according to Apple. “This protection is on by default, so there are no extra steps for you to take.”
Tracking parameter stripping, what Apple calls “Link Tracking Protection,” is still only applied automatically in Private Browsing or when links are opened from Mail and Messages. This removes pesky tracking parameters like utm_source, gclid, and fbclid from URLs to make web fingerprinting harder. This hasn’t changed from iOS 18, that said, if you’re on iOS 26, you can enable this across your entire Safari experience, albeit manually.
Here’s how to enable Link Tracking Protection for “All Browsing”:
Settings -> Safari -> Advanced -> Select Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection and toggle on “All Browsing”
Call Screening
Call Screening is a new addition to the redesigned Phone app. In iOS 26, when users receive a call from an unknown number, iPhone will now silently answer it in the background. When these calls are answered, callers will be prompted by an automated voice to state their name and reason for calling. These responses are then transcribed in real-time for review directly on the Lock Screen. From here, users can decide whether to ignore the call, swipe to answer, or type a reply. The latter will use the same non-Siri-related robotic voice to read the typed reply to the caller on the other line. Users will immediately see translated replies on the call screen.
Call Screening on iOS 26 in action. Screenshots via Max Weinbach.
In addition, iOS 26 now allows for reporting voicemails as spam, a feature previously missing in iOS 18. In the new Phone app, voicemails deemed spam by users can now be reported and sent off to Apple. From there, we can only speculate what the company will do with it. I suspect, like “Report Junk” in Messages on iOS 18, it will be used to improve some clever spam detection algorithms.
While Call Screening in iOS 26 still requires a human to review the call manually and doesn’t yet use Apple Intelligence to determine whether an incoming call is spam (like robocalls or telemarketers) or something important, it’s a solid first step. A future update will likely introduce AI-powered reasoning to make these decisions automatically.
Next, let’s move to Messages, where Apple has done something incredible in the decades-long fight against unwanted texts and scams. Now, in iOS 26, incoming text messages can be categorized into Messages, Unknown Senders, Spam, and Recently Deleted. It now resembles an email inbox. Users can even filter by unread messages.
Apple unveiling new Messages app on iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. Image via Apple.
The days of having a Messages feed with conversations from friends and family surrounded by annoying spam and unpaid toll scams are numbered. In iOS 26, texts from known contacts will be automatically shown on the main Messages page, while unknown numbers are automatically placed in a more hidden folder called Unknown Senders.
When demoing this feature on my iPhone 16 Pro, I couldn’t help but immediately think about parents, grandparents, and those more prone to falling victim to malicious texts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2024, U.S. consumers lost $470 million to scams that started with text messages. If unknown senders (like scams and spam) are now out of sight, they’re out of mind for most, which will surely hurt the business of scamming innocent people.
So, that’s the new Unknown Senders folder in Messages on iOS 26.
Directly below that is another titled Spam. Despite reporting several texts this week as such, I’ve actually yet to have anything show up here. Mine is empty. This folder uses similar, if not the same, spam detection algorithms in iOS 18 to classify incoming text messages. I suspect the algorithm needs more sample data from beta users to make determinations.
Wired accessories permission
This one is more niche, but a nice quality-of-life feature for those that travel often. Now under Privacy & Security settings, a new permission lets you allow or deny the use of accessories connected via cable when the phone is locked. The options are: Always Ask, Ask for New Accessories, Allow Automatically When Unlocked, and Always Allow.
This lowers the risk of plugging your iPhone into a charging station at an airport or train stop where the USB port could try to pull data while posing as a legit charger. This feature will not stop data theft, but it gives users pause and a chance to think before tapping Allow.
It can also serve as a hard stop if someone gets physical access to your device, since it blocks untrusted accessories that might try to inject commands or exploit bugs in the iOS USB stack. The iPhone has to be unlocked before any accessory can be allowed. Law enforcement can’t be very happy about this…
Here’s how to toggle Wired accessories permission in iOS 26:
Settings -> Privacy & Security -> scroll to the bottom and tap Wired Accessories -> Select the option best suited for you
It wasn’t a packed year for new iOS privacy and security features. But if you think I omitted one that should be on this list, let me know in the comments.
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