When Apple released iOS 26 on Sept. 15, the update included a call screening feature to help block spam calls, and it can also screen text messages on your iPhone. With iOS 26, Messages can hide notifications and filter out messages from unknown senders and spam texts so they don't clog your inbox.
When these features are enabled, those messages will be filtered to their own folder in Messages without altering you. Once these messages are in their respective folders, you can look through them at your own pace to make sure you haven't missed anything important, or you can delete them without a second thought.
Here's how to enable the new text screening features on your iPhone in a few easy steps.
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How to block spam and messages from unknown senders
This feature was automatically enabled for me when I updated to iOS 26, but here's how to make sure spam texts and messages from unknown senders are being filtered on your device.
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Messages.
Under Unknown Senders, you'll see toggles to enable Screen Unknown Senders and Filter Spam.
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