GoKawiilWhen Apple released iOS 26 in September 2025, the update included a call screening feature that blocks spam calls to your iPhone. The update also includes a feature that can screen texts from unknown senders to keep your inbox spam free.
With this feature 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.
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.
You don't need Text Message Filter to be on to filter out spam and messages from unknown senders. Apple/Screenshot by CNET
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