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Spam calls now rank as one of the largest mobile user annoyances. From non-stop credit card offers to pushy loan promotions, they never end. Apple has been attempting this for a while with features such as Silence Unknown Callers, which relegated unknown numbers directly to voicemail. But now, the brand is taking it up a level with a smarter and more intelligent feature by the name of 'Ask Reason for Calling'.

A Smarter Approach to Dealing with Unknown Numbers

Recently outlined on Apple's official website, Ask Reason for Calling informs you why someone's attempting to get ahold of you before you even answer. After you've activated the feature, your iPhone will automatically answer unknown calls and ask the caller to leave their name and reason for calling. You won't be interrupted during this process.

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Once the caller answers, your iPhone will ring and show the information given on the screen. It's then that you can choose to answer the call or simply ignore it. It's a big improvement over the previous Silence Unknown Callers feature that tended to block legitimate calls—such as delivery notifications, doctor's offices, or official confirmations—along with the spam.

How to Turn On 'Ask Reason for Calling'

It's easy to get started. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, select Phone, and tap Screen Unknown Callers. You'll then have an option to turn on Ask Reason for Calling. You might also want to opt to remain with the Silence Unknown Callers setting or disable call screening altogether if you like.

Supported iPhone Models

Apple is rolling out this feature with iOS 26, and it’s compatible with a wide range of devices—though support ends with the iPhone 11 lineup. Here’s the list of supported models:

-iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air

-iPhone 16 series

-iPhone 15 series

-iPhone 14 series

-iPhone 13 series

-iPhone 12 series

-iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Older models like the iPhone 11 and below won’t be eligible for this feature.

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With Ask Reason for Calling, Apple is not only battling spam—it's providing users with more control over their time and sense of well-being.