iOS 26 has a new spam feature for voicemails
Apple is stepping up its fight against unwanted calls and messages in iOS 26 with smarter voicemail reporting. Here’s how it works.
The most visible change is a new option in the Phone app that lets users report spam voicemails directly to Apple. If you get a voicemail from an unknown number, tapping on the message now reveals a “Report Spam” button.
You can choose to report it and keep the voicemail or report it and delete it. Either way, the message is flagged and sent to Apple for review.
These reports don’t automatically block the caller. You’ll still need to take that extra step manually, just like before. But the information could be used to improve Apple’s filtering algorithms, especially if a large number of users flag similar messages.
iOS 26 adds voicemail spam tools to existing text filters
The new reporting option builds on Apple’s previous efforts to cut down on spam in iMessage. In iOS 26, the Messages app introduces a distinct Spam folder, separating scam messages from two-factor codes or alerts from unknown senders.
If a message is miscategorized, you can tap into it and manually mark it as spam. The new system is designed to silence both unknown senders and detected spam messages, though you’ll still see a badge in the Messages app.
Notifications remain off by default, but you can adjust these settings. Apple is also rolling out Call Screening.
iOS 26 adds voicemail spam tools to existing text filters
When an unknown number calls, the iPhone will prompt the caller to provide a name and reason for calling. That information is relayed to the user, who can then decide whether to pick up.
The feature helps filter interruptions without outright blocking legitimate but unfamiliar numbers.
Current limitations and future possibilities
Right now, spam voicemail reporting is only available in the developer beta of iOS 26. A public beta is expected in July 2025, with a full release likely arriving in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
Apple hasn’t said what happens to the flagged voicemails after they’re reported. As with spam iMessages, it’s likely they contribute to machine learning models used for future filtering.
There’s no automatic blocking for voicemails yet, but this may lay the groundwork for more proactive tools in the future.
Taken together, these updates mark a shift toward prevention. Apple is beginning to lean more on collective user input and real-time filtering to reduce the volume of spam.
