With iOS 26, Apple is launching the biggest update to its Phone app yet. Almost everything you see and use when making phone calls on your iPhone has been redesigned – from design to smart features powered by artificial intelligence. Also new is that the app is available on iPad and Mac for the first time. You can find all the new features in detail here.
The Phone app remained virtually unchanged for a long time. Since the iPhone's launch in 2007, there have only been minor design tweaks and features like voicemail and favorites. With iOS 26, Apple is changing this course. The app has been visually redesigned and is getting practical new features, many of them based on Apple Intelligence. You can decide for yourself whether you want to use the new layout or leave everything as it is. The update isn't just visually appealing—it also gives you more control over calls and saves time.
New design – now optional and switchable
Apple has completely redesigned the layout of the Phone app, but lets you choose whether you want to use it. When you install iOS 26 and open the app for the first time, you'll be asked whether you want to activate the new design. If you choose the new layout, the structure will change: The previous "Favorites," "Recently Used," and "Voicemail" tabs will be replaced by a single area called "Calls." This central tab now contains all call information. Regardless of whether you use the new layout or stick with the classic one, you'll automatically get minor visual changes like "Liquid Glass" effects. You can switch back and forth between the new and old layouts at any time. This makes the update flexible.
Call verification for unknown numbers
iOS 26 introduces a new feature called "Screen Unknown Callers." If someone calls you from an unfamiliar number, your iPhone will automatically answer the call before it even rings. The system will then ask who is calling and why. You'll see this information before you decide whether to accept the call. This feature helps you better identify spam or unwanted calls.
- Additionally, a feature from the Messages app will be integrated: Unknown numbers can be automatically filtered into a separate section of the Phone app. This keeps your call list more manageable.
Hold Assist – call back instead of waiting
With "Hold Assist," iOS 26 introduces another time-saving feature. If you're on hold for a call, you no longer have to stay on the phone. You can hang up, and your iPhone will take over the waiting for you. As soon as someone is available, you'll be automatically notified and called back. This can be especially useful for hotlines or support calls.
Apple Intelligence for translations and voicemail summaries
iOS 26 brings two new features based on Apple Intelligence directly to the Phone app:
- Live translation: When you're on the phone with someone who speaks a different language, your iPhone can translate in real time and read the translated text aloud to you.
- Voicemail summaries: When someone leaves you a voicemail, your iPhone automatically creates a short summary. This helps you quickly understand what the message is about without having to listen to the entire message.
Both features require an iPhone model that supports Apple Intelligence. Older devices don't have these features.
- Note: Apple Intelligence is supported by iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max, iPhone 16 series or newer!
Phone app on iPad and Mac
With iOS 26 (and the associated updates iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe), the Phone app is coming to iPad and Mac for the first time. Previously, you could make and receive calls from your Mac or iPad using Continuity, but there wasn't a dedicated app for it. That's changing. The new app is specifically optimized for the larger screens. Features like Call History, Voicemail, and Hold Assist are available there just like on the iPhone.
iOS 26 makes the phone app smarter and more flexible
iOS 26 brings one of the most significant changes to the Phone app since the launch of the iPhone. The new layout is optional but well-thought-out. Features like call screening, Hold Assist, and AI-powered translations make making phone calls easier and more efficient. With the expansion to iPad and Mac, the Phone app also becomes more versatile. If you regularly use your iPhone for phone calls, you'll likely benefit directly from the new features in iOS 26. Users of current iPhones with Apple Intelligence, in particular, will get significantly more out of their calls with this update. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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FAQ about iOS 26 and the new Phone app
With iOS 26, the Phone app gets an optional new design, AI features like live translation, call screening, and Hold Assist, as well as a Mac and iPad version.
Yes, you can switch between the new "Unified" layout and the classic view at any time. This decision is reversible at any time.
iOS 26 automatically answers calls from unknown numbers and asks who is calling and why – even before the phone rings.
Hold Assist is a feature that takes you off hold. Your iPhone waits for you and calls you back when a representative is available.
Features like live translation and voicemail summaries require Apple Intelligence and are only available on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 16 (or later).
Yes, with iOS 26 (or iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe), the Phone app is available for the first time as a standalone app on iPad and Mac.
In the new layout, the “Calls” tab replaces the previous “Favorites,” “Recently Used,” and “Voicemail” sections and summarizes all call information in a clear manner.
Apple Intelligence provides automatic voicemail summaries and live translations during calls for greater convenience and clarity.
Yes, like all iOS updates, iOS 26 is free and can be installed via your iPhone's settings.
