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iOS 26 Update

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What is the iOS 26 update?

On September 15th, 2025, Apple will release the newest iPhone software version, iOS 26. 

Among visual updates and new features, iOS 26 will come with new spam prevention tools for all iPhone users:

For Calls:

  • Silence Spam Calls (On by Default): Missed calls and voicemail from unknown numbers will be silenced and moved to the Unknown Callers list.
  • Screen Unknown Callers (Off by Default): The Phone app will be able to automatically answer calls from unknown numbers, ask the caller for their name and reason for calling, then ring the recipient so that they can decide whether to pick up. This feature will also be able to simply silence calls from unsaved contacts, depending on user preference.

For Messages:

  • Filter Spam (On by Default): Hides notifications and moves messages to a separate Spam list in the Messages app
  • Screen Unknown Senders: Messages from unknown numbers will be screened and flagged for spam, and then the recipient will choose who’s allowed to appear in their conversations and recent messages. Texts from unsaved contacts will be diverted to a new Unknown Senders section in the Messages app.

How do I avoid issues with the iOS 26 update?

For you and your staff

If you use Spruce’s default calling method (you press 1 to accept inbound calls), we strongly recommend that you save your Spruce number(s) as contacts on your iPhone. This will allow proxy calling to bypass the new call screening tools on iOS 26, so that you can receive calls from your patients without any disruptions.

Or, you can consider using Spruce’s new mobile softphone alternative - this allows you to receive calls from your Spruce number(s) with improved caller ID, no need to press 1 to accept inbound calls, and many other enhancements to the call experience. 

Enabling mobile softphones will bypass iOS 26 call screening without impacting the call connection. Click here to learn more.

Completing business registration with an EIN will also reduce issues caused by iOS 26’s call filtering features. When you register with an EIN, Spruce is able to register your practice for Trusted Calling, which greatly reduces the chances that calls to your patients will be marked as potential spam.

For your patients

We strongly encourage providers to alert their patients to this change – let your patients know that they should save your practice’s number as a contact in their phone to better guarantee call and message delivery. Many practices incorporate this recommendation into their patient intake process, as well.

How could this update impact my Spruce account?

Inbound Calls

If you use an iPhone and receive calls through proxy dialing on Spruce, you may not be able to successfully receive calls from your Spruce number on your iPhone.

With proxy dialing, inbound patient calls appear on your phone as a call from your Spruce number. When you pick up the call, you are then prompted to press ‘1’ to accept. If the iOS 26 screening tool answers the call, it won’t be able to respond to the ‘press 1’ prompt and the call will likely be dropped.

Call & Message Deliverability

iOS 26’s new screening tools may block your calls and messages to your patients, if your patients haven’t saved your practice number as a contact, or otherwise marked your number as ‘known’ or ‘not spam’.

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