After many years of being "terrorized" by junk calls and scams, iPhone users finally have a truly effective and completely free automatic call blocking tool (robocall).
The new feature integrated in iOS 26, Apple's newly launched operating system, allows Siri to automatically answer calls from unknown numbers, ask callers why they are in contact, and send a summary of the call to users.
The phone will not ring, users will not be bothered but still know who is trying to contact.
This technology brings a released feeling to millions of people who have been tired of Robocall ( Automatic calls using pre-recorded messages) for the past decade.
Previously, third-party call blocking apps were almost helpless, as scammers could easily fake their phone numbers to bypass the filters.
But now Siri and Apple's screening system handle incoming calls directly, helping users almost no longer be bothered by fake loan offers, investments, or electricity promotions.
Not only Apple, Google Pixel users are also benefiting from the same technology.
Google said it is expanding its Call Screen feature to many new countries, including Canada, Ireland and Australia.
When enabled, Google's virtual assistant will answer on behalf of the user, asking the caller to provide information and allowing spam reporting with just one operation.
However, both tools are not yet perfect. Some real people, such as doctors, schools or colleagues, may hesitate when asked by robots first.
Apple acknowledges this and allows users to choose to turn the feature on or off, instead of enabling it by default.
Experts say this is a reasonable step between two extremes: blocking all unknown calls (too extreme) or picking up unusual numbers (too risky).
The new system allows callers to verify their identities, helping users distinguish between the real person and the scammer before deciding to answer.
In addition, Apple and Google are expanding their fight against spam to the field of text messaging, as scammers increasingly switch to sending fake SMS to employers, banks or delivery companies.
Both companies provide automatic filters that detect and transfer suspicious messages to thu muces.
While these tools cannot completely eliminate robocall and scam messages, they mark the biggest step forward of the decade to protect users from technology users for harassment and scams.
