Those in the contact center industry know well that there are a host of challenges in simply getting our contacts to answer our calls.
The FCC has given terminating carriers permission to block and label calls in certain instances. Google and Android devices have included optional call screening features for some time. And now Apple has joined the fray with the introduction of iOS 26’s enhanced call screening feature.
For outbound sales and lead generation teams, this innovation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As iPhone users gain more control over the calls they receive, the rules of engagement are shifting.
But with the right strategies, your team can still reach your audience and maximize performance while adhering to our underlying legal compliance objectives. Here’s how.
Understanding iOS 26 Call Screening
The new call screening feature in iOS 26 leverages on-device intelligence to analyze incoming calls. Calls from unknown, unverified, or spam-labeled numbers may be silenced, sent to voicemail, or flagged for users to review later.
This empowers users to avoid unwanted interruptions, but makes it harder for legitimate businesses to get through, especially when calling prospects for the first time.
Challenges for Outbound Teams and Call Centers
With the introduction of iOS 26 call screening, these are just some of the challenges teams face:
- Increased Call Blocking: Unrecognized numbers are more likely to be screened out, reducing answer rates and lowering agent efficiency.
- Verification Hurdles: Calls not properly identified or authenticated may be flagged as spam or marked with other negative call labels.
- Higher User Expectations: Consumers expect transparency and relevance in every interaction. Call screening allows consumers to prioritize calls that seem most important to them.
Best Practices to Maximize Performance
While iOS 26 raises the bar, it also rewards callers who prioritize transparency and user experience. Here are actionable tips for your team:
1. Register and Authenticate Your Caller IDs
Ensure your phone numbers are registered and authenticated with major carriers and Apple’s call identification partners. Verified caller IDs increase the likelihood of your calls being displayed with your business name, logo, and reason for calling.
The FCC also recently initiated a rulemaking to require certain caller ID protocols to achieve an “A” level STIR/SHAKEN attestation.
Readymode helps facilitate number registration through Managed Remediation in Readymode iQ, and supports branded calling through its partnership with First Orion.
2. Maintain Consistent Outbound Numbers Whenever Possible
While rotating and replacing your phone numbers can help prevent spam flags, it can also have the opposite impact if you do it too frequently.
Terminating carriers use how long a phone number has been active within their network as a signal of trust. ‘New’ numbers are treated as less trustworthy than older numbers with an established call history, making them more likely to get flagged.
Tools like Autopilot in Readymode iQ enable you to maintain healthy calling patterns by warming up new numbers and preventing overdialing. Plus, each Readymode iQ license comes with 75 free numbers (DIDs) that you can use in rotation.
3. Stay Compliant and Respectful
TCPA and state mini-TCPA name-disclosure requirements apply in certain calling contexts, so be mindful of those in your scripting.
You also must follow all relevant regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry, as well as provide clear opt-out options for internal DNC lists.
4. Call During Optimal Hours
Call during appropriate hours and tailor outreach to segments most likely to be interested in your message. Personalization increases the odds of engagement, even if your call is screened.
It’s also important to be mindful of state calling restrictions which impact when you are legally able to make calls.
5. Monitor Performance and Feedback
Track answer rates and feedback from your contacts following the rollout of iOS 26. If your numbers are frequently flagged or blocked, investigate and adjust your approach to minimize negative outcomes.
You may find that only some segments of your contact list have call screening turned on, so different approaches may work better for different audiences.
How to Prepare Your Team for Success
To prevent screened calls, training is key. Educate your agents about the importance of verified caller ID, compliance, and customer-centric communication. Empower them with scripts that emphasize transparency (“We’re calling from [ABC Company], and here’s why…”), and encourage polite, professional interactions.
In a recent article, we provide examples of effective scripts you can use to pass calling screening and connect with more leads.
Looking Ahead at iOS 26 Call Screening
As call screening becomes smarter, so must your outreach. iOS 26’s advanced features are designed to protect users from unwanted calls, but they also reward compliant, customer-focused businesses.
By embracing transparency, authenticity, and compliance, your team can overcome these new challenges and stand out among the rest.
Remember: The goal isn’t just to get through—it’s to build trust and create positive experiences for the people you’re trying to reach.
This article is only offered for informational purposes; it is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney for your specific compliance needs.
Joe Bowser
Joe Bowser is a partner at Roth Jackson. He has been practicing communications and marketing law for two decades. He advises and defends calling and SMS platform providers (like Readymode), carriers/VoIP providers, and heavy users of those services in their wide range of compliance needs. In his spare time, you can find him taking his boys to their sports, getting in a workout of his own, or catching an Arsenal match.
