HubSpot
Salesforce
Zoho
HighLevel
Pipedrive
ActiveCampaign
Slack
Zapier
TL;DR
iOS 26 now screens unknown callers – your rep’s call gets intercepted, transcribed (“Why are you calling?”), and the buyer decides whether it rings at all. Messages also auto-filter unknown + spam texts with silenced notifications. Sales teams that front-load clear identity, context, and consent will keep pickup rates high. Below you’ll get copy-paste scripts and setup steps tuned for the new iPhone defaults, plus EU notes on third-party dialer/messenger changes.What iOS “Call Screening” Actually Does (60-Second Brief)
How iOS 26 call screening intercepts and processes unknown calls
- Unknown callers don’t ring you by default (if enabled). iPhone can intercept unsaved numbers, prompt the caller to state their name and why they’re calling, then show that transcript so you decide: Accept, Decline, or let it go to voicemail.
- You can also hard-silence unknowns. Flip the same setting to Silence to send unsaved numbers straight to voicemail and the Recents list.
- There’s a separate “Unknown Callers” filter. Missed calls and voicemails from unsaved numbers can be tucked into an Unknown Callers list.
- Live Voicemail = real-time transcript of messages. You can watch a voicemail as it’s being left and pick up mid-message if it’s legit.
- Texts: block, filter, and report. Messages lets you block numbers, filter unknown senders, and report junk.
Call Screening Scripts That Get Through
Effective scripts that pass through iOS call screening
“Reason for Calling” – 10 Copy/Paste Starters
“Hi, it’s [Rep] from [Brand] about your [demo request]-quick question.”
“Calling from [Brand]-you asked about [Power Dialer]-can I confirm timing?”
“It’s [Rep] at [Brand]-about [pricing page visit]-is [tomorrow 10am] okay?”
“[Brand] here about your [HubSpot + calling] setup-two clarifying questions.”
“[Rep] with [Brand]-re the [trial signup]-logging you into the dialer.”
SMS Bridge Templates
“[Brand] re your demo request – link to schedule: [URL]. Reply YES for a 10-min walk-through. STOP to opt out.”
“It’s [Rep] at [Brand] – can enable click-to-call now. Need 1 toggle. Want the 2-step guide? Reply GUIDE / LATER. STOP to opt out.”
iPhone & Kixie Setup to Maximize Pickup
Optimal setup configuration for maximum call pickup rates
Number Hygiene (Weekly Tasks)
- Verify CNAM / brand label on main outbound DIDs
- Rotate or quarantine DIDs that show spam labeling
- Keep pools regional to maintain local presence credibility
CRM & Calendar Moves
- Pre-create the contact from forms, calendar bookings, or chat
- Meeting confirmation SMS/email should name the exact number
- UTM and source stamps help tailor the screening script
What to Send When the Call Gets Screened
Effective SMS follow-up templates for screened calls
First-Touch Templates
“[Brand]: saw your missed call about [context]. Want me to try you at [time] or send a 2-min video? Reply CALL / VIDEO. STOP to opt out.”
“[Rep], [Brand] – activating your power dialer. Need permission on your end. Ready for setup? Reply READY. STOP to opt out.”
Post-iOS 26 KPIs to Track
Essential metrics to monitor after iOS 26 implementation
Pickup & Screening Funnel (Voice)
| KPI | What it tells you | How to calculate | Target / Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiated Calls | Volume baseline | Count of calls placed per rep/cadence | N/A |
| Screened Rate (Proxy) | How often calls get intercepted/never ring | (Calls with no ring + immediate VM) ÷ Initiated | Track trend; if ↑, tighten “reason for calling” |
| Pickup Rate (Connect %) | True connections | Connected calls ÷ Initiated | Maintain or improve vs. pre-iOS baseline |
SMS Bridge Performance
| KPI | What it tells you | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown → Reply Rate | Ability to escape filtered inboxes | 3-5% on permissioned lists |
| Opt-Out Rate (STOP) | List quality + tone | < 1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does iOS 26 actually “screen” my reps’ calls before the phone rings?
Yes – if the callee enables it. iPhone can auto-answer unknown numbers, ask the caller to state their name and reason, transcribe it, and then let the user Accept/Decline. The toggle lives in Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers.
Will our cold texts get hidden now?
More often, yes. iPhone filters unknown senders and can suppress notifications; recipients must check Unknown or Spam folders to see them. That’s why your SMS “bridge” should front-load identity + context + choice.
How do we reduce “screened then declined” outcomes on iPhone?
Three levers: 1) Caller identity: maintain clean CNAM/number reputation, 2) Script for the bot: 8-14 words → Rep + Brand + context + next step, 3) Pre-warm: create the contact in CRM before first touch.
