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You might not think about it often, but the Phone app on your iPhone keeps getting more powerful. Here are two features you can use today, plus one next month in iOS 27.
Hold help
With iOS 26 last year, Apple added a new feature called Hold Assist to the Phone app. When you are on the line, the feature can detect when you are on hold. You will then see a pop-up that you can tap to enable hold assist.
When the person on the other end of the call returns, your iPhone will alert you.
Here’s how Apple describes Hold Assist: “Automatically detects when you’re on hold, so you can walk away. Then iPhone alerts you when it’s time to pick up.”
You can enable standby by going to the Settings app, scrolling down to Apps, then selecting Phone. In this menu, you will see a switch: “Hold Assist Detection” that you can turn on.
Call check
Call Screening is another new feature in the Phone app, which was introduced as part of iOS 26 last year. Here’s how Apple describes it: “Calls from unrecorded numbers will be asked for additional information before the iPhone rings.”
When someone from an unrecorded number calls you, Call Screening comes in and asks who they are and why they’re calling. Then you can see their description on the Lock screen of your iPhone and choose to reply or send them to voicemail.
In the era of ever increasing spam calls, call screening is a must-do feature. You can find it in Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Phone.
Call the context
Finally, Call Context is a new feature coming to the Phone app with iOS 27. It’s an Apple Intelligence feature that proactively displays relevant information when you make a business call.
For example, if you call an airline to change your flight, Call Context will automatically find your confirmation code in Mail and display it on the screen while you’re on the line. If you call the company about a recent order you placed, it will display the order number and other relevant details.
Call Context is a well-crafted feature that uses AI to proactively assist you during what can often be a frustrating process. It also does so with privacy in mind, and only sees who you’re calling, not what you say, to display the necessary information.
Call context is available on iPhone 15 Pro and later. iOS 27 is currently in testing with developers and public beta users. It will be released to everyone in September.
Wrap up
I try to avoid using the phone app at all costs, but unfortunately it is a necessary evil. These new phone app features at least make for a more enjoyable experience. In particular, I’m a big fan of Call Screening. I get a ridiculous amount of spam calls every day, and Call Screening helps me keep my sanity.
What is your favorite phone app feature? Are you using the new option? Let us know in the comments.
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