The iOS 26 update (September 2025) introduces AI-powered call screening and enhanced message filtering, impacting unsolicited calls and texts from political campaigns and survey organizations. Calls from unknown numbers are screened with a prompt for the caller’s name and purpose, transcribed for the user to review. Texts from unknown senders are routed to a separate “Unknown Senders” tab in Messages, reducing visibility. This document outlines best practices to optimize outreach success while complying with iOS 26’s features and FCC regulations.
Best Practices for Call Screening Greetings
To maximize call pickup rates, craft a greeting message in your Survey Script for the iOS 26 AI screening system that is clear, trustworthy, and engaging. Follow these principles:
Clarity and Brevity
Keep the greeting concise (5-7 seconds, max 15 words) to fit the AI’s prompt window and ensure the transcription is easy to read.
Clearly state who is calling and the purpose to help users decide quickly.
Example: “This is [Organization Name]. We’re calling about [purpose]. Your voice matters—join us!”
Legitimacy and Trust
Identify your organization by name to avoid being mistaken for spam. Use recognizable names (e.g., candidate name).
Avoid vague or alarmist terms like “urgent” or “important” that may trigger suspicion.
Example: “[Organization Name] here with a brief election survey. Your opinion counts!”
Call to Action
Include a short, compelling nudge to encourage users to accept the call. Highlight the value of their participation (e.g., “your voice matters”).
Example: “Share your views” or “Support our cause—join us!”
Neutral Tone
Use professional, non-aggressive language to avoid alienating users in a polarized climate. Avoid overly political or partisan phrasing.
Example: Instead of “Fight for our candidate,” use “Support [Candidate Name]’s campaign.”
Speak Clearly and Naturally
Only human speech within the first 20 seconds triggers a ring or vibration.
Sample Greeting Templates
Political Campaign (General Outreach):
“[Campaign Name] calling about the upcoming election. Your voice matters—please pick up!”Political Campaign (Fundraising):
“[Candidate Name] campaign here. Support our movement—please take this quick call!”Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV):
“[Organization Name] calling about voting on [Election Date]. Join us—please answer!”Survey (General Polling):
“[Pollster Name] with a short survey. Your input shapes results—please pick up!”Survey (Issue-Based):
“[Organization Name] surveying on [Issue, e.g., Taxes]. Your views count—please respond!”
Example Call Survey Flow
Create a Survey Script with a greeting message for iOS 26 AI
Volunteer connects to an iOS 26 AI Target
Volunteer reads the greeting script to the AI
The AI transcribes the greeting to the Target
The Target accepts the phone call and the volunteer continues with the Survey
Best Practices for Text Messaging
To counter iOS 26’s filtering of unknown sender texts into a separate tab, follow these strategies:
Encourage Opt-Ins
Prompt supporters to save your number or reply to texts (e.g., “Reply YES to stay connected”) to mark you as a known sender, ensuring future messages appear in the main inbox.
Example: “This is [Org Name]. Reply YES to receive voting updates!”
Clear Sender Identification
Use a consistent, recognizable sender ID (e.g., candidate name or organization shortcode) to build trust. Avoid generic numbers.
Example: Send from “[Candidate Name]” instead of a random 10-digit number.
Engaging First Message
Make the initial text concise and valuable, encouraging a reply to bypass filtering.
Example: “[Organization Name]: Share your opinion on [issue] in our 1-min survey. Reply START!”
Supplement with Other Channels
Use email, apps, or website sign-ups to collect opt-ins, reducing reliance on unsolicited texts. Promote saving your number at events or on social media.
Use Full Length URLs
Unlike shortened links, URLs that identify your campaign are less likely to be flagged as spam
Additional Tips
Test and Refine: A/B test greeting and text variations to identify what maximizes pickup and response rates.
Leverage Known Contacts: Encourage supporters to add your number to their contacts via campaign materials or prior interactions.
Stay Compliant: Ensure all outreach complies with FCC rules and TCPA guidelines, including providing opt-out options (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
Adapt to Feedback: As iOS 26 is in public beta (September 2025), user reactions may shape final features. Stay updated via Apple’s developer notes or user forums.
Sample Workflow for Outreach
Pre-Campaign: Collect opt-ins via website forms or events, asking supporters to save your number.
Initial Call: Use a concise, compliant greeting like “[Org Name] calling about [purpose]. Please answer!”
Follow-Up Text: Send a text from the same number: “This is [Org Name]. We called about [purpose]. Reply YES to connect!”
Track Engagement: Monitor pickup and response rates, adjusting messages based on performance.
By following these best practices, organizations can navigate iOS 26’s features to maintain effective, compliant outreach.