#TechBytes: How to block spam callers on iOS 13
Spammers and telemarketers are an absolute nightmare. They not just bug you with robo-calls but also share your number with other parties so that they can bug you too. The chain is practically unstoppable but Apple's latest mobile operating system, the iOS 13, has a nifty solution to help you deal with the situation. Here's how you can use it.
Silencing, redirecting of incoming spam calls
Apple has built a feature called 'Silence unknown callers' into iOS 13. The capability, when enabled, automatically scans incoming calls and silences those from unknown and spammy callers. Also, it won't block the spam call as you'd expect from a regular caller ID service; it will just redirect them to your voice mail, where you can access the callers' message if required.
'Siri intelligence' used for this call silencing
According to Apple, the call silencing feature won't scan any caller-ID databases to flag unknown robo-callers. Instead, the feature would use what Apple calls 'Siri intelligence' to scan the caller's number against those already present in your contacts, messages, and emails. If the callers' number is not found in the scan, the call would be silenced and redirected.
How can you turn this feature on
Now, if you are interested in using this technique to block spammers, install the latest public beta of iOS 13 on your iPhone. Once the platform is ready, head over to Settings > Phone and scroll down to the 'Silence Unknown Callers' option. Here, you have a toggle button, which, when turned on, would activate the call silencing capabilities of iOS 13.
However, there are some caveats
The feature could come handy if you don't get important calls from unknown (not saved) numbers. However, if that's not the case, you might not like the feature as most of your important calls from unsaved contacts will end up in the voicemail. Plus, also note that the feature comes with the beta version of iOS 13, which may not be completely stable.
When Apple will release stable iOS 13
The stable version of iOS 13 will be released later this year with call silencing, dark mode and many other features. Notably, the OS will also have revamped versions of Maps, Reminders, Mail, and iMessage apps.
