iPhone Call Spam Screening: How to Block Unwanted Calls

iPhone Call Spam Screening: How to Block Robocalls and Junk Texts

If you're overwhelmed by robocalls and spam texts, you're not alone. According to spam analytics firm YouMail, U.S. consumers received an estimated 54.5 billion robocalls in 2024, or about 165 calls per second. Spam texts are just as bad — RoboKiller reports that Americans got 94 billion spam texts last year, a 12% increase from 2023.

Fortunately, Apple’s iPhone spam screening tools and third-party apps can help you regain control over your phone.

Why Spam Calls and Texts Are Surging

• Scammers are getting smarter. Many spam calls now spoof local area codes or even real business numbers to trick you into answering.

• Text spam is easier and cheaper. A single scammer can send thousands of phishing texts (aka "smishing") in seconds.

• Consumer losses are rising. The FCC reports U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to phone scams in 2023, with the average loss per incident over $800.

Built-in iPhone Features That Block Spam

1. Silence Unknown Callers

This feature, available in iOS 13 and later, automatically silences numbers not in your contacts. Calls go straight to voicemail, helping you avoid unwanted interruptions.

How to enable:

• Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers > Toggle ON

2. SMS Filtering

In Settings > Messages, toggle Filter Unknown Senders to push texts from unknown numbers into a separate tab — reducing phishing risk.

3. Report Junk

When you receive a suspicious message in iMessage, Apple gives you the option to “Report Junk”. This helps train Apple’s system to detect and block spam more effectively.

Third-Party Call and Text Blocking Apps

iPhones allow third-party apps to block calls and filter messages. These apps maintain live databases of known spam numbers and auto-block suspicious activity.

App	Key Features	Monthly Cost	Spam Text Blocking
Hiya	Real-time caller ID, auto-block fraud	Free / $2.99	✅
Truecaller	Caller ID, community spam reports	Free / $4.99	✅
RoboKiller	AI-powered call screening, answer bots	$4.99	✅
Nomorobo	Spam call blocking for VoIP/landline	Free trial / $1.99	❌

🔒 Fact: RoboKiller claims to block over 1 billion robocalls and spam texts per month across its users.

To enable a call blocking app:

• Download the app from the App Store

• Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification

• Enable the app from the list

Carrier Tools for Extra Protection

Most major carriers offer free and paid call filtering services that work seamlessly with iPhones:

Carrier	Service	Free Version	Premium Features
AT&T	ActiveArmor	✅	Threat level alerts, reverse lookup
T-Mobile	Scam Shield	✅	Number masking, voicemail-to-text
Verizon	Call Filter	✅	Spam lookup, auto-block high risk

These services can label calls as "Scam Likely", block robocalls outright, and send alerts for high-risk numbers.

Spam Text Trends in 2024

• Top spam text types: Delivery scams (e.g., “Your package is held”), bank phishing, fake job offers.

• Peak spam hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. local time.

• Most spammed area codes: 213 (Los Angeles), 347 (New York), 305 (Miami)

📊 Stat: According to RoboKiller, the average American received 28 spam texts per month in 2024 — nearly one per day.

How to Reduce Spam Long-Term

• Don’t answer unknown numbers.

• Never click links in suspicious texts.

• Register your number at donotcall.gov

• Use 2FA apps (like Authy) instead of SMS for security.

• Report spam to 7726 (SPAM) — this works for most U.S. carriers.

Final Thoughts

With spam calls and texts on the rise, iPhone users need to take full advantage of Apple’s built-in tools, carrier protection, and advanced third-party apps. Whether you’re silencing unknown numbers or using a robocall-blocking AI assistant, the right setup can make a big difference.

Say goodbye to scam calls — and take back your phone.

10 Reasons Why I Am Sick and Tired of the Apple iOS iPhone Updates

Apple’s iOS updates used to be exciting, bringing new features and enhancements. But lately, they’ve become more of a headache than a help. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading the next iOS update, you’re not alone. Here’s why I’m completely over them.

1. Never-Ending Updates

The New iOS 18 Update Causes My iPhone to Freeze and Crash Constantly: Here's Why

The New iOS 18 Update Causes My iPhone to Freeze and Crash Constantly: Here's What You Need to Know

Apple’s iOS updates are typically a time for excitement, bringing new features, improved security, and performance enhancements. However, not every update rolls out smoothly, and the recent iOS 18 update has left many iPhone users frustrated due to frequent freezing and crashing issues.

If you’ve updated to iOS 18 and find your iPhone behaving erratically, you’re not alone. This article breaks down the common problems, potential fixes, and what Apple might do to address these issues.

Common Issues Reported After Updating to iOS 18

Many users have taken to social media and Apple forums to report problems after installing iOS 18. Here are the most frequently mentioned issues:

1. Freezing During Basic Tasks
   Users report their iPhones freezing while performing everyday activities like texting, browsing, or opening apps.

2. Random Crashes
   Apps and the operating system itself are crashing unexpectedly, often requiring a force restart.

3. Battery Drain
   Some users have noticed their batteries draining faster than usual, exacerbating the frustration.

4. Lag in Performance
   Even newer iPhone models, like the iPhone 15, are experiencing slow response times and unresponsive apps.

5. Overheating
   Excessive heat generation has also been reported, with some devices becoming too hot to handle during use.

Why Is iOS 18 Causing Problems?

The root causes of these issues may vary, but here are some potential explanations:

• Software Bugs: iOS 18 is a major update, and early versions often contain bugs that Apple will need to address with subsequent patches.
• Compatibility Issues: Older iPhone models may struggle to handle the demands of new software features.
• Third-Party App Conflicts: Apps not yet optimized for iOS 18 may trigger crashes or freezing.

How to Fix iOS 18 Freezing and Crashing Problems

If your iPhone is freezing or crashing frequently, here are some steps you can take:

1. Restart Your iPhone
   A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Hold the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears, turn off your phone, and restart it.

2. Update Your Apps
   Check for updates in the App Store, as developers may have released updates to improve compatibility with iOS 18.

3. Free Up Storage
   Low storage space can cause performance issues. Delete unnecessary files, apps, or photos to free up memory.

4. Reset All Settings
   Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your data but will reset system preferences.

5. Reinstall iOS 18
   Back up your iPhone and perform a clean installation of iOS 18 using iTunes or Finder on a Mac.

6. Wait for an Update
   Apple is likely aware of these issues and will release a patch to address them. Check for software updates under Settings > General > Software Update.

What to Do If Nothing Works

If the freezing and crashing persist, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. In some cases, they might recommend downgrading to an earlier version of iOS or scheduling a repair if there’s a hardware issue.

What Is Apple Doing to Fix This?

Apple has not officially commented on the iOS 18 issues, but history suggests that they’ll release a hotfix or incremental update (like iOS 18.0.1) soon. Users should keep an eye out for updates in Settings and install them as soon as they’re available.

Should You Update to iOS 18 Now?

If you haven’t yet installed iOS 18, it may be wise to wait until Apple addresses these performance issues. Users who rely heavily on their iPhones for work or daily tasks should prioritize stability over new features.

Final Thoughts

The iOS 18 update has introduced a wave of excitement and frustration for iPhone users. While the freezing and crashing issues are undeniably inconvenient, Apple is likely working hard on a fix. In the meantime, the steps outlined above should help mitigate these problems and improve your device's performance.

Stay tuned for updates, and always back up your iPhone before installing new software. For more tech tips and iOS updates, bookmark this page and share your experiences in the comments below!

iPhone vs. Android: Making the Choice That Fits Your Lifestyle

Which is better iPhone or Android?

In the world of smartphones, the debate between iPhone and Android has been ongoing for years. Both platforms have passionate supporters, but deciding which one is better ultimately comes down to personal preferences and needs. Let's explore the key factors to consider when choosing between an iPhone and an Android device.

Smartphones And Their Usage In America

Interesting Facts About Smartphone Usage In The United States

Just like in the rest of the world, smartphones are an integral part of daily life in the United States. Smartphones influence the way people communicate, research, and share information in both their personal and professional capacity. Recently, the Pew Research Center, has conducted some surveys to determine just how people in the United States are using their phones. Here are some interesting findings from their reports:

1. 77% of Americans own a cell phone

Three-quarters of adults living in the United States own a cell phone. This figure is up from just 35% in 2011. What this means is that the mobile phone has been one of the most adopted forms of technology in recent history. As expected, the younger generation is much more likely to own a cell phone, with 92% of adults aged between 18 and 29 years old owning a device. In addition, 51% of homes with young adults include three or more devices. Of the adults aged 65 and older on the other hand, only 42% own a mobile phone.

2. Diverse mobile phone usage

Most Americans use their phones for more than just calling and messaging. Common cell phone usage includes accessing emails, social networking, taking pictures or video, checking news, watching videos, playing games, navigating with maps, playing online Blackjack and listening to music or podcasts.

28% of mobile phone users in the States have used their devices to look for a job, while 9% have used their device to try and find a partner on a mobile dating app. In addition, a large percentage of users also use their phones to read e-books, while 62% of Americans have used their phone to get information about a health condition. 51% of users also report using their smartphone to shop online, while 45% have used their device to look up reviews about a purchase they want to make. In addition, 57% of smartphone users in the United States have used their device for online banking, 44% have looked for a place to live using their phone and 40% have used their phone to search for government services of information.

3.  A growing reliance on smartphones

Studies show that there has been a growing reliance on smartphones in the United States. 12% of Americans rely on their smartphone only to access the internet. This is particularly the case with lower-income families. 55% of Americans also subscribe to news alerts on their phones, while 30% have attended an educational course using their phone. 89% of American phone users also said they have used their phones in a social setting.

However, despite this growing reliance on phones, 28% of Americans do not use the safety devices on their phones, such as screen lock. Also, 14% of users say they never update their phone, while 40% say they only do updates when it is convenient for them. 46% of smartphone owners also believed that if necessary, their device is something they could live without. 

Why Does iOS 14 & Health App Drain Battery?

Draining your battery life with iOS 14? You're not the only owner of an iPhone with that problem.

Apple iPhone owners have complained about their battery life being dramatically shortened after updating their smartphone to the latest operating system, known as iOS 14, which launched on September 16, 2020, worldwide.

First off, installing a new OS on an iPhone triggers a lot of stuff to go on in the background, from indexing to recalibrating the battery, and this can go on for hours or even days. Not only does this consume power, but the battery recalibration can give the impression that the battery is draining more rapidly.  Add to this the dual-factor that accompanies a new release and several software updates, coupled with a ton and new functionality available that can bring further drain on an older smartphone.

My advice stays the same -- turn off the Health App don't worry about your iPhone's battery for a week or so after installing a new iOS. It takes time for things to normalize. If you go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and the message is that it is good for Peak Performance Capability, then it's either just the normal stuff going on or a bug.

I suspect that having the health app do contact tracing running the background doesn't help also.  Read more about what does the iOS health app contact tracing do? Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients and warning contacts of exposure in order to stop chains of transmission. It works by logging when two people have been in close proximity to each other for a substantial period of time. If one of the users is later diagnosed as having the disease, an alert can be sent to others they have recently been close to, telling them that they should also get tested and/or self-isolate.  This likely requires a lot of processing power in the background of your phone. 

Note that rolling back to iOS 13 doesn't help here because that too would be a new operating system, and would need to go through that initial setup period before things settled down.

Not only could there be bugs in iOS 14 that affect battery life, but developers have been given almost no time to release apps that are ready for iOS 14, so problems are to be expected.

So yes, I know it's annoying, but just charge your iPhone more, and keep a power bank or wireless charging pad nearby and see if things settle down after a few days.

For Apple Watch owners

I would recommend unpairing and re-pairing your watch to your phone. It will save all your faces, apps, and settings in the process and it solved the battery drain issue for me. I had to charge my watch multiple times a day after updating to watchOS 7. Then I repaired it and now I get the same or better battery life than I had before the iOS 14 and watchOS 7 updates.

Please add any additional comments or suggestions below . . . 

iOS 14 Wifi and Battery issues Continue After Bug Fix Update

On September 16, Apple launched iOS 14 for all compatible iPhones and also rolled out the iOS 14.0.1 update after just one week. Some problems that came along with the iOS 14 update were resolved by this update. But it seems the latest update has some glitches in it as well.

To fix bugs that were reported in the iOS 14 update, Apple released iOS 14.0.1. The bugs addressed in this update were: 

• Fixes a problem that could trigger your iPhone to reset the default browser and mail settings after restarting 
• Addresses a problem that could prevent displays of camera previews on iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus 
• Fixes a problem that might impede the connection of your iPhone to Wi-Fi networks 
• Solve a problem that could prohibit some mail providers from sending an email 
• Addresses a problem that might prevent the appearance of photos in the News widget

To fix the above-mentioned problems, Apple has rolled out this new update, but after downloading it, the bugs still continue to pop up. There were some unfixed issues and the update came along with some new issues.

These include problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and widespread problems with widgets. Keyboard lag, device instability, and weak battery life are the latest bugs identified following the update. 

This is the beginning of a big update, and in the upcoming updates, there will be some bugs that will be repaired. Apple is looking forward to the 14.0.2 update to iOS that will address these problems.

Resetting network settings -- go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings -- helps some people experiencing connectivity issues, but for others does nothing other than creating the hassle of having to add back devices and networks.

Performance aside, here’s the list of devices that are supported.

Supported iPhone models

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6S
• iPhone 6S Plus
• iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation)

Supported iPad models

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• iPad (5th, 6th, and 7th generation)
• iPad mini (4th and 5th generation)
• iPad Air (2nd and 3rd generation)

iPhone Not Enough Storage Backup Scam

The latest annoying "Not Enough Storage" iPhone scam is very hard to get rid of and will keep popping up on your phone even if you say "Not Now" repeatedly.   This reminder comes up on the phone almost weekly and it's impossible to make this setting permanent.  

There is absolutely no need to backup your applications in the cloud even if you lose your phone or get a new one.  Most people don't realize that if you are smart about your cloud data management you don't need to pay for it or pay very little.  

Apple is notorious at creating planned obsolesce scams trying to trick people into thinking their phone is broken or they need to upgrade their phones.  

Google makes backing up your photos on your phone very easy and cheap.  There is no reason you need to pay Apple for storage you don't need.  Google Photos is an amazing phone application and also a great place to organize your photos.  There are many free options and also some very affordable paid options as you accumulate more photos and videos.   

iPhone 6 & 7 Slowdown Scam Class Action Lawsuit

If you had an iPhone 6 or iPhone 7 that you noticed was slowing down significantly back in 2017, you can collect about $25 from Apple. The company agreed to pay $500 million dollars to settle a 2017 lawsuit that claimed it was intentionally slowing speeds on the devices to get customers to buy new, more expensive phones. You can submit a claim on the official settlement website. If you owned more than one device, you have to submit a separate claim form for each device.

Apple Settlement Website 

If you are or were a U.S. owner of an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, and/or SE device that ran iOS 10.2.1 or later before December 21, 2017, and/or a U.S. owner of an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus device that ran iOS 11.2 or later before December 21, 2017, you could be entitled to benefits under a class action settlement.

Notice of Public Action

What is the Lawsuit About?

In a consolidated class action lawsuit pending against Apple, Plaintiffs claimed that a performance management feature introduced for iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, and SE devices in iOS 10.2.1, and introduced for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices in iOS 11.2, diminished the performance of some of those devices. Apple denies all allegations and is entering into this settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by Apple.

What Does The Cash Payment Provide?

Apple will provide a cash payment of approximately $25 per eligible device, provided that Apple will not pay more than $500 million in aggregate to the Settlement Class Members. If the total value of approved claims submitted exceeds the $500 million Ceiling, the value of each approved claim (per eligible device) will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. Additionally, under the proposed settlement, if the total value of approved claims submitted by Settlement Class Members do not exceed the $310 million Floor, the value of each approved claim (per eligible device) may be increased on a pro-rata basis, up to a maximum of $500 per device. For more details, please refer to the Settlement Agreement available at www.SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com.

The cash payment per eligible device depends on the actual number of approved claims and other factors, including the award of attorneys’ fees and 5 expenses and Named Plaintiff service awards. Under the proposed settlement, Apple shall pay a minimum of $310,000,000 (the “Floor”) and a maximum of $500,000,000 (the “Ceiling”). Under no circumstances shall any of the Floor revert to Apple.

How to get the cash settlement?

To qualify for a settlement benefit, you must submit a valid Claim Form. The online Claim Form, including instructions on how to make a Claim, can be accessed at www.SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com. If you wish to receive this cash payment electronically by ACH, please be sure to have your routing and bank account number available when completing the online Claim Form. You can also download a Claim Form to mail in by clicking here, or you may request a Claim Form by emailing the Claims Administrator at: Questions@SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com or by calling toll-free 1-833-649-0927.

Is Apple Creating Bugs To Trick People Into Buying New Phones?

When Will Congress & EU Investigate Apple for Antitrust Issues About Purposely Creating Bugs to Trick People Into Buying New iPhones?

Have you ever asked yourself why your iphone keeps crashing every October or November before the Christmas shopping season?   I think this coincidence of this annual phenomenon is actually done on purpose by Apple secretly to trick people into thinking that they need to buy new phones.  

Apple has created an amazing business through planned obsolescence but ever since Steve Jobs passed away they have not innovated enough that would entice most frugal people enough into buying the latest new iphones.   I think Apple knows this and is not purposely creating bugs in the iOS operating system to make people think their phone is defective.   If the truth was ever was to be investigated and discovered I think this could destroy about half of the companies market capitalization.  Watch Apple's stock if you ever start to hear about an investigation like this.  

If you understand the software business it is not hard to imagine why Apple wouldn't purposely create bugs in their operating system to trick people into thinking their phone is now defective.  Everyone I talk with who owns an iPhone thinks they need to buy the latest iPhone hardware in order for their phones to continue working.  

The Android World is much difference and Google does a much better job of releasing updates and that are consistent with the phone hardware.  You can use an Android phone for many years after a phone is released.  However, older iPhones seem to get bloated with worthless software and bugs that seem to crash and clutter phones with things you really don't need.  

Another thing that Android does is allow you to offload photos to Google Photos easily for minimal costs and doesn't scam you into thinking you need to buy iCloud storage to backup.  This is such a scam by Apple.  If you are a sophisticated iPhone user having Google Photos backup and remove all of your photos is essential so you don't have to use Apple's worthless iCloud storage.  

Would love some Apple supporters to comment on this below.  

Why The Mobile App Business in Trouble Long Term

See Full Strategy Analytics Forecast Model

I DON'T AGREE WITH THIS GROWTH CHART MODEL

I am kind of a contrarian when it comes to the app business expanding over the next decade and don't agree with this chart.  I have been in the tech space for a long time and I am seeing a similar pattern to the .com crash of the early 2000's. Developers are tired and app publishers are having an impossible time getting discovered in the app store. I think the app store is a dysfunctional filter of information that should ultimately be controlled by search engines.

Thus, why I think HTML5 and apps the utilize the web heavily will ultimately win out in the long run. I think the 99/01 rule plays out in this industry and thousands of companies continue to go out of business. There are just far too many companies that are app only and don't have a web presence. Those that do both will succeed.

I say this also because the consumer is tired of having to constantly update apps. I think it is backfiring on pure app companies. People are deleting apps for space and apps are running secretly in the background. Pure web apps are accessible on demand and don't require downloads. We hear this frustration from consumers on our site Deadcellzones.com.

 Love to hear your thoughts.

WiFi Only iPads & Apple Margins

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) disappoints Wall Street in their latest earning call beating guidance but not matching street expectations.  After looking at Mary Meeker's latest Awesome Web 2.0 presentation about the "State of the Web", this slide struck me the most as I listened to the Apple earnings call.

Apple's stock has risen over the last few years due to their close business relationships with the carriers and booming iPhone sales.  Have iPhone sales topped out due to insanely booming iPad sales?   iPads carry lower margins for both Apple and the carriers and have a incredibly better user experience than an iPhone.  Once you start using a tablet or an iPad you might only use your smartphone for tethering and essential messaging functions.  No longer are the thousands of iPhone applications relevant as the iPad has become the focus of my WiFi content data usage experience.   And yes its FREE!

Apple investors have also been expecting the iPhone 5 which technically is 2 years behind the curve on 4G standards. LTE and 4G phones have been on the market for a long time and Apple has not even announced the iPhone 5 yet as it just launched the iPhone 4S.  Surely Apple's inability to keep up with the pace of 4G data speeds on phones will catch up with them.

Carriers pay Apple handsomely for the right to sell the iPhone because the payback for the customer's data subscription is only in a few months.  Consumers are paying $50 to $100 for monthly data plan subscriptions and are NOT doing the same with iPads.  WiFi only iPad users are growing much quicker than the 3G iPad.  This translates into lower margins for Apple with a one time only sale price of $500 that will likely be lowered soon.  The current iPad selling at $500 will likely be forced to drop in price due to competition.

Amazon announced the Kindle Fire Android tablet at $200 and plan to make most of their money on data / content subscriptions.  Other Android tablet manufacturer including Google have grander visions of making money off of location based advertising which Apple is behind on as well.

This is the first earnings call since the passing of Steve Jobs where Tim Cook was alone at the helm.  Is he setting himself up for a great Holiday quarter? Apple could be sandbagging their next quarter before they release the iPhone 5 or have they run out of momentum?