If you’re tired of spam calls interrupting your day and endless hold music draining your patience, iOS 26 has arrived with two game-changing features that transform how you handle phone calls. Apple’s latest update includes Call Screening and Hold Assist—tools designed to give you back control over your phone.
Call Screening: Your Personal Gatekeeper Against Scammers
Call Screening is iOS 26’s answer to the relentless wave of telemarketing and scam calls that plague smartphone users. Instead of your phone ringing every time an unknown number dials in, this feature creates a protective barrier between you and potential nuisances.
How It Works
When someone who’s not in your contacts calls, a Siri-style voice automatically answers and asks them to provide their name and reason for calling. The information is transcribed to text and shown to you, allowing you to decide whether to accept, decline, or ask for more information. The beauty of this system? You never have to engage directly with the caller unless you choose to.
For telemarketers and scammers, this creates an immediate obstacle. Robocalls and spam operations typically can’t interact with the screening prompts effectively, making this feature particularly powerful at filtering out unwanted calls.
Setting It Up
Call Screening isn’t enabled by default—you need to turn it on yourself. Here’s how:
Update your iPhone to iOS 26 (available for iPhone 11 and newer models)
Open Settings, then go to Apps
Tap Phone
Scroll to “Screen Unknown Callers”
You’ll see three options: “Never” (call screening off), “Ask Reason for Calling” (screening enabled), or “Silence” (unknown calls go straight to voicemail with transcription).
Screen Unknown Callers
Real-World Impact
The results can be dramatic. After leaving this on for a few days, my number of spam calls has dropped dramatically. The feature has been described as bringing “pure bliss” to iPhone users weary of constant interruptions.
Hold Assist: Never Wait on Hold Again
While Call Screening protects you from unwanted incoming calls, Hold Assist tackles the other phone frustration we all face: being stuck on hold with customer service.
How It Works
Hold Assist automatically kicks in when you’re placed on hold during a call. Your iPhone detects the hold music and offers to wait for you. If you accept, your phone monitors the line in the background while you go about your day. When a real human picks up, you receive a notification alerting you to return to the call.
Unlike Call Screening, Hold Assist requires no setup—it works automatically from the moment you install iOS 26, and it’s available on all devices that support the update, not just Apple Intelligence-enabled phones.
The Convenience Factor
This feature is especially valuable when dealing with airlines, insurance companies, or tech support lines where wait times can stretch into hours. Instead of sitting by your phone listening to elevator music, you can respond to emails, make dinner, or do literally anything else productive.
Privacy First
Both features process information on-device, meaning your privacy isn’t compromised by sending data to cloud services. Everything happens securely on your iPhone.
The Bottom Line
iOS 26’s calling features represent Apple’s most significant phone improvements in years. Call Screening helps you avoid distractions, protect your privacy, and filter out robocalls and scams before they ever reach you. Meanwhile, Hold Assist saves you countless hours of listening to repetitive hold music.
If you haven’t updated to iOS 26 yet and you’re constantly battling spam calls or lengthy customer service wait times, these features alone make the upgrade worthwhile. In an era where our phones do everything from AI assistance to mobile payments, it’s refreshing to see Apple innovating on the most fundamental function: actually making and receiving phone calls.
The US is rapidly losing its position as a competitive market for consumer electronics. Recent tariffs have increased prices 15-45% on major categories while Canada now offers better value and Europe’s VAT-inclusive pricing has become competitive. The era of cheap American electronics—already a myth (the US ranked only #8 globally in 2016)—is definitively over.
Analysis of late 2024/early 2025 pricing data reveals a fundamental shift. Escalating tariffs have overwhelmed traditional US tax advantages. Most surprisingly, manufacturing location provides no pricing benefit—Japanese cameras cost more in Tokyo, Chinese-made iPhones are pricier in Beijing. Shopping vacations abroad make no economic sense once you factor in travel costs, warranty limitations, and customs hassles.
Global pricing reveals US no longer competitive
Audio equipment: US becomes most expensive
The Audient iD24 audio interface (made in the UK) costs $549.99 in the US—the highest price globally. European retailers sell it for €323 ($351) including 19-20% VAT. After all taxes, California buyers pay $589 total while German buyers pay $351, a 40% premium for Americans. The UK manufacturing country offers it at £299 ($382 including VAT). Canada charges $437 USD equivalent before taxes.
Cameras: Canada leads, Japan costs more
Both the Fujifilm X100VI and Ricoh GR IV show Canada delivering the best value despite neither being manufactured there. The X100VI costs $1,577 in Canada (pre-tax) versus $1,600 US, $1,859 Japan, and $1,956 Europe. The GR IV costs $1,386 in Canada versus $1,497 US, $1,555 Japan, and $1,630 Europe.
The myth that electronics are cheaper in their country of manufacture is false—both cameras cost substantially more in Japan than North America despite Japanese manufacturing.
Smartphones: US-Japan tied for now, but tariffs threaten everything
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) ties at $1,199 in the US and Japan—globally cheapest. Canada follows at $1,218, while Europe pays $1,548 (29% more due to VAT). Hong Kong costs $1,312, and China—where iPhones are manufactured—charges $1,370.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra shows similar patterns: South Korea at $1,294, US at $1,300, Canada at $1,334, Europe at $1,548.
However, Trump administration tariffs threaten 26-40% smartphone price increases. Though temporarily exempted in April 2025, industry officials warn that $1,199 iPhone could jump to $1,700-2,300 when sector-specific electronics tariffs arrive.
US tariffs systematically eroding competitiveness
Multi-layered tariff structures implemented 2018-2025 create effective rates of 30-145% on electronics: Section 301 China tariffs (7.5-50%), Section 232 national security tariffs (15-50%), and 2025 reciprocal tariffs by country (10-46%). Country-specific rates include Japan 15%, South Korea 15%, Germany/France 15%, Vietnam 46%, and Mexico 25-35%—no manufacturing location offers tariff-free US access.
Camera manufacturers implemented 15-25% price increases in April-May 2025. The Consumer Technology Association projects 26% smartphone increases, 45% laptop increases, and 40% video game console increases under full tariff implementation. Average US households face $1,300 additional annual costs according to Tax Foundation estimates.
Supply chain relocation provides no escape—Apple’s production shift to India faces 26% tariffs there, while Samsung’s Vietnam manufacturing encounters 46% tariffs. Semiconductor industry relocation requires 5+ years minimum, with TSMC’s Arizona fabrication carrying 30% cost premiums versus Taiwan.
The myth of American electronics pricing dominance
The 2016 Linio Technology Price Index analyzing 71 countries ranked the US 8th globally—behind Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Canada, UAE, Qatar, and Japan. Middle Eastern countries with near-zero VAT consistently beat American prices by 15-25%.
America’s past advantages—12-20 percentage point tax differential versus European VAT, large market scale, and aggressive big-box retail competition—have been overwhelmed by tariffs. Electronics prices declined 96% from 1997-2015, making electronics consistently deflationary. That trend reversed sharply starting 2018, with tariff-driven inflation representing a permanent structural change.
Middle Eastern markets maintain 15-25% advantages through near-zero VAT. Canada now undercuts US prices on cameras and smartphones by 7-15% pre-tax. Japan offers fierce retail competition but products typically cost 4-16% more than the US. Poland and Czech Republic emerged as the EU’s cheapest markets, with Czech prices at 64% of EU average.
Hong Kong’s decline as an electronics destination
Hong Kong’s reputation as a bargain electronics hub rests on outdated 1990s-2010s reality when zero taxes, proximity to Shenzhen manufacturing, and vibrant gray markets created 20-40% savings. The market has contracted: -0.7% annual growth 2017-2022 with projections of just 1.20% growth through 2029.
Global price convergence eliminated arbitrage. Manufacturers now enforce pricing globally, online marketplaces enable instant comparisons, and gray market crackdowns reduced parallel imports. Current pricing shows iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,312—competitive but not cheapest (US and Japan beat it at $1,199). Hong Kong works only if visiting for other reasons, not as a dedicated electronics destination.
Shopping vacations are economically irrational
International shopping trips make no financial sense once you factor in flights, hotels, meals, and time costs. Add US Customs $800 exemption limits, warranty limitations (most manufacturers impose region-specific coverage—a gray-import device may have no US warranty at all), power/compatibility issues, impossible returns, and opportunity costs.
Shopping trips make sense only if already traveling for other reasons with no incremental costs. For typical consumer purchases, stay home and buy from authorized US dealers with warranties.
Gray market temptation and risks
Gray market goods—genuine products sold outside authorized channels—can offer 15-40% savings but carry serious risks. While generally legal in the US under first-sale doctrine, manufacturers track serial numbers, can blacklist devices, and may refuse all service including paid repairs.
A $1,000 laptop with no warranty is a potential $1,000 total loss from one defect—any “savings” evaporate with a single warranty claim. Additional risks: authentication challenges, region-specific firmware/software, incompatible LTE/5G bands, voltage differences, reduced resale value, no customer support or safety updates.
For typical consumers, the warranty risk alone makes gray market purchases imprudent.
What this means for American consumers
The evidence reveals a fundamental shift in global electronics pricing. American consumers face permanently higher electronics prices—the 15-45% increases already implemented represent structural changes, not temporary inflation. Even if future administrations reverse tariffs, supply chain costs and manufacturer pricing adaptations create lasting effects.
Key findings:
Canada emerges as North America’s value leader, undercutting US prices 7-15% on cameras and remaining competitive on smartphones
Europe’s VAT-inclusive pricing proves more competitive than assumed, with stable pricing absent tariff volatility
Manufacturing location provides no advantage—Japanese cameras cost more in Tokyo, Chinese iPhones more in Beijing
Hong Kong’s golden age ended as global pricing converged and gray markets disappeared
Middle Eastern markets maintain genuine 15-25% advantages through near-zero taxation
Practical advice for Americans:
Forget shopping vacations—travel costs, warranty risks, and hassles eliminate any savings
Avoid gray market purchases—warranty loss can exceed any price savings
Wait for domestic sales—Black Friday and Prime Day still offer 20-40% discounts
Consider previous-generation products for significant savings
Buy from authorized dealers and use credit card warranty extensions
The golden age of cheap imported electronics has ended. American exceptionalism in electronics pricing never existed to the degree assumed—the US ranked only 8th globally even in 2016. Recent tariff policies ensure it won’t improve. Americans will pay substantially higher prices for years regardless of whether reshoring goals succeed.
Apple unveiled their latest lineup on September 9, 2025 — the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a brand-new ultra-thin iPhone Air. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to upgrade.
1. How Old Is Your Current iPhone — and Will It Support iOS 26?
• Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 rolls out publicly on September 15, 2025, introducing the new Liquid Glass UI, smarter features, improved messages, Live Translation, and more.
• Devices that will not be supported include the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. These models are from 2018 and will remain stuck on iOS 18, losing access to future updates and security fixes.
• Currently supported iPhones (per Apple) include: iPhone 13 and newer, through to the new iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air.
Recommendation:
If your iPhone is 7+ years old (e.g., XR/XS or earlier), consider upgrading for both security and compatibility. Stay on older iOS puts you at risk and can hinder access to newer apps or features.
2. Check Your Battery Health — When Should You Consider Upgrading?
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health. If your Maximum Capacity is below around 80%, you’re likely seeing:
• Noticeable battery drain
• Throttle-induced slowdown
• Degraded battery performance overall
In such cases, upgrading makes sense—or at least consider battery replacement if cost is the concern.
3. Are Photos a Priority?
• The iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max introduce a new telephoto lens and selfie front-facing camera: 48 MP sensor for telephoto and 18 MP sensor for selfie. Both of these should produce noticeably better photos.
• The telephoto lens is particularly valuable if you photograph kids in action or sports—giving you significantly better reach and detail.
• The selfie lens of course is great for those family and friends shots when you can’t find someone else to take the picture.
4. Do You Value Thinness (and Style)?
• The iPhone Air is a design statement: the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6 mm, using a lightweight titanium frame with Ceramic Shield 2 for extra durability.
• It includes one reliable 48 MP rear camera (many users use only the main lens anyway), and pairs pro performance with cutting-edge portability—making it arguably the most fashionable iPhone to date.
5. Should You Wait Another Year?
• Apple is widely expected to release a foldable iPhone in 2026. This would open up like a book to give you much more screen space. If having the equivalent of a small iPad and iPhone together in one unit appeals to you, try to wait till next year.
Final Thoughts
Don’t upgrade just for the sake of hype. Consider your current device’s age, battery health, and how you use it day-to-day. The iPhone 17 line delivers meaningful improvements, especially in camera tech. If those align with your needs, now is a sensible time to upgrade. If you’re still holding a newer iPhone in good shape and don’t crave the latest cameras, waiting another year could be the right choice.
Understanding Apple’s China entanglement is essential for anyone working on tech competition, export controls, or supply chain policy. Patrick McGee does an amazing job explaining how Apple and China got to this point in time.
Apple’s China investments exceeded the Marshall Plan, creating unprecedented supply chain interdependence. Now Apple trained 28M+ workers who power competitors like Huawei.
China played the long game—used Apple (and Tesla) partnerships to systematically upgrade domestic tech capabilities.
