Apple typically releases its annual iOS update every September, meaning the newest, “iOS 26” update will likely be released within the next few weeks.
This year, iOS 26 introduces a new mechanism that filters out spam messages into a separate folder. Additionally, it reintroduces an existing feature called “Unknown Senders,” which allows users to screen texts from unknown senders into an “Unknown” folder. This is a feature that already exists in current iOS versions. Apple’s latest update makes the option to enable this feature more prominent, and it requires users to explicitly opt into using the feature.
Scale to Win has conducted extensive testing of the new iOS features to assess what, if any, impact these new features will have on texting clients. While we don’t anticipate a major impact on the texting programs run by political campaigns, unions, and non-profits, we’ve put together several best practices you can implement to help mitigate any risk and maintain a strong presence in your contacts’ iPhone inboxes
FAQs about the iOS update
How will the iOS update affect message deliverability and open rates for political texts?
What are some steps I can take to increase the likelihood of inbox deliverability and opens.
How will the iOS update affect message deliverability and open rates for political texts?
Based on everything we’ve seen and heard from phone carriers, we believe it’s unlikely Apple will enable the “Unknown Senders” feature by default. Apple will likely continue prioritizing user choice by giving iPhone users the option to enable this feature or not.
In addition to extensively testing the iOS 26 beta across multiple devices, we’ve also consulted several telephony providers who have discussed this update directly with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. All three carriers have stated that, based on their current understanding, Apple has no intention of filtering political traffic.
The “Unknown Senders” feature has been around for years, and we have seen no measurable impact on fundraising or organizing reply rates to date. Also, based on our testing and conversations with carriers, Apple’s new spam filter is not marking political messaging as spam by default.
As always, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and share any updates as we learn more.
What are some steps I can take to increase the likelihood of inbox deliverability and opens?
If anyone on your texting list enables the “Unknown Sender” feature, your texts will still land in their primary inbox if you are either a contact in their phone or if they reply at least once to your texts. We have a few suggestions for how to make that happen.
Send a contact card
One surefire way to land in the primary texting inbox is to become a known contact for your supporters. Regardless of whether your contacts enable the new feature, supporters will receive your texts if you are a contact in their phone.
You can create a contact card (VCF file) for free online, then send it to your supporters and ask them to save it as a contact in their phone. You can include multiple numbers (including both 10DLC and toll-free), plus information like your logo and website, in the card. That way, your supporters will recognize you regardless of which number you use for an individual campaign.
Check out our help article on setting up a contact card.
Ask contacts to reply to your campaigns
Example messaging to encourage replies could include:
- "This is <candidate's name>. Really! I want to know your top 3 issues. Please reply here."
- "This is <candidate’s name>. I'm answering questions for the next 8 hours. What questions do you have that you want answered?"
- “This is < organization name> gathering info about the local impact of climate change. How has extreme weather affected you this year?”
- “This is <organization name> trying to learn more about housing affordability in <location>. How have housing and rent costs impacted you this year?”
- "Reply now for a chance to win free swag," or just "reply now to get this free bumper sticker."
Any further questions? Submit a ticket with our support team if you have any questions about your texting program and best practices.
