This an important update related to Apple's Upcoming iOS 26 version.

How Apple’s Upcoming iOS 26 Update May Affect Your Business Messaging

Apple is set to launch the latest version of iOS for iPhones on September 15. This update introduces significant changes in how messages from businesses and unknown senders are managed on iPhones. We want to help you prepare so your messages continue to reach your customers without interruption. This change will impact both SMS and RCS messages.

What’s Changing with iOS 26?

• New “Unknown Senders” Folder:

iOS 26 adds a dedicated “Unknown Senders” folder in the Messages app. If your business sends SMS or RCS messages from a number not saved in your customers’ contacts, those messages will automatically go to this folder.

• Silent Notifications:

By default, messages from unknown senders (including business messages) will not trigger a notification unless they are considered “Time Sensitive” or relate to authentication (such as verification codes).

• Promotional Messages:

iOS 26 will let users control notifications for different message types, including “Promotions.” This means promotional messages may not alert your customers, making them less visible.

While the new message filtering feature is currently optional for users in the beta version, this may change in future releases. Additionally, as more users choose to enable this feature, your messages may become less visible to your customers.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

To ensure your messages continue to reach your customers effectively, we recommend the following:

• Ask Customers to Save Your Number:
  Encourage your customers to add your business number to their iPhone contacts. This is the best way to ensure your messages go directly to their main inbox and are not missed.
• Inform Customers How to Mark Messages as “Known”:
  If your message ends up in the “Unknown Senders” folder, customers can move it to the main inbox by tapping the message and selecting ‘Mark as Known.’ Consider sharing clear instructions with your audience.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about how iOS 26 might impact your business messaging, please contact us. We’re committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through these changes.