You may have seen the headlines about Apple's new iOS update that screens calls from unknown numbers. When your job is to connect with people, any change to how the phone rings can feel like a new hurdle.
But this new feature isn't the end of outbound calling. In fact, we see it as an opportunity for skilled sales professionals to stand out. It’s less of a roadblock and more of a new step in the process, one you can easily navigate with the right strategy.
Here’s what you need to know and how Salesloft can help.
What is iOS Call Screening? A Quick Explainer
When an iPhone user with this feature enabled gets a call from a number not in their contacts, here's what happens:
- An automated AI assistant answers first.
- It asks you for your name and the reason for your call.
- Your live response is instantly transcribed into text on the prospect's screen.
Based on that real-time transcript, the prospect can choose to Answer your call, send you to Voicemail, or block the number. Think of it as a live, text-based screener for your call.
5 Things Salesloft Users Need to Know
1. The Good News: It’s Opt-In, and Your Call Still Gets Through
First, this feature is off by default, so not everyone will be using it. More importantly, even when it's active, your call still makes the prospect's phone ring and notifies them after the AI has transcribed your message. You haven't been blocked, you've been given a chance to make your case.
2. Your "Transcript Test" is Your New First Impression
When the AI asks why you're calling, your answer is instantly transcribed for the prospect to read. This is your new opener. You have a few seconds to craft a message that's clear, concise, and valuable.
Think of it as your call's subject line. It needs to be compelling enough to earn a click (or, in this case, an answer).
- Less Effective: "Hi, this is Bob, I'm just calling to follow up and see if you had a chance to look at my email."
- More Effective: "Hi, this is Maria from Salesloft. I'm calling with a quick idea for how your team can reduce manual data entry."
The second one clearly states the value and gives the prospect a reason to engage.
3. Protect Your Caller Reputation
Here’s where a solid foundation is crucial. If carriers have already flagged your number as "Spam Likely," Apple's call screening might not even give you a chance to speak. Your call could be blocked outright.
Your caller reputation is more important than ever. This is precisely why we built Salesloft's TrustHub, a tool designed to help you monitor and maintain the health of your phone numbers, ensuring you're recognized as a legitimate business caller.
Learn more about protecting your caller reputation with TrustHub here.
4. Warm Up Your Strategy for Better Results
The AI screens unknown callers. The simplest way to improve your odds is to not be an unknown caller. A prospect who recognizes your name or company is far more likely to accept your call.
Use your Salesloft Cadences to create familiarity before you dial. When your call follows a recent LinkedIn connection or a relevant email, it's no longer a "cold call." It's a timely follow-up from a name they've seen before, making them much more likely to hear you out.
5. Establish Trust with the Right Dialer Tools
The details of how your call appears matter. The Salesloft Dialer includes features designed to build legitimacy from the very first ring.
- LocalDial: Calling from a local area code feels more familiar and relevant to a prospect, increasing the chance they'll answer.
- CallerID Name (CNAM): Displaying your company name provides immediate context and professionalism, signaling that your call is from a credible source.
These tools help present your call in the best possible light, improving your chances of getting past the AI screen and getting connected.
The Takeaway
This iOS update isn't a barrier to outbound sales; it's an evolution. It filters out low-effort, generic calls while rewarding thoughtful, prepared, and value-driven outreach.
By adapting your approach, focusing on quality, and using the tools in your Salesloft stack, you can continue to make smarter, more effective connections that lead to real conversations.