The functions of filtering messages present in iOS 26 seem to be greatly worried the officials of the republican campaign for the Senate. According to them, the changes made by Apple could deprive them of $ 25 million to finance their next campaign.
Discovery of messages in iOS 26: polls, translation, interface …
As we indicated in our messages of messages in iOS 26, the application has a new option which is not activated by default, and which allows to filter automatically in an “unknown sender” category Not all messages of numbers are in your contacts. It contains for example the different single -use codes, advertisements or any notifications by message, such as shipping monitoring.
The concern is that, for the Americans, the sending of messages has become a very important channel for donations during electoral campaigns. 70 % of small amounts are made through this. Given the number of untimely messages that we receive on this type of tool, it would not be surprising that this functionality quickly becomes popular. The fear is therefore very real for the National Republican Committee for the Senate, which wrote a memo on this subject:
Apple iOS 26 update introduces aggressive filtering of messages. Political texts – even from verified and compliant sender – will be treated by default as spam, sent silently in an “unknown” reception box, without alerts or notifications. This change has deep implications on our ability to collect funds, mobilize voters and lead digital campaigns.
It is important to understand this: Apple is not just aims at cold demarchages or questionable actors. Each political message – whether sent via a short or long number, whatever – is relegated in the shadows. The only possible bypass – obtaining a response from the voter – becomes increasingly rare and remains entirely at the mercy of the blurred rules of Apple. How can a voter answer if he never receives the message?
This memo, published by John Gruber, shows a certain irritation on the part of the Republicans who, apparently are determined to put the package before the release of iOS 26:
Here is what it changes concretely. Today, a voter with an iPhone receives our message as a simple text. With iOS 26, unless this person has already replied, our message is sent silently to the “Unknown” reception box. No notification, no pastille, simply buried in a box that almost no one consults.
We have spent years complying with strict standards – by providing complete documentation, evidence of voluntary membership and examples of messages via Campaign Verify and The Campaign Registry – but Apple does not take into account. Mobile operators respect these rules. Apple, no.
Losses estimated in prospecting: the only NRSC could undergo a shortfall of more than $ 25 million. As 70 % of small amounts come from text messages, and the iPhone represent 60 % of the US mobile park, the overall impact could exceed $ 500 million in lost revenue for the Republican Party.
Unfortunately, K Street and professional pressure groups do not react. Apple remains silent. And we only have a few weeks left before the public release of iOS 26. If we want to retaliate, it’s now. The window to act is very narrow.
As John Gruber notes, the managers in question confuse the concepts of spam and unknown shippers. However, there is a point which should comfort the Republicans. This new Apple feature touches the Republicans as much as the Democrats.
