Apple iOS 26 Text Filter Puts GOP Fundraising at Risk, NRSC Says

Apple’s forthcoming iOS 26 will, by default, divert texts from phone numbers not saved in a user’s contacts into an “Unknown Senders” inbox that triggers no notification. The National Republican Senatorial Committee says the change could sharply curtail a critical channel for small-dollar donations, get-out-the-vote reminders and rapid-response messaging. In a memo dated 24 July, the NRSC forecast a $25 million shortfall for its own operation and up to a $500 million loss across Republican campaigns, citing industry data that 70 percent of small-dollar contributions arrive via text and noting that iPhones account for roughly 60 percent of U.S. smartphones. Pollsters and voter-contact firms also warn the filter could hamper turnout modeling and survey work that rely on text outreach. Apple has not commented on the political ramifications but told developers at its June Worldwide Developers Conference that the feature is designed to give users greater control over their inbox while still surfacing “important time-sensitive messages,” such as verification codes and appointments. iOS 26 is expected to roll out to the public in mid-September, leaving campaigns a narrow window to adapt their digital strategies or lobby for modifications.