For decades, cold calling was the bread and butter of client acquisition for financial advisors. It was a numbers game. Call enough people, and a few would say yes. But in 2025, the game is changing and in this case, Apple isn’t exactly your best friend.

With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a new Call Screening feature that changes how unknown calls reach iPhone users. Instead of ringing through, these calls are intercepted by an AI assistant. The caller is prompted to state their name and reason for the call, and the recipient sees a live transcript before deciding whether to answer. Think of it as voicemail before the phone rings.

Here’s why that matters:
Roughly 57% of Americans use iPhones, so more than half the people you’re trying to reach may soon have a digital gatekeeper between you and their attention.

And now for the surprising part:
Believe it or not, approximately 50% of financial advisors still use cold calling. You might think it’s outdated or arcane, but it remains in the repertoire of more successful advisors than you might expect. In fact, for some top producers, cold outreach still accounts for as much as 20 to 30% of their new business (based on B2B outreach benchmarks and anecdotal advisor performance).

The Numbers Don’t Lie

While many advisors have moved on to relationship-driven or digital-first strategies, cold calling remains surprisingly durable:

• About half of all advisors still include cold calling in their client acquisition toolkit

• For top producers, it can still be a meaningful pipeline contributor

• Conversion rates hover around 2 to 5%, making efficiency and reach critical

But now, your ability to even get someone on the line is quietly being restricted — especially with iPhone users.

Cold Calling Just Got Colder

Here’s what iOS 26 means in practical terms:

• Your call won’t ring unless the recipient chooses to answer after reading your transcribed opener

• If your message sounds irrelevant or robotic, it may be ignored altogether

• High-volume dialers and one-size-fits-all scripts are increasingly ineffective

And that’s before you factor in mobile carriers flagging numbers as potential spam or third-party blockers like RoboKiller and Truecaller.

What It Means for You

If cold calling is still part of your growth plan, this update is more than a tech tweak — it’s a signal to evolve. Apple isn’t banning cold calls, but they are reshaping how people engage with unknown numbers. And the public, for the most part, is cheering them on.

Some advisors are already pivoting:

• Pre-warm leads with short emails, SMS introductions, or LinkedIn outreach

• Refine your opener so it reads well when transcribed — think subject line, not script

• Authenticate your business number with STIR/SHAKEN or branded caller ID tools to build instant credibility

• Send timely follow-ups if your call is screened or declined

The Big Picture: Cold Calling Isn’t Dead, But It’s No Longer the First Option

Apple’s goal is user control, not your pipeline. And if your current firm still expects you to pound the phones without support, it might be time to ask: Is this the best platform to build your business?

At 3xEquity, we help financial advisors explore smarter growth strategies. That includes finding firms with built-in marketing, better tech, and client acquisition support — so you spend more time in conversations that matter and less time chasing voicemails.

Cold calling may be fading. But your opportunity to grow is only expanding — if you’re aligned with the right firm.

Ready to explore firms that help you grow more efficiently?
Request your personalized transition offers — confidential and commitment-free.

Ready to explore your possibilities?
Start with a safe, no-obligation step: visit 3xEquity.com/qs to see what your ideal move in 2025 might look like.