Overview

• iOS 26 will automatically route texts from unrecognized numbers into an “Unknown Senders” folder without notifications, shifting from an opt-in to a default filter.
• An internal NRSC memo dated July 24 and released July 28 projects the change could cost the committee $25 million and GOP campaigns $500 million by blocking small-donation texts.
• NRSC spokeswoman Joanna Rodriguez described the silent filtering of political messages as voter disenfranchisement and urged Apple to postpone the feature.
• Apple has declined to publicly address campaign objections, leaving GOP operatives fewer than two months to secure modifications.
• Republican strategists are framing backup plans for fundraising and voter outreach across alternative channels ahead of the software’s rollout.