Secret Codes guide
Unified Or Classic Phone Layout on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Switch between one combined Calls tab and the old separate tabs. iOS 26 introduced a Unified layout for the Phone app. It merges Favorites, Recents and Voicemail into a single Calls tab, with up to eight favourites pinned at the top and a chronological list of calls and voicemails underneath.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Switch between one combined Calls tab and the old separate tabs. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Switch between one combined Calls tab and the old separate tabs. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
iOS 26 introduced a Unified layout for the Phone app. It merges Favorites, Recents and Voicemail into a single Calls tab, with up to eight favourites pinned at the top and a chronological list of calls and voicemails underneath.
If you preferred the older arrangement, Classic puts Favorites, Recents and Voicemail back as separate tabs along the bottom. Nothing is lost either way, it is purely how the same data is presented.
The control is inside the app, not in Settings. Tap the filter button at the top right of the Calls or Recents list and the two layout choices sit at the top of that menu. The same menu is where you filter to Missed, Voicemails, Unknown Callers, and Spam if your carrier supports it.
How do I do it?
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap Calls at the bottom, or Recents if you are on the Classic layout.
- Tap the filter button in the top right corner.
- Tap Classic or Unified at the top of the menu.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iOS 26 or later. On iOS 17 and 18 the Phone app only has the Classic tab arrangement and there is no setting to change. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Filter Unknown Callers Out Of Recents
- Manage Favorites In The Phone App
- Move Spam Calls To A Spam List
- Emergency Bypass For A Contact
- Hold Assist
- Custom Respond With Text Replies
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Unified Or Classic Phone Layout on iPhone?
Switch between one combined Calls tab and the old separate tabs. iOS 26 introduced a Unified layout for the Phone app.
What else should I know about Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
It merges Favorites, Recents and Voicemail into a single Calls tab, with up to eight favourites pinned at the top and a chronological list of calls and voicemails underneath. If you preferred the older arrangement, Classic puts Favorites, Recents and Voicemail back as separate tabs along the bottom.
What are the steps for Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
1. Open the Phone app. 2. Tap Calls at the bottom, or Recents if you are on the Classic layout. 3. Tap the filter button in the top right corner. 4. Tap Classic or Unified at the top of the menu.
Where do I find Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
In the Phone app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Unified Or Classic Phone Layout work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iOS 26 or later. On iOS 17 and 18 the Phone app only has the Classic tab arrangement and there is no setting to change.
Does Unified Or Classic Phone Layout work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Unified Or Classic Phone Layout work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Unified Or Classic Phone Layout does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Unified Or Classic Phone Layout?
Filter Unknown Callers Out Of Recents. Send calls from numbers you never saved into their own list.
What else is in this category?
Manage Favorites In The Phone App. Pin the people you call most, and pick call, text or FaceTime per person.
Can I find Unified Or Classic Phone Layout in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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