iOS 15 Incoming Call Banner Settings and Changes

Apple's iOS 15 continues to use the compact banner as the default display for incoming calls, maintaining the unobtrusive design introduced in iOS 14 while integrating deeper controls with Focus modes. This article outlines the default incoming call options available in iOS 15, how the system handles incoming alerts, and the exact steps to switch between the compact banner and the traditional full-screen view.

The Default Incoming Call Behavior

In iOS 15, whenever your iPhone is unlocked and in use, incoming phone calls, FaceTime calls, and supported third-party VoIP calls (such as WhatsApp or Skype) appear as a compact banner at the top of the display by default.

This behavior prevents calls from interrupting active tasks, such as typing a message, browsing the web, or navigating with GPS. When the device is locked, incoming calls still default to the traditional full-screen interface.

Available Incoming Call Display Options

iOS 15 provides two primary options for incoming call displays under system settings:

  • Banner: A compact notification alert appears at the top of the screen when the iPhone is unlocked. You can swipe up to dismiss the alert without declining the call, tap the green button to accept, tap the red button to decline, or tap the banner itself to expand it into full-screen controls.
  • Full Screen: Restores the legacy iOS interface, causing incoming calls to take over the entire display regardless of whether the device is locked or in active use.

Integration with Focus Modes in iOS 15

While the core toggle between "Banner" and "Full Screen" remains identical to iOS 14, iOS 15 changed how call banners behave when interacting with the new Focus features:

  • Muted Banners: When a Focus mode (such as Do Not Disturb, Work, or Sleep) is active, incoming calls that are not on your allowed list will not display a banner at all, routing straight to voicemail or silent logging.
  • Repeated Calls: iOS 15 allows secondary calls from the same caller within three minutes to break through a Focus filter, triggering the default banner notification.

How to Change the Incoming Call Display in iOS 15

To switch between the compact banner and the full-screen view on iOS 15:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone (or FaceTime for video call settings).
  3. Tap Incoming Calls.
  4. Select either Banner or Full Screen.

Your chosen setting applies immediately to standard cellular calls, FaceTime audio and video calls, and third-party calling applications that utilize Apple's CallKit framework.