Truecaller, the widely-used caller ID app, is about to bring some significant changes for iPhone users. The app, which has long provided Android users with seamless caller identification, has had its limitations on iOS devices. But with iOS 18, things are about to change.
According to Truecaller CEO Alan Mamedi, the app will soon work as expected on Apple devices, thanks to new APIs in iOS 18 that allow for real-time caller identification without compromising user privacy. With Apple being notoriously stringent about third-party app access, this update is set to make a major impact, especially for Truecaller’s largest market, India.
Truecaller’s Long-Awaited iPhone Overhaul
For years, Truecaller users on iOS had to jump through hoops just to see who was calling. While Android users enjoyed real-time caller ID directly on their screen, iPhone users were stuck manually opening the app to search for the identity of their callers.
However, with the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced new APIs that finally open the door for Truecaller’s full functionality. This breakthrough will enable the app to show real-time caller information directly on the call screen, just like on Android.
Truecaller CEO Alan Mamedi shared his excitement on social media, stating, “Even though it has worked fairly OK in the last 2 years, this time it will be just like you would expect Truecaller to work, end to end.”
This long-overdue feature will change the game for iPhone users who rely on Truecaller to filter out spam and identify unknown numbers, especially in regions like India where spam calls are a significant issue.
A 9-Year Journey Toward Full Integration
Truecaller’s path to getting real-time caller ID on iPhones has been a long one. Nami Zarringhalam, co-founder of the company, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the challenges faced over the years. He wrote, “It’s been 9 years of grinding, and some amount of loss of faith in between at times. But soon everyone will be able to experience a smartphone the way we always knew they could, safe and trustworthy.”
For years, Truecaller has been working around iOS’s limitations, providing caller ID but without the instant, real-time integration enjoyed by Android users. With iOS 18, this new feature is expected to function as it always should have, giving iPhone users an uninterrupted experience with Truecaller’s full set of features.
What Does iOS 18 Mean for Truecaller?
The introduction of new APIs in iOS 18 marks a turning point not only for Truecaller but also for developers working on third-party apps. Apple’s updated documentation explains, “new APIs allow developers like Truecaller to fetch information from their servers and provide live caller ID for incoming calls, in a privacy-preserving way.”
This is particularly significant in today’s landscape, where privacy and data protection are at the forefront of user concerns. Apple’s approach ensures that while users can enjoy enhanced functionality, their personal information remains secure.
For iPhone users, this means finally getting the seamless Truecaller experience that Android users have enjoyed for years. And for Truecaller, it could mean an even larger user base in key markets like India, where mobile spam is rampant.
Truecaller’s Growing Influence in India
India is Truecaller’s largest market, with millions of users relying on the app to filter out spam and block unwanted calls. The app’s popularity in the region has soared in recent years, driven by an overwhelming number of spam calls and messages that clutter the typical smartphone experience.
With this upcoming iOS 18 integration, Truecaller is poised to solidify its dominance in the market by offering iPhone users a feature-rich, reliable caller ID service. The app’s impact on the mobile landscape in India cannot be understated, and this new update is likely to expand its reach even further.
The Road Ahead for Truecaller: AI and Web Integration
While the iOS 18 update is making headlines, it’s not the only thing Truecaller has been working on. Earlier this year, the company introduced a web client, allowing users to search for unknown numbers and get real-time call alert notifications through their browser. This move has been especially beneficial for professionals who need to manage calls from their desktops.
Truecaller has also embraced the artificial intelligence (AI) trend, rolling out new tools to help detect and block spam. This is part of the company’s broader effort to make smartphones safer and more user-friendly.
As Mamedi noted, “Truecaller will finally work the way it should on iPhones,” but the company is clearly thinking beyond just caller ID. By integrating AI and offering multi-platform support, Truecaller is setting itself up to remain a vital tool in an increasingly digital world.
With iOS 18 on the horizon, Truecaller’s caller ID feature is about to undergo a transformation that iPhone users have been waiting for. This long-awaited functionality is not just a win for Truecaller but also for the millions of iPhone users around the world, particularly in India, where spam calls and messages are a daily nuisance.
Thanks to Apple’s new API and Truecaller’s persistence, iPhone users will soon enjoy the seamless caller ID experience that Android users have had for years, marking a new chapter in the app’s story.
As the tech world waits for the full release of iOS 18, one thing is clear: Truecaller is ready to take its rightful place on Apple devices. Whether it’s the updated iOS features, AI-powered spam detection, or the new web client, Truecaller continues to innovate, making our smartphones smarter and safer.
