Date:
January 22, 2025
Truecaller ends the Android exclusivity of real-time caller ID for iPhone users, enhancing spam protection on iOS.
Truecaller, the widely used caller identification app, has finally introduced real-time caller ID functionality for iPhone users. This long-awaited update addresses a significant gap in Truecaller’s iOS offering, which had previously lagged behind its Android counterpart due to Apple’s stricter privacy and system limitations.
This solves a big problem for iOS users who are almost 40% of Truecaller’s Premium revenue source. In fact, in an interview, Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller, said:
“We are excited to bring the full power of Truecaller to iPhone. We see tremendous potential and growth in our iPhone user base and parity with Truecaller’s Android experience has been top of their wishlist. This update does that and more while preserving privacy for all calling activity.”
Apple’s iOS Update Unlocks Truecaller’s Full Potential
The change came after Apple allowed the developers access to a Live Caller ID Lookup framework in iOS 18.2. This allows third-party apps like Truecaller to access certain system capabilities.
This move has enabled Truecaller to roll out its live caller ID feature. A feature that instantly identifies incoming calls and displays the caller's name in real time. Previously, iPhone users could only access Truecaller’s database for post-call identification or manually look up numbers.
However, to make the new feature compatible with Apple devices, the company had to even build a new server architecture entirely. They created a separate, encrypted database for iOS, which was apace with its existing larger database for Android users.
Competing with Android’s Superior Integration
Truecaller’s live caller ID feature has been a staple on Android devices for years. It benefits from the deeper system integration on Google’s platform. By bringing this functionality to the iPhone, Truecaller has leveled the playing field to some extent. However, the reliance on Siri Shortcuts highlights the ongoing limitations imposed by Apple’s ecosystem.
Enabling Real-Time Caller ID on iOS
To activate Truecaller's real-time caller ID on an iPhone running iOS 18.2 or later, users should:
- Update the Truecaller App: Ensure the app is updated to version 14.0 or newer.
- Configure Settings: Navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification, and enable all Truecaller switches.
- Set Up Siri Integration: Within the Truecaller app, add the Siri shortcut to allow voice-activated caller ID.
Once configured, users can say, "Hey Siri, search Truecaller" during an incoming call to identify the caller in real time.
Real-time Call Tracking in iOS is Here; However, It’s Not Free
The real-time caller ID feature is available exclusively to Truecaller Premium subscribers. Additionally, Truecaller has introduced a Premium Family Plan, enabling up to four members to share premium benefits, including the Truecaller AI Assistant.
A Game-Changer for iPhone Users?
For iPhone users, this update represents a much-needed enhancement to combat spam calls and manage unknown numbers more effectively. While the experience may not yet match Android’s seamless integration, this development is a sign of the evolving relationship between Apple and third-party app developers, promising greater functionality for users in the future.
