Truecaller’s Caller ID Glitch on iPhones Set to Be Solved with iOS 18

For many iPhone users, installing Truecaller has been less than ideal due to its functionality not being as seamless as on Android devices. One of the app's most popular features, Caller ID, faced significant challenges in working smoothly on iOS. However, this appears to be changing as Apple is making strides to improve integration for third-party apps like Truecaller with its new iOS 18 update.

iOS 18 Brings New API for Better Caller ID Functionality

In the latest feature list for iOS 18, Apple announced that developers would now be able to fetch live caller ID information from their servers in a more privacy-centric manner. This API aims to streamline the process, allowing apps like Truecaller to deliver real-time Caller ID data for incoming calls. For iPhone users, this could signal the end of delayed or inaccurate Caller ID identification.

Apple said: "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 development is expected to dramatically enhance the user experience for iPhone users who rely on Truecaller to identify spam and unknown callers.

Truecaller CEO’s Optimistic Outlook

Alan Mamedi, co-founder and CEO of Truecaller, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement about the new iOS 18 features. He posted: "Soon we will hopefully hear people say 'Truecaller finally works on iPhone.' Even though it has worked fairly OK in the last two years, this time it will be just like you would expect Truecaller to work, end to end."

The CEO acknowledged that while the app had made significant improvements in recent years, iPhone users had to endure a somewhat cumbersome experience. The promise of full functionality, "end to end," has created a wave of anticipation among iPhone users who have long waited for a smoother Truecaller experience.

Previous Workarounds and Challenges

In 2022, Truecaller released an update that aimed to improve its performance on iPhones, but the solution was not perfect. The update required an extra step where users had to interact with Siri to identify incoming calls. While this was a creative workaround, it was far from the seamless experience available to Android users, where Caller ID worked effortlessly without additional steps.

Despite this, Truecaller has maintained a strong user base on iOS, particularly in regions where spam calls are a common issue. The improvements coming with iOS 18 promise to eliminate the need for these extra steps, providing a more integrated and user-friendly solution for iPhone owners.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Truecaller has faced significant scrutiny regarding privacy issues in recent years. A 2022 investigation by The Caravan raised concerns that the app was collecting user data without explicit consent, further fueling skepticism around its usage. The company firmly denied these allegations, stating that they maintain stringent measures to protect user data and that all information is collected lawfully.

In light of these concerns, Truecaller has been transparent about its commitment to user privacy, especially as it prepares for the iOS 18 update. The new API from Apple is said to offer "privacy-preserving" technology, allowing apps like Truecaller to access caller information without compromising user data. This development should help ease some of the concerns around privacy.

Truecaller’s Commitment to Innovation

Truecaller’s other co-founder, Nami Zarringhalam, also expressed optimism about the future of the app on iPhones. On X, Zarringhalam 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."

The post highlights the company's perseverance in improving its services for iPhone users despite the hurdles it has faced over the years. The inclusion of the new APIs in iOS 18 marks a significant milestone for Truecaller as it seeks to deliver a consistent experience across both Android and iOS platforms.

The Buzz Among Indian Users

The news of Truecaller's improvements has particularly resonated with users in India, a market where spam calls are notoriously high. India has long been one of Truecaller's largest user bases, with millions relying on the app to manage spam and unknown callers. The app's inability to perform as well on iPhones compared to Android phones has been a point of frustration for many users in the country.

Now, with the forthcoming updates in iOS 18, there is a renewed sense of excitement among Indian Truecaller users. The promise of real-time Caller ID on iPhones means that users can now better manage spam calls, making their phones more secure and convenient to use.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Truecaller on iPhone

With Apple’s new iOS 18 API, Truecaller is set to offer an improved and seamless experience for iPhone users. The ability to fetch live caller ID information in a privacy-conscious way addresses a long-standing issue for iPhone users, bringing the app closer to its full potential. Both the co-founders of Truecaller have expressed optimism about this new chapter, and users, especially in spam-heavy regions like India, are eagerly awaiting the improved functionality.

As privacy and convenience become increasingly important in the digital age, the integration of Truecaller’s services with iOS 18 promises a bright future for iPhone users who depend on this app for a secure calling experience.