Truecaller Introduces Major Update For iPhone Users Enhancing Caller Identification And Spam Blocking Features

Truecaller has unveiled its most significant update for iPhone users, enhancing its caller identification and spam blocking features. This update aligns the iOS functionality with what Android users already experience. It aims to improve protection against unwanted calls by identifying all types of calls.

The advancements are facilitated by Apple's new Live Caller ID Lookup framework in iOS 18. This framework allows Truecaller to offer live caller identification while maintaining user privacy through homomorphic encryption. Truecaller is the first to implement this technology at scale for caller ID purposes.

Enhanced Features for iOS 18

Previously, Truecaller's app relied on a smaller local database on iOS devices, which limited its capabilities. Now, it uses a global database and advanced AI tools to identify more calls. A long-requested feature, automatic spam call blocking, has also been added for iPhone users.

To activate these new features on iOS 18.2, users should ensure they have Truecaller version 14.0 or later. They need to navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification on their iPhone and enable all Truecaller switches before reopening the app.

New Subscription Option: Premium Family Plan

The update introduces a Premium Family Plan, allowing users to share premium benefits like the Truecaller AI Assistant with up to four family members. In India, this plan includes fraud insurance for up to five family members at an affordable monthly or annual price. Globally, the new features are available for Truecaller Premium subscribers at the same price as Android offerings. Free iOS users can still access ad-supported manual number searches and caller ID for verified businesses.

Automatic spam blocking is being rolled out globally today, while the enhanced Caller ID feature will be available worldwide in the coming days. Truecaller shared that around 30 million of its 435 million monthly active users are on iOS. Of its 2.6 million paying subscribers, 750,000 are iOS users, contributing over 40% of premium revenue. The update is expected to boost subscriptions further.

"This launch significantly accelerates the growth potential of our rapidly expanding and stable subscription revenues," said Fredrik Kjell, COO of Truecaller. "All iOS users will be offered a free trial of our enhanced service but will thereafter be accessible exclusively to paying subscribers. We see a considerable opportunity to further boost the conversion rate on iOS," Kjell added, noting that it's already more than five times higher compared to Android.