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News In Brief Technology and Gadgets

Truecaller Introduces Auto-Block Spam Feature for iPhone Users on iOS 18

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Truecaller Introduces Auto-Block Spam Feature for iPhone Users on iOS 18
25 Sep 2024
6 min read

News Synopsis

With the release of iOS 18, iPhone users are set to enjoy a range of exciting new features, one of which is Truecaller's Auto-Block Spam feature. This tool, previously exclusive to Android devices, is now making its way to iPhones. The Auto-Block Spam feature aims to reduce the inconvenience of unwanted calls from telemarketers and scammers, helping users maintain a cleaner, interruption-free calling experience.

What is Truecaller's Auto-Block Spam Feature?

Truecaller is a popular app known for identifying callers, especially those not listed in a user’s contact list. One of its standout features, Auto-Block Spam, automatically blocks unwanted calls from known scammers or telemarketers. The feature leverages a vast database of spam numbers, including numbers flagged by Truecaller's community of users. Calls from these flagged numbers are prevented from reaching the user, allowing iPhone owners to enjoy a more peaceful calling experience.

Once a call is blocked, it won't ring or disrupt the user in any way. Instead, the blocked call will be listed in the user's call log as either "Scammer" or "Fraud," depending on its categorization. This feature will provide iPhone users with a more streamlined method of managing spam calls and protecting their privacy.

Truecaller's Spam Blocking Now Available for iOS Users

Before the iOS 18 update, Truecaller's Auto-Block Spam feature was only available to Android users. This exclusive feature helped Android users automatically filter out spam calls and flag telemarketers, making it a widely appreciated tool. With its expansion to iPhone, Truecaller aims to bring this convenience to iOS users as well.

Though Apple’s built-in spam protection tools help filter spam messages and calls, Truecaller’s Auto-Block Spam feature adds an extra layer of security. It not only flags calls but also prevents spam numbers from ever ringing the user’s phone. This comprehensive spam-blocking solution is expected to significantly improve call management for iPhone users.

Available Only for Premium Users

It’s worth noting that the Auto-Block Spam feature on iOS is not free. The feature is exclusively available for Truecaller Premium users. While the free version of Truecaller will still allow users to manually identify and report spam calls, automatic blocking is reserved for Premium subscribers.

Truecaller Premium costs ₹99 per month or ₹899 per year in India. The Premium plan also includes additional benefits like an ad-free experience, access to who viewed your profile, and priority customer support. For those seeking extended benefits, Truecaller offers a family plan priced at ₹249 per month or ₹1,490 annually, allowing multiple users to enjoy the app's premium features under a single subscription.

How to Enable Auto-Block on iOS 18

Activating the Auto-Block Spam feature on iOS 18 is simple. First, users must ensure that they are subscribed to Truecaller Premium. After upgrading, users can enable the feature by following these steps:

  1. Open the Truecaller app on your iPhone.

  2. Navigate to the Protect tab located at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Toggle the Auto-Block Spam option to enable it.

Once activated, Truecaller will automatically block calls from known spam numbers, ensuring a hassle-free experience without unwanted interruptions.

Truecaller's CEO Promises Improved Functionality on iPhone

Truecaller has historically faced some challenges with delivering its full range of services to iPhone users. While the app has worked fairly well on Android, iOS users often found its features to be limited. However, Truecaller’s CEO, Alan Mamedi, has expressed optimism about the platform’s upcoming improvements on iOS.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on September 11, Mamedi stated that Truecaller is working on rolling out a live Caller ID feature for iPhones. This feature will enable iPhone users to see the identity of unknown callers in real-time, making Truecaller more efficient and aligned with user expectations.

Mamedi mentioned, "Soon we will hopefully hear people say 'Truecaller finally works on iPhone'. 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 statement signals a significant leap in Truecaller’s functionality on iOS, and the company’s commitment to improving the app's overall experience for iPhone users.

Limited Functionality Until Now

Historically, Truecaller’s iPhone app was limited in comparison to its Android counterpart. While iPhone users were able to search for mobile numbers using Truecaller, they faced difficulties when it came to live Caller ID. A workaround allowed users to activate Siri and say "Hey Siri, search Truecaller" to identify callers, but this method was inconsistent and unreliable.

Truecaller’s upcoming updates promise to address these limitations, providing iPhone users with a seamless experience similar to Android users. The addition of Auto-Block Spam and improvements to live Caller ID will likely elevate Truecaller's standing among iPhone users, as these features work more efficiently to block unwanted calls and identify unknown callers.

What to Expect from Truecaller on iPhone

As iPhone users await the full rollout of Truecaller’s new features, it’s clear that Auto-Block Spam is just the beginning. With the planned live Caller ID and other enhancements, iPhone users can expect a more comprehensive and effective tool for managing their calls.

With iOS 18’s new capabilities, and Truecaller’s renewed focus on improving iPhone functionality, users can look forward to a more seamless and enjoyable experience in dealing with unwanted spam calls.