iOS 18.2: A Game Changer for Spam Call Blocking
After a lengthy anticipation, iOS 18.2 has opened doors for developers to create applications that can effectively manage and prevent spam calls. While Android users have benefited from this feature for several years, Apple’s privacy protocols previously limited such capabilities. Now, with this update, anti-spam applications like Truecaller can fully function on iPhones.
iOS 18.2: The Live Caller ID Lookup Feature Addresses a Longstanding Challenge
In the past, Apple’s privacy restrictions hindered third-party developers from establishing a complete call screening mechanism. For instance, the Android version of Truecaller offered the ability to verify phone numbers in real-time as calls came in, referencing Truecaller’s extensive database of identified spam numbers. If a spam caller was detected, users would receive a prominent alert or the call would even be automatically dismissed if configured accordingly.
This functionality was not feasible on iPhones before since applications could not transmit number data to their servers.
With the arrival of iOS 18.2, Apple has unveiled a new API named Live Caller ID. This innovative feature employs homomorphic encryption to obscure phone numbers during their transition between your iPhone and Truecaller’s servers. This advancement finally permits the iPhone edition of the app to catch up to its Android counterpart.
Currently, Truecaller stands as the sole widely-used application harnessing the new Live Caller ID API, but it is anticipated that other companies will quickly join this trend.
Understanding Truecaller’s Live Caller ID and Spam Blocking Mechanisms
Truecaller’s no-cost option provides caller identification solely for verified businesses. For comprehensive features like spam caller identification and automatic blocking, a subscription to Truecaller Premium is necessary, priced at $9.99 per month or $74.99 annually. There’s also a family plan available at $14.99 per month or $99 each year, accommodating up to five users, allowing for substantial savings when adding additional members.
To activate the Caller ID feature after downloading Truecaller and upgrading to Truecaller Premium, navigate to the Settings app. Proceed to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
Within the settings, several entries for Truecaller will be visible. Enable all options, specifically the last one named Truecaller Part 5 in the Live Caller ID Lookup section to access the latest caller ID functionality.
To set up automatic call rejection for recognized spammers, open the Truecaller app, select the Protect tab, visit Calls, and activate the Auto-block spam setting. Users can choose to block either Top spammers or All spammers.
The updated Truecaller for iOS will be introduced globally in the coming days. As noted in preliminary assessments by TechCrunch, the application successfully managed to block a significant number of calls, though some may still slip through the cracks.
