Truecaller, the caller-identification service provider, has introduced an exciting new Live Caller ID feature for iPhone users. The move is set to expand the app’s reach among iPhone users as the Stockholm-based company has struggled with limited experience on the iPhone due to how Apple works with third-party caller ID apps.
Now, Truecaller has found a way around this by leveraging Apple’s Siri Shortcuts. The feature will require users to interact with Siri, which may not be as seamless as on Android. Nevertheless, the update will eliminate the need for manual number searches or widget copy-pasting.
Access Truecaller’s new Live Caller ID feature on an iPhone
You can activate the Live Caller ID feature on Truecaller by accessing the Premium tab within the app and selecting ‘Add to Siri.’ This function enables the addition of the shortcut to the device with a single tap. Upon using the feature for the first time, you will be prompted to grant Truecaller access. You can select ‘Always allow’ to avoid subsequent prompts. Once the Siri shortcut setup is done, on receiving a call, you can activate the feature simply by saying ‘Hey Siri, search Truecaller,’ which will provide instant caller information.
With an active user base of 338 million currently, the lack of caller ID support on iOS has been a significant limiting factor for Truecaller’s growth. However, the new feature will be available only to users who are on the app’s premium tiers, which are priced at range tiers ranging from $0.99 per month per individual through to $4.99 per month when a user’s carrier is not supported and $9.99 per month for family plans, with discounts on annual subscriptions.
Truecaller has been popular among mobile users in markets like India, where spammers target the masses. However, the company has faced criticism over how it collects data for its caller ID service. Recently, Truecaller has doubled its CallKit directory size and improved its spam detection algorithm to ensure that spam, scam, and fraud calls are recognized more accurately. The company also says premium users’ spam lists will receive daily updates, while free users only have the option to update the list manually.
