Truecaller, the renowned caller identification app, has unveiled a significant update for iPhone users, introducing real-time caller ID functionality. This enhancement leverages Apple's Live Caller ID Lookup feature in iOS 18, enabling third-party apps to securely access caller information.
Previously, iPhone users lacked the real-time caller ID capabilities available to Android users. With this update, iPhone users can now experience immediate identification of incoming calls. To activate this feature, users should navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification, and enable all Truecaller switches. Subsequently, reopening the Truecaller app completes the setup.
Implementing this feature required Truecaller to develop a new server architecture and establish a separate, encrypted database for iOS users. Apple's Phone app sends encrypted requests to this database and receives encrypted responses, which are decrypted on the iPhone to display caller information in real time. This process, known as "homomorphic encryption," ensures data security throughout the transaction.
Despite iPhone users constituting a smaller segment of Truecaller's user base—approximately 750,000 out of 2.6 million subscribers—they contribute significantly to the company's revenue. Notably, 40% of Truecaller's revenue is derived from iOS subscriptions, with a 5x higher conversion rate to its premium tier on iOS compared to Android, and 80% higher revenue per iPhone subscriber.
In addition to real-time caller ID, the update introduces an enhanced interface, displaying the caller's name prominently above their number. Truecaller is also working on incorporating caller images into the ID display for iOS users, further enriching the user experience.
This development marks a significant step in Truecaller's commitment to providing a seamless and secure communication experience across all platforms, ensuring that iPhone users receive the same level of service as their Android counterparts.