Truecaller, the popular caller ID app, has finally leveled the playing field for iPhone users by rolling out real-time caller ID—a feature Android users have enjoyed for years. Thanks to advancements in Apple’s iOS 18, Truecaller can now offer iPhone users a seamless experience with live caller information.
What Enabled This Upgrade?
Apple’s introduction of Live Caller ID Lookup in iOS 18 allowed third-party apps to securely query their servers for caller data. This technology leap enabled Truecaller to provide iPhone users with real-time caller ID functionality, marking a significant milestone for the app.
This update also arrives after a leadership shift at Truecaller, with co-founders Alan Mamedi and Nami Zarringhalam stepping back from daily operations in late 2024.
Why iPhone Matters to Truecaller
Despite having only 750,000 paying iOS users out of 2.6 million total subscribers, iOS contributes a whopping 40% of Truecaller’s revenue. The app sees significantly higher engagement and subscription upgrades on iPhones compared to Android devices, with iPhone users generating five times more premium conversions and 80% higher revenue.
Recognizing this, Truecaller has consistently invested in enhancing its iOS experience. In 2022, the company revamped its iOS app for better spam detection by leveraging Apple’s support for larger local number databases. However, challenges like heavy call volumes in markets such as India necessitated further innovations.
India’s Unique Challenges
India, a key market for Truecaller, presents specific hurdles. For instance, the country is rolling out a new service called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) through local telecom providers to combat spam. This initiative could emerge as a competitor to Truecaller’s services.
To address such challenges, Truecaller has developed sophisticated solutions, including an updated live caller ID system in 2023, though that earlier version required Siri interaction and wasn’t truly real-time.
How Does Truecaller’s Real-Time Caller ID Work?
The feature is powered by advanced technology, including homomorphic encryption. Here’s how it works:
1. Apple’s Phone app sends an encrypted request to Truecaller’s servers.
2. Truecaller uses a dedicated, encrypted iOS database to find caller information.
3. The response is decrypted only on the user’s iPhone, ensuring privacy and security.
Truecaller also syncs this iOS database with its larger Android database, though minor delays of a few hours may occur due to the time-consuming encryption process.
How to Enable the Feature
To activate Live Caller ID Lookup:
1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable the Truecaller Live Caller ID feature.
Future Enhancements
Truecaller isn’t stopping here. The company is working on adding features like displaying profile images with caller information on iPhones. This improvement aims to provide an even richer experience for users.
Cost and Subscription Options
Truecaller offers various subscription plans for iOS users:
– Individual Premium Plan: $9.99/month or $74.99/year.
– Family Plan: $14.99/month or $99.99/year.
– Gold Subscription: $249/year, offering premium features and additional perks.
Final Thoughts
This update is a game-changer for iPhone users who rely on Truecaller for identifying calls. While some occasional delays or misses have been noted, the real-time functionality offers a significant upgrade over previous versions. With its focus on enhancing the iOS experience and addressing market-specific challenges, Truecaller is solidifying its position as a leader in the caller ID space.

Truecaller Introduces Real-Time Caller ID for iPhone Users