Apple Is Finally Offering Its Own Truecaller-Like ID Feature For iPhone Users: What It Does

Apple has finally taken the leap and introduced a built-in caller ID and spam protection feature for iPhone users, something Android users have long enjoyed through apps like Truecaller. Called “Call Check,” this new feature, announced as part of iOS 17, aims to help you identify and manage unwanted calls.

What Does Call Check Do?

Essentially, Call Check acts as a caller ID system within iOS, similar to apps like Truecaller or Hiya. It operates through the following functionalities:

• Real-Time Call ID: Call Check analyzes incoming calls and identifies the potential caller even if they are not in your contact list. This information is displayed on the screen when the call comes in.
• Spam Detection: Based on information collected from a variety of sources, the system identifies calls flagged as likely spam or scams. This helps users avoid fraudulent calls.
• Quiet Call Notifications: You can customize how calls identified as potential spam are notified. This could involve a notification tone, a message that it’s a potential spam call, or silencing the call altogether.

How Does Call Check Work?

Apple hasn’t disclosed all the intricacies of how Call Check functions, but here’s a general idea:

1. Crowd-Sourced Data: Similar to how other call identification apps operate, Call Check likely leverages data from iPhone users themselves. When you receive a call, you can report it as spam, and that information contributes to the system’s overall database.
2. Integration with Apple Services: Call Check likely draws data from other Apple services like iCloud and Siri. This enables it to link call numbers to existing information, aiding in identification.
3. Third-Party Integrations: It’s also possible that Call Check works in tandem with specific carriers or third-party databases to enhance its accuracy.

What are the Benefits of Call Check?

Call Check promises to deliver a more seamless and secure experience compared to using separate third-party apps. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages:

• Enhanced Privacy: By integrating the feature directly into iOS, Call Check might gather less personal information compared to dedicated apps that might require more data access for effective identification.
• Streamlined Experience: Having this feature natively built-in means you won’t have to switch between apps to see call information, which is a smoother user flow.
• Reduced Dependence on Third-Party Apps: The reliance on outside apps is minimized, potentially enhancing overall phone security by limiting data shared with third-party entities.

Should You Still Use Truecaller or Hiya?

While Call Check offers a robust set of features, existing apps like Truecaller and Hiya might still have their own benefits, such as:

• Detailed Call History: Many call identification apps keep detailed records of your incoming and outgoing calls, offering insights beyond a simple “spam” tag.
• Reverse Number Lookup: You can search for information about unknown numbers that have not necessarily called you.
• Enhanced Social Features: Some apps might allow users to interact and discuss specific call numbers.

In essence, Call Check will be an excellent baseline feature for iOS users, providing a fundamental level of call identification and protection. For those who require a more robust or customizable call management system, apps like Truecaller or Hiya still provide an extensive set of features.

What to Expect with iOS 17?

The release of iOS 17 is expected in the fall of 2023. As with any new software update, the actual capabilities of Call Check might evolve during the beta testing phases.

Call Check’s Potential:

Apple’s Call Check has the potential to revolutionize the way users interact with incoming calls on iPhones. By eliminating the need for additional apps, streamlining the experience, and leveraging the vast network of Apple services and user data, this feature is poised to become an integral part of the iOS ecosystem. It will be interesting to see how the functionality evolves and its impact on the phone call landscape.