Apple has finally brought T9 dialing support to the iPhone with iOS 18, a feature long available on Android devices. This addition to the Phone app allows users to quickly find and call contacts using the number pad, which can streamline the process of making calls if you've used the feature before.
T9, short for "Text on 9 keys," is a predictive text technology that maps letters to number keys. In iOS 18, users can now type a contact's name using the number pad, with matching contacts appearing above the keypad.
Here's how to use T9 dialing in iOS 18:
- Open the Phone app and tap the keypad tab.
- Type the contact's name using the number keys (e.g., for "Dad," press 3-2-3).
- Above the keypad, tap the matching contact to call, or "X more..." to see additional matches.
This feature aims to speed up the calling process, especially for users who prefer the number pad or have difficulty navigating contact lists. It's particularly useful for one-handed operation or when quick dialing is necessary.
Add Contacts From the Keypad
iOS 18 also introduces new options for adding numbers to contacts directly from the keypad. When entering a new number:
- After entering a new number, tap the new button in the top-left corner of the keypad screen.
- Choose "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact" as needed.
That's all there is to it. In addition to the new features described above, Apple has also added the ability to search recent calls. Simply look for the search field at the top of your recent calls list and start typing into it to find the contact or number you're looking for.
