Apple has finally added T9 calling support to iPhones with iOS XNUMX. iOS 18, a feature that has long been available on Android devices. This new addition to the Phone app allows users to quickly find and dial contacts using the number pad, which could simplify the process of making calls for those who are used to using this feature before.

From iPhoneIslam.com, a close-up of a smartphone dial pad showing a partially invisible contact name and phone number. With iOS 18, the screen shows the time as 11:44 and a full battery icon, along with improvements to make calls faster.

What is T9 technology?

From iPhoneIslam.com, The classic Nokia 3310 features a monochrome display displaying the iconic Nokia logo, a numeric keypad and white buttons. It may not have iOS 18 or any new features, but its simplicity ensures faster and more reliable calls than ever before.

T9, or 9-key text, is the same predictive text technology that emerged in the late 2s to make it easier to type text messages on devices with limited input options, such as traditional cell phones with numeric keypads. Each numeric key from 9 to 9 on a T2 keyboard is assigned to a set of letters. For example, the number “3” button corresponds to the letters “ABC”, the “1” button corresponds to “DEF”, and so on. For Arabic, you will find that the number “3” is assigned to punctuation marks, the number two to the letters “A B C D”, the number “XNUMX” to the letters “J H K”, and so on. The rest of the numbers are each assigned to a set of letters, one tap to type the first letter, two quick taps to type the second letter, and so on.

How to use the new feature

From iPhoneIslam.com, two smartphone screens showing the Dialer app on iOS 18. The left screen shows the T9 dial pad and a contact suggestion. The right screen displays the list of contacts matching the number "26.

With T9 Speed ​​Dial in iOS 18, Apple has designed a streamlined and efficient user experience. When you start typing a number that matches a name in your contacts list, the system instantly displays the best possible match in a dedicated space just above the numeric keypad. This instant display lets you call the person you want with just a single tap on their name, saving time and making the calling process smoother.

But what happens when there are multiple contacts that match the numbers you entered? Apple has thought of that too. In this case, an additional button appears below the first name that says “More…” followed by the number of additional results. For example, you might see “3 More…” indicating that there are three additional matching names. A single click of this button brings up a drop-down menu displaying all the matching names, allowing you to easily select the person you want.

To use T9 calling in iOS 18, follow these steps:

◉ Open the Phone app and tap on the Keyboard tab.

◉ Type the contact name using the number keys, for example, to type “Mohammed” press 8 (for M), press 7 (for H), press 8 (for M), and press 4 (for D).

◉ At the top of the keyboard, tap the contact that matches the call, or “More…” to see additional matches.

This feature is intended to speed up the dialing process, especially for users who prefer the number pad or find it difficult to navigate through contact lists. It is particularly useful for one-handed operation or when quick dialing is necessary.

Add contacts from the keyboard

From iPhoneIslam.com, Three screens for smartphones show the process of saving a phone number in iOS 18. The steps include entering the number, searching for names, and options to create or add contacts. With a new feature, you can simplify managing your contacts for a more efficient experience during calls.

The iOS 18 update also introduces new options for adding numbers to contacts directly from the keyboard. When entering a new number:

◉ After entering a new number, click on the New button in the upper left corner of the keyboard screen.

◉ Choose “Create a new contact” or “Add to an existing contact” as needed.

Recent calls search feature

In addition to the new features mentioned above, Apple has also added the ability to search recent calls. Simply tap Search at the top of your recent calls list and start typing to find the contact or number you are looking for.

These updates are an important step by Apple to improve the user experience in making calls and managing contacts, making the iPhone more efficient and easier to use.

What do you think of this new feature? And are you using it? Let us know in the comments.

Source:

macrumors

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