What is the T9 dialer in iOS 18

Overview of T9 Dialing

T9 dialing enables users to type a contact's name by pressing the corresponding number keys on the keypad. Each number (2-9) corresponds to a set of letters:
- 2 = A, B, C
- 3 = D, E, F
- 4 = G, H, I
- 5 = J, K, L
- 6 = M, N, O
- 7 = P, Q, R, S
- 8 = T, U, V
- 9 = W, X, Y, Z

For instance, to dial "Dad," you would press 3-2-3 (D-A-D). The T9 feature then predicts and displays matching contacts above the keypad as you type[1][2][3].

How to Use T9 Dialing

To utilize the T9 dialing feature in iOS 18:

1. Open the Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Keypad: Select the Keypad tab at the bottom.
3. Type Contact Name: Enter the numbers corresponding to the letters in the contact's name (e.g., for "Ben," press 2-3-6).
4. Select Contact: Tap on the suggested contact that appears above the keypad to initiate the call. If there are multiple matches, you can tap "X more..." to view additional options[1][4][2].

Additional Features in iOS 18

Alongside T9 dialing, iOS 18 introduces enhanced functionality for managing contacts:
- When entering a new phone number, users can now choose between "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact" from a new button in the top-left corner of the keypad[1][3][4].
- The update also improves overall usability for one-handed operation and quick dialing[5][6].

Conclusion

The addition of T9 dialing in iOS 18 marks Apple's effort to modernize its Phone app by incorporating a feature that has been available on Android devices for years. This upgrade not only streamlines the calling process but also enhances user experience by making it easier to find contacts without navigating through multiple menus.

Citations:
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/18/ios-18-phone-app-keypad-t9-dialing/
[2] https://beebom.com/how-use-iphone-t9-dialer/
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/use-t9-dialing-ios-phone-app/
[4] https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/16/ios-18-adds-t9-dialling-iphone/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVvWJS2TwOw
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSJaTVuY7jQ
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9eAlHFA4kw
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1dioij0/apples_phone_app_finally_supports_t9_dialing_in/

Will T9 dialing be available on other Apple devices with iOS 18

The T9 dialing feature in iOS 18 is currently exclusive to iPhones. There is no indication that this feature will be available on other Apple devices running iOS 18, such as iPads or Macs. The implementation of T9 dialing has been specifically designed for the Phone app on iPhones to enhance the calling experience by allowing users to quickly find contacts using a numeric keypad[1][4].

While T9 dialing is a long-requested feature, particularly for users transitioning from Android devices, it appears that Apple has opted to limit its availability to the iPhone platform for now. Other features introduced in iOS 18, such as call recording and enhanced call history search, are also confined to the iPhone[2][5].

In summary, as of now, T9 dialing will only be available on iPhones with iOS 18, and there are no announcements regarding its rollout to other Apple devices.

Citations:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-ios-18-brings-t9-keyboard-call-recording-to-apple-iphones-for-the-first-time-all-you-need-to-know-3522361/
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/use-t9-dialing-ios-phone-app/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVvWJS2TwOw
[4] https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/16/ios-18-adds-t9-dialling-iphone/
[5] https://beebom.com/how-use-iphone-t9-dialer/
[6] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/18/ios-18-phone-app-keypad-t9-dialing/
[7] https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/09/27/apple-ios-18-t9-dialing-iphone-available/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSJaTVuY7jQ

Can I use T9 dialing for texting as well as calling

The T9 dialing feature in iOS 18 is specifically designed for making calls and does not extend to texting. While T9 dialing allows users to quickly find and call contacts by typing their names using a numeric keypad, it does not function as a text input method for sending messages.

Key Points About T9 Dialing in iOS 18

- Purpose: T9 dialing is intended solely for making phone calls by typing the corresponding numbers for letters on the keypad. For example, to call "Dad," you would press 3-2-3[1][2].

- No Texting Functionality: Although T9 technology was originally developed for texting on older mobile phones, the implementation in iOS 18 focuses exclusively on dialing. Users cannot send text messages using this method; they must use the standard messaging interface for texting[3][4].

- Efficiency in Calling: The feature enhances the calling experience by allowing users to bypass searching through contacts or manually entering numbers, making it quicker and more intuitive to initiate calls[5].

In summary, while T9 dialing simplifies the process of calling contacts, it does not support texting functionalities in iOS 18.