Apple released iOS 18 to the general public on Sept. 16, a week after the company announced its new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10 and more at its September event. The update brings many new features to your iPhone, including more ways to customize your home screen, lock screen and Control Center. The update also brings T9 dialing to your iPhone.
That’s not his real number.
From here, start typing the name of the person you want to call using the principles of T9. So if you want to call your dad, you’d type 3-2-3 into your keypad, and for your mom, you’d type 6-6-6 — nothing to be freaked out about there, promise. Their name should appear across the top of the screen. As you type, a backspace button will appear beneath the pound sign/hashtag if you make a mistake. Press that as many times as needed. Note that there is no space button.
Once you find the right person, tap their name and their phone number will automatically be entered. Then hit the green call button, and you’re set.
If there is more than one person in your Contacts by a given name, as you type you’ll see an option beneath the top result that says something like “3 more…” Tap that to open a new menu with all the corresponding contacts. Tap the call button next to the right contact and your call will immediately start. Be prepared to explain why you’re calling the other person and not just texting them.
For more on iOS 18, here’s my review of iOS 18, how to get rid of your flashlight from your lock screen and our iOS 18 cheat sheet. You can also check out everything Apple announced at its September event.
