In an unexpected move—and probably a nod to nostalgia for many people—Apple has announced the introduction of T9 dialling on iPhone—for the first time—with the release of iOS 18. This latest update brings back the predictive text input method once popular on feature phones for users who still might prefer the simplicity of numeric keypads.
T9, which stands for “Text on 9 keys,” was a huge thing in the early 2000s. The system allows users to type words by pressing the number keys corresponding to the letters they want. Each key represents multiple letters, and the T9 software predicts the intended contact based on the combination of key presses. For instance, typing “hello” would require pressing 4-3-5-5-6, with T9 guessing the word from these inputs. In iOS 18, this feature will be integrated into the iPhone’s phone dialler providing an alternative to the standard QWERTY keyboard.
Apple never made any phones with physical keyboards. In fact it wasn’t even in the phone business when these keyboards were a thing. So, it’s understandable why the iPhone never had it. But then many Android smartphones have T9 dialling, even today, and Apple’s decision to include it in its latest software update is clear indication that there was demand for it.
T9 dialling isn’t the only big update coming to iPhone with iOS 18. In a first, iOS 18 will also allow users to record and transcribe live calls directly from the Phone app. The caveat is since it’s an Apple Intelligence powered feature, not every iPhone will support it. Additionally, the update will offer enhanced call history search and seamless SIM card switching.
iOS 18 is easily the most feature packed iOS update in Apple history. The update brings a bunch of personalisation options including the ability to move apps and widgets freely on the Home Screen, the “biggest” redesign of the Photos app, new Passwords manager app, and more. Apple has also introduced its AI system dubbed “Apple Intelligence” with iOS 18 though it will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max at launch.
The developer beta of iOS 18 is out now. A public beta will be available in July while general availability is pegged for September.
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