What is T9 dialing? Everything about the feature coming to iPhone iOS 18

It’s been a long time coming, but T9 dialing is finally coming to iPhones thanks to the iOS 18 update.

Earlier this week, Apple revealed its upcoming iOS 18 and all the new features it will bring to iPhone devices.

From Apple Intelligence to lockable apps, iOS 18 is packed with new tools.

But one feature introduced quietly is T9 dialing.

You may not recognize the name, but you’ve almost certainly used this dialing method before.

What is T9 dialing?

T9 dialing allows users to enter a contact’s name using the numeric keypad.

This is how everyone used to text on keyboards before phones adopted touchscreens.

It’s a feature that’s long been requested by Android owners looking for an excuse to switch to the iPhone.

Until now, users had to type phone numbers from memory – or copy and paste them.

Alternatively, they had to access the Contacts app to make calls.

How do you use T9 dialing?

Each number key represents three or four letters.

They can be used to spell contact names.

For example, the name ‘James’ would be written by pressing ‘52637’.

T9 software predicts intended contact based on keystroke combination.

Do other phones use T9 dialing?

The T9 is available on phones without a touchscreen, which still have a keyboard.

These days, these devices are called ‘dumbphones’ – and their popularity is growing.

T9 dialing is not commonly found on smartphones unless the devices have a custom keyboard attached.