Truecaller to Discontinue Call Recording Feature for iPhones Beginning September 30

Truecaller is phasing out its call-recording feature for iOS shortly after two years of implementation, as the Swedish company refocuses on its core mission: tackling spam calls.

On Friday, the firm notified TechCrunch that the call-recording capability will no longer be available on iPhones as of September 30. Users with stored recordings have the option to download them, share via email or messaging apps, or change their storage preference to iCloud to keep access after the feature is discontinued.

Nakul Kabra, Truecaller’s head of iOS, highlighted to TechCrunch that this decision was made to refocus on enhancing their Live Caller ID and automatic spam-blocking features.

In June 2023, Truecaller reinstated the call recording feature for its paying iOS users, alongside its revival on Android. The app also introduced native support for transcribing calls, with both features having been launched in India last year.

While call recording works smoothly on Android, it faces challenges on iOS due to Apple’s restrictions against third-party apps recording calls natively. Truecaller implemented a workaround that involves a dedicated recording line to merge calls for recording purposes. Kabra stated that this method adds to both costs and complexity, ultimately leading to the decision to discontinue the feature.

To aid users during this transition, the company has created a support page.

This move from Truecaller comes after Apple introduced native call recording and transcription features for iPhone users in the iOS 18.1 update last year. Unlike Truecaller’s workaround, Apple’s native solution does not require a connection to a recording line and offers transcriptions powered by Apple Intelligence.

Initially, Truecaller introduced the call-recording feature to attract iPhone users to upgrade, as caller ID options are limited for those using the free version. Subscribers also benefit from real-time caller ID, improved automatic spam blocking, Siri shortcuts, incognito mode, and other perks.

According to its second-quarter financial results (PDF), Truecaller has around 3 million subscribers globally, with iOS accounting for 44% of its total premium revenue.