Truecaller has announced plans to discontinue its iOS call recording feature starting September 30, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to double down on its core offerings, live caller ID and automatic spam call blocking.
The Sweden-based company confirmed the move, noting that users will no longer be able to access the recording feature on iPhones after the cutoff date. However, users can still download their saved recordings, share them via email or messaging apps, or switch to iCloud storage to retain access beyond the shutdown.
According to Nakul Kabra, head of iOS at Truecaller, the decision was driven by the company’s desire to improve the user experience for spam protection and caller identification, which have become increasingly essential in mobile communication.
The call recording feature was first introduced on iOS in June 2023, aimed at boosting premium subscriptions. Unlike Android, where call recording is native, Apple’s restrictions forced Truecaller to implement a recording line workaround, a process that merged calls to enable recording. This method added complexity, increased costs, and impacted usability.
Truecaller had used this feature as an incentive for iPhone users to upgrade, especially since caller ID functionality is limited on the free tier. Premium subscribers gain access to features like real-time caller ID, advanced spam blocking, Siri shortcuts, incognito mode, and more.
Despite having around 3 million global subscribers, iOS accounts for a significant portion of the company’s paid user base. According to Truecaller’s Q2 financial report, 44% of its premium revenue comes from iPhone users, making this shift a notable one for its business model.
The company has launched a support page to help iOS users navigate the transition and preserve their recordings.
This update also follows Apple’s recent launch of native call recording and transcription features with the iOS 18.1 update, which now offers users a seamless, AI-powered alternative through Apple Intelligence. Apple’s solution bypasses the need for third-party workarounds, further reducing demand for services like Truecaller on iOS.
