Apple Drops iOS 18 Beta 2, Introduces T9 Dialing
Apple has released the second public beta for iOS 18 on July 29, following its announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This update offers a range of new features for developers and beta testers, including enhanced customization options for the home screen, lock screen, and Control Center. Notably, iOS 18 introduces T9 dialing, allowing users to call contacts by typing their names.
Given that this is a beta version, it’s advisable to install it on a secondary device rather than your primary phone, as there may be bugs and reduced battery life. For example, I’ve installed all the iOS 18 betas on my old iPhone XR to avoid potential issues with my main device, an iPhone 14 Pro.
Remember, this beta is not the final release, and additional features may be included in the official iOS 18 launch this fall, though no specific date has been confirmed.
What is T9 Dialing?
T9, or Text on 9 keys, is a feature from earlier mobile phones with 12 keys (0-9, star, and pound). Each key had multiple letters assigned, making typing more cumbersome. For instance, typing “Hello” required pressing multiple keys repeatedly. T9 texting streamlined this process with predictive typing, reducing the number of key presses needed.
How to Use T9 Dialing
With iOS 18, T9 dialing lets you call contacts quickly. To use it:
- Open the Call app.
- Tap Keypad at the bottom of the screen.
Type the name of the person you want to call using T9 principles. For example, to call “Dad,” type 3-2-3. If there are multiple contacts with the same name, tap “3 more…” to view additional options. Select the correct contact and hit the green call button.
