iOS 18 T9 dialing

With T9 dialing, you can call someone just by typing their name into
your iPhone. That means with iOS 18, you don't have to search for a
person's name in your contacts to call them, or call them from Messages.

With iOS 18, you can now use T9 dialing to make calls. Here's how.

1. Open your Call app.
2. Tap Keypad across the bottom of your screen.
From here, start typing the name of the person you want to call using
the principles of T9. So if you want to call your dad, you'd type 3-2-3
into your keypad, and for your mom, you'd type 6-6-6 -- nothing to be
freaked out about there, promise. Their name should appear across the
top of the screen. As you type, a backspace button will appear beneath
the pound sign/hashtag if you make a mistake. Press that as many times
as needed. Note that there is no space button.

Once you find the right person, tap their name and their phone number
will automatically be entered. Then hit the green call button, and
you're set.

If there is more than one person in your Contacts by a given name, as
you type you'll see an option beneath the top result that says
something like "3 more…" Tap that to open a new menu with all the
corresponding contacts. Tap the call button next to the right contact
and your call will immediately start. Be prepared to explain why you're
calling the other person and not just texting them.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/apples-ios-18-finally-brings-t9-dialing-to-your-iphone/