Receiving calls

When Dialer detects an incoming call, it sends the user a notification with options to answer or decline the call.

Dialer also provides support for answering another call while already on a call. Users answering a call can switch between calls or merge the calls into a conference call.


Responding to a call

The notification for an incoming call displays the caller’s name (if known) or number, along with buttons allowing the user to respond.

Incoming call HUN
The Answer and Decline buttons in this incoming-call notification are colored green and red, respectively, to help the user easily distinguish each action

The call notification persists until the user:

  • Answers the call
  • Declines the call
  • Misses the call because the caller stops calling

When the user selects the Answer button, Dialer connects to the call and displays the in-call status screen. The Decline button dismisses the notification, but users can still find info about the missed call in the Notification Center or Recents.


Answering a call during another call

While already on a call, a user can receive a notification of another incoming call.

If the user answers the incoming call, Dialer takes the following actions:

  • Places the current call on hold
  • Connects to the incoming call
  • Displays information about the new call in the main portion of the in-call status screen
  • Displays information about the held call at the top of the screen
Receiving call HUN when in a call
When a user receives a new call while already on a call, a notification offers the option to answer the call – which will put the current call on hold
In-call status screen with call on hold
After the call is answered, the in-call screen reflects the status of the new call, while info about the held call displays at the top (with a button for switching calls)

When there is an active call and an on-hold call, a user can:

  • Switch between calls using the switch button at the top of the screen
  • Merge the active and on-hold calls to create a conference call if one does not already exist
  • Add the active call to an existing conference call that's on hold

Merging calls into a conference call

When a user receives and answers a call while on a call, the original call is placed on hold. The Pause/hold button on the in-call control bar is replaced by a merge call button, giving the user the option to combine both calls into a single conference call.

In-call status screen and the in-call control bar with higlighted merge button
In-call status screen with a call on hold and the in-call control bar with merge call button highlighted

Selecting the merge call button combines the calls.

In a conference call, the in-call status screen displays the avatar, name (if known), and phone number for each caller. A status bar at the top of the screen shows the number of callers added to the conference call and the call duration.

Conference call with two callers
A conference call with two callers

If a user receives and answers a call when already on a conference call, the conference call is placed on hold. The user can select the merge call button to combine the calls. The in-call status screen then displays a scrollable list of the callers.

Conference call with three callers
A conference call with three callers and a scroll bar

When the user selects the End call button, the conference call is ended for all parties.