macOS Contacts Region-Based Phone Label Modifier

Version: 1.1
Author: Joseph Abboud
Last Modified: January 7, 2025

Description

This script replaces the default labels (e.g., “home,” “mobile”) in the Contacts app for phone numbers with the name of the country/region corresponding to the phone number’s country code. It enhances clarity by associating phone numbers with their respective regions.

Key Features:

• Automatic Labeling: Updates phone labels based on country/region derived from international dialing codes.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes support for countries and regions in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Central America.
• Accurate Handling of Conflicts:
  • United States vs. Other +1 Regions: Checks area codes of non-U.S. regions first before defaulting to the U.S.
  • Russia and Kazakhstan: Distinguishes Kazakhstan numbers (+76, +77) from Russian numbers (+7).
• Built for the macOS Contacts app and written in AppleScript.

Installation

Prerequisites

• macOS with the Contacts app installed.
• Basic familiarity with AppleScript.

Steps

1. Download the Script: Clone this repository or download the script file directly.

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/contacts-phone-region-labels.git

2. Open Script Editor:
   • Launch Script Editor on macOS.
   • Open the file update_contacts_labels.applescript.
3. Grant Permissions:
   When prompted, allow access to the Contacts app.
4. Run the Script:
   Press the run button or press Command + R in Script Editor to execute the script.

Usage

1. The script loops through each contact in your Contacts app.
2. For every phone number, it:
   • Normalizes the phone number (removes spaces, dashes, and parentheses).
   • Matches the phone number’s international dialing code to its corresponding country/region.
   • Updates the phone label in Contacts with the country/region name.
3. Saves the changes automatically.

Notes & Limitations

• Area Code Updates:
  The script is accurate to the date mentioned in the "Modified" field, and thus likely will not cover changes to area code or country code classifications after this date.
• United States vs. Other +1 Regions:
  Due to the frequency of changes in area codes in the US especially, phone numbers starting with “+1” are checked against non-U.S. regions first before defaulting to the U.S.
• Shared Codes:
  • Russia and Kazakhstan: Since Russia and Kazakhstan both share "+7", the script is implemented such that it checks "+76" and "+77" first for Kazakhstan, and then defaults to Russia for all other phone numbers starting in "+7".
• Missing Value Warning:
  A missing value warning may be displayed when running the code. Contact labels should still be updated despite this message.

Coverage

The script supports phone numbers from all major global regions, including:

• North America: United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, etc.
• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, etc.
• Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, etc.
• Asia: India, China, Japan, etc.
• Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, etc.
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, etc.
• Central America & Caribbean: Belize, Panama, Jamaica, etc.

For a full list of supported regions and country codes, see the script file.

Customisation

You can modify the script to tailor it to specific labels based on your preferences.