Goodbye, SwiftKey: 4 iOS Keyboard Alternatives

au revoir, SwiftKey. Microsoft today announced that it will be removing its popular application from the App Store starting October 5. Now is the perfect time for OMT editor Mark Hofman to list some iOS alternatives.

Available since 2014, acquired in 2016 and in 2022 still one of the most popular options: SwiftKey was a resounding success, but Microsoft still chooses to remove the app from the App Store. Luckily for us, there are plenty of other keyboard alternatives out there

SwiftKey Ended: 4 Alternatives to the iOS Keyboard

A year after the last update for SwiftKey was rolled out, Microsoft announces that it will stop the application for iOS. Where the company will still support the Android variant, consumers with an iPhone unfortunately have to start a search for a pleasant alternative.

As far as I’m concerned, the following 4 applications are the biggest contenders:

#1 Fleksy for iOS

Safety and appearance are of paramount importance, but it is the speed that makes Fleksy a fantastic keyboard. The iOS app stores frequently used words locally and therefore knows how to finish sentences perfectly. Something that makes typing on your iPhone not only easier, but also really much faster. It is therefore not for nothing that Fleksy has received a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

A nice extra addition: within the iOS app are all handy shortcuts to other platforms. This also makes sending GIFs or videos a bit easier.

Fleksy is free to download from the Apple App Store, but works with in-app purchases.

#2 Swift Key? How about the iOS keyboard?

SwiftKey has always been a nice alternative to the iOS keyboard, but I personally never understood that urge. For WANT I usually also test many Android devices, so I can understand the need for an alternative. For iOS, on the other hand, not so much.

Apple’s keyboard feels complete, offers swiping capabilities, and has excellent autocorrect. In addition, the toolbar above the keyboard is ideal for preventing errors and the emojis are perfectly integrated.

Haven’t tried your iPhone’s default keyboard in a while? Then definitely give it a chance in 2022!

#3 Gboard for iOS

I cannot draw the above conclusion without trying alternatives. In that respect, Gboard is a good option for consumers who are not comfortable with the iOS keyboard.

Google’s keyboard, like SwiftKey, is equipped with the possibility to design it to your own liking. In addition, it doesn’t really do much in terms of typing, but it is mainly the peripheral matters that stand out. Think, for example, of inserting a GIF, Sticker or emoji: it all works pretty well. Just like the autocorrect and the prediction for words, by the way.

Gboard is completely free to download from the Apple App Store.

#4 No mistakes thanks to Typewise

Typos happen, there’s no doubt about it. Fortunately, there are certain iOS apps that help you quickly. Typewise is such an app and, unlike other SiwftKey alternatives, it also works in Dutch.

While you can access a standard keyboard, it’s the custom variants that make Typewise so good. They are designed so that consumers are less likely to make mistakes, for example through larger buttons. In addition, all data remains stored locally, making it a wonderful privacy-friendly option.

Typewise is free to download from the App Store, but works with in-app purchases.