Microsoft reverses itself and decides to keep SwiftKey Keyboard on iOS after all

If you use Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard on your iPhone, not only is it sticking around, but it’ll get new features, too

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What you need to know

For those who prefer third-party keyboards to Apple’s own on the iPhone (and who doesn’t), Microsoft’s SwiftKey was always a solid option next to Google’s own Gboard. Granted, Apple doesn’t make it easy to use a third-party keyboard due to “security concerns,” but SwiftKey seemed to have a dedicated following.

Unexpectedly, Microsoft announced thatSwiftKey was going to be retiredand delisted from the Apple App Store in early October. Those with the keyboard already installed could continue to use it. No reason was ever provided for the decision, which is befuddling, to say the least.

Now, the company is doing a 180 and has decided to bring back SwiftKey on iOS. The app is currently listed in the Apple App Store and still maintains an impressive 4.6 (out of 5) rating, which is higher than Gboard’s 4.0.

Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard is BACK on iOS! 🎉🎊🍾🥳Stay tuned to what the team has in store for it!Link ➡️ https://t.co/X6eIq0VJgP pic.twitter.com/23OA67UynZNovember 18, 2022

Vice President & GM Microsoft Office Product Group Vishnu Nathtook to Twittertoday to announce that SwiftKey Keyboard is “BACK on iOS!” and states “Stay tuned to what the team has in store for it,” strongly suggesting that not only will it be maintained going forward, but further development is also in the works.

Just like the decision to remove SwiftKey Keyboard from iOS, no reason was given as to why it is returning either. Regardless, considering how many people prefer it and its high rating in the Apple App Store, it’s great to see it return especially for those picking up a newiPhone 14this holiday season.

As always, we’ll continue to follow the development of the SwiftKey Keyboard on iOS (and Android) to see how it is further improved.

Thanks, @Tokatoey, for the tip!

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Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer,podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.