SwiftKey for iOS gets its first update since coming back from the grave
After a brief retirement, Microsoft SwiftKey is back on iOS and receiving updates.
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What you need to know
Back on September 28, 2022, Microsoft announced that it would retire SwiftKey for iOS from the Apple App Store. The company thenreversed its plansand brought SwiftKey back to iOS. Now, the popular third-party keyboard app has received its first update since it was mysteriously removed and brought back.
Vice President & GM Microsoft Office Product Group Vishnu Nathhighlighted the update on Twitterand shared what was new. The changelog only states that version 2.9.4 of SwiftKey for iOS has “bug fixes and performance improvements,” but Nath specified that the update addresses issues surrounding signing in to a Microsoft account within SwiftKey.
The strange saga of SwiftKey being retired and unretired occurred without an explanation from Microsoft. While not cited as a reason, it is worth noting that Apple makes it difficult to use third-party keyboards due to “security concerns.”
Regardless of reasoning, SwiftKey is now back in the Apple App Store on iOS and holds a respectable 4.6 out of 5 rating. Notably, that’s higher than Google’s Gboard, which only has a 4.0 out of 5 rating.
When the app first returned to the store, Nath asked people to “stay tuned to what the team has in store for it!” That suggests that Microsoft has long-term plans for SwiftKey on iOS. We’ll continue to follow the development of SwiftKey, including whatever Nath and his team have “in store” for the app.
Microsoft SwiftKey | Free
This popular third-party keyboard app learns your typing style, so it improves over time. It supports tapping or swiping for input and allows you to set custom themes.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
