Microsoft’s SwiftKey has always been a reliable alternative to Google’s Gboard for iPhone users who prefer third-party keyboards to Apple’s (and those who don’t). Out of worry, we don’t make it simple to use third-party keyboards, yet SwiftKey appears to have a devoted following.
Unexpected SwiftKey deprecation and removal from the Apple App Store were announced by Microsoft for early October. The keyboard can still be used by those who have already installed it. The decision was made without any explanation, which is at best perplexing. Now that the corporation has changed its mind, SwiftKey will once again be available on iOS. In comparison to Gboard, which has a rating of 4.0, the app now has a 4.6 rating in the Apple App Store.
Vishnu Nath, vice president and general manager of the Microsoft Office product group, announced today on his Twitter that the SwiftKey keyboard is “back on iOS!” He then said, “Please note that the team is preparing for this,” strongly suggesting that work will be done to not only maintain it but also develop it further in the future.
As with his decision to remove SwiftKey Keyboard from iOS, no reason has been given as to why it’s returning. Regardless of how many people like it and how expensive it is in the Apple App Store, it’s great to see it come back, especially for those who got a new iPhone 14 this holiday season.