Microsoft SwiftKey on iOS is Leaving the Apple App Store

Teejay Boris, Tech Times 28 September 2022, 09:09 pm

Microsoft SwiftKey on iOS is leaving the Apple App Store this October as the software giant has decided to discontinue its keyboard app for iPhone users.

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Attendees examine a brand new iPhone 14 Pro during an Apple special event on September 07, 2022 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the new iPhone 14 as well as new versions of the Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch SE, a low-cost version of the popular timepiece that will start at $249.

Current users of the keyboard software are worried if they could continue using the service. Microsoft has addressed that concern in its latest statement.

Microsoft SwiftKey on iOS is Leaving the Apple App Store

According to a recent report by The Verge, the SwiftKey owner, Microsoft, announced that it is phasing out the iOS version of the keyboard software starting October 5.

The director of product management at SwiftKey, Chris Wolfe, says that "as of October 5, support for SwiftKey iOS will end, and it will be delisted from the Apple App Store."

The Verge notes in its report that numerous users of SwiftKey for iOS have been complaining that the keyboard software is no longer getting timely updates. The last time Microsoft pushed an update for it was roughly more than a year already.

So some folks have assumed that it has been discontinued already, albeit no official word yet from its owner.

But this time, Microsoft has spoken, and it is officially discontinuing the Swiftkey for iOS. It means that iPhone users could no longer download and install the keyboard software from the App Store.

Why is Microsoft Killing SwiftKey for iOS?

As per a news story by ZDNet, Microsoft refused to explain why it is killing the iOS version of SwiftKey.

However, the online tech news outlet notes that the pull-out might have something to do with the policies of the Cupertino-based tech firm. But with no official word from the SwiftKey owner, we could only speculate the reason behind it.

The director of product management disclosed that "Microsoft will continue support for SwiftKey Android as well as the underlying technology that powers the Windows touch keyboard."

Wolfe also notes that Remind-based tech juggernaut would still support SwiftKey Android.

So with that said, Microsoft is only discontinuing its keyboard software for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users as it leaves the Apple App Store.

Could iPhone Users Still Use it?

(Photo : Getty Images)
WUHAN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 16: (CHINA OUT) New Apple iPhone 14's are put on display at an Apple store on September 16,2022 in Wuhan. Hubei, China.

The SwiftKey exec went on to note that current users of the keyboard app on iOS could continue to use it. However, once they tried uninstalling it, it would no longer be available in the App Store for them to reinstall it.

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Written by Teejay Boris