List of Third-Party Keyboards Now Available for iOS 8 Users

[MacRumors]

iOS 8, released to the public today, includes an API that allows developers to create system-wide third-party keyboards for the first time, which will let users select from a range of different keyboards with unique functions.

We've rounded up a list of the best third-party keyboards currently available to you find the keyboard best suited to you. Some of these keyboards are in the App Store now, while others will begin rolling out today following the launch of iOS 8.

SwiftKey (Free) [Direct Link] - SwiftKey is a gesture-based keyboard that allows users to type by dragging their fingers from key to key. Along with offering predictive suggestions, SwiftKey integrates with SwiftKey Cloud to let a user's preferences be backed up and synced across all devices.

Kaomoji (Free) - Kaomoji keyboard is a fun third-party keyboard that allows users to insert kaomoji, or ASCII text emoticons, into messages, email, and more. Many users may not be familiar with kaomoji, but the popular table flip emoticon seen in the image below is one example. The Kaomoji keyboard isn't available yet, but it should be launching soon.

Third-party keyboards require users to install a separate app for each keyboard. Once downloaded, a keyboard can be turned on in the Settings app. In Settings, go to General --> Keyboards --> Add New Keyboard and tap whichever keyboard needs to be installed. From there, it is easy to switch between available keyboards by holding down on the Globe or Emoji icon in any app that supports keyboards.

Article Link: List of Third-Party Keyboards Now Available for iOS 8 Users

 

[shareef777]

Unable to download swiftkey.

Edit: looks like it's available now.

 

[recklesslife85]

Swiftkey is the only one I want and its not available in the UK yet..

 

[hkenneth]

Finally, we can have a decent Chinese input method that makes sense...

 

[noiseordinance]

Hallelujah. Third-party keyboards were pretty much the only thing Android had going for it.

 

[gmcalpin]

Woo! Swype! I'll buy that for a dollar… when I get my iPhone 6, anyway.

Swype is one of the very very few things that I like about my Android phone more than the older iPhones. All of those things are gone with the iPhone 6 and iOS 8: bigger screen, Swype, and Extensions & Continuity should address the other minor quibbles about sharing between applications.

 

[Jessica Lares]

TextExpander updated today but DID NOT include the keyboard update.

EDIT: Nevermind. It did update, but it seems to be a paid upgrade.

 

[recklesslife85]

Swiftkey now downloading. UK

 

[five40josh]

It would really be great if someone would release a keyboard where you can swipe on the keys to move the cursor around in the message. There was a jailbroken tweak that let you do this back in the day; hopefully it makes its way to a third-party keyboard in the near future!

 

[bug67]

LOVE SwiftKey but, can't seem to download it yet...

 

[aleksoctop]

Uuugh all these Android looking keyboard skins....yeeeaaaughh

 

[User3977]

Fleksy went from free this morning to .99 and now 1.99 but still can not find it on the app store.????

 

[sincere11105]

I just downloaded Swype for iPad. So far so good. Haven't updated iPhone. I'll wait for the 6

 

[Skevaboy]

Swiftkey is the only one I want and its not available in the UK yet..

setup a dummy US apple account , sign with that ID and download from the US store, whats what i do to get access to a lot more apps and iRadio

 

[towg]

Swiftkey now downloading. UK

I'm in the UK and its not available. Just Swiftkey Note.

 

[spencers]

SwiftKey says not available in the US store

 

[Che Castro]

How do I just make the keyboard color black?

 

[kevinwo]

Hi everyone! This is Kevin, the creator of KuaiBoard. If you have any questions, I'll answer them the best I can as quickly as possible. And thanks for checking out KuaiBoard!

 

[Small White Car]

Wow, that Swiftkey ad sure convinced me that my life up until now has been completely worthless.

How did I manage to not commit suicide the last 33 years without Swiftkey in my life? It boggles the mind!

 

[Dubthedankest]

Based on my recollection when discussing support for third-party keyboards on iOS Apple seems to go out of their way to mention that sensitive information/keystrokes can be transmitted to the keyboard developer.

Are such fears overblown or is there a way to disable transmission of such data to the keyboard devs?

* * *

I see no reason to switch from the default iOS keyboard but am curious nonetheless should I want to try out third-party keyboards in the future.

 

[MoodyM]

None of these keyboards in the UK store yet for me

 

[Amenic]

Same here.

Atm, only Swype is available for me (Italian App Store)...

 

[Menel]

Based on my recollection when discussing support for third-party keyboards on iOS Apple seems to go out of their way to mention that sensitive information/keystrokes can be transmitted to the keyboard developer.

Are such fears overblown or is there a way to disable transmission of such data to the keyboard devs?

* * *

I see no reason to switch from the default iOS keyboard but am curious nonetheless should I want to try out third-party keyboards in the future.

Apple went out of their way to say network access was SANDBOXED.

 

[Small White Car]

Are such fears overblown or is there a way to disable transmission of such data to the keyboard devs?

I believe that, like apps that use the GPS or your photos, you'll get a warning the first time you use the keyboard asking if you want to give it internet access or not.

I think the theory is that some keyboards will need the internet for legitimate things and others won't, so denying that may alter how some work. But you'll be safe, at least.

I think I learned all of this months ago, though, so things may have changed. We'll certainly hear more as people start using them now.

 

[Bill Killer]

*waiting for Google Keyboard*