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To build an AI keyboard that works across iPhone apps, create an iOS Custom Keyboard extension and add an optional AI action to its input view. If the feature is only for your own app, Apple recommends using a custom input view instead. A keyboard that sends text to a remote AI service needs open access, the user’s approval, and a clear explanation of what text is shared; ordinary typing must still work when that access or the network is unavailable.
Choose between a keyboard extension and an in-app input view
A Custom Keyboard extension supplies text input at the insertion point in apps that allow third-party keyboards. It is a separate, sandboxed extension process, not a replacement for iOS’s system keyboard everywhere. Third-party keyboards are unavailable in secure text fields and phone-number fields, and individual host apps can reject them. If your AI feature belongs only in your own app, an app-specific custom input view avoids building a systemwide keyboard extension. Apple’s custom-keyboard documentation describes creating the extension; its virtual keyboard guidance covers where third-party keyboards can be used.
| Approach | Use it when | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Systemwide custom keyboard extension | People need AI-assisted input in multiple supported apps. | Requires an extension with its own keyboard behavior and, for remote AI, open-access and sensitive-text safeguards. |
| App-specific custom input view | The feature is only needed inside your app. | Keeps the feature app-specific; it does not replace the keyboard in other apps. |
| On-device or other non-network AI path | The operation can be delivered without contacting a remote service. | Avoids network access for that operation, but model availability and compatibility depend on your implementation. |
| Remote AI path | A server model is necessary and the user explicitly chooses the AI action. | Requires open access and clear disclosure and permission for sharing personal data with a third-party AI service. |
Create and configure the keyboard extension
- In Xcode, add a Custom Keyboard extension target to your iOS app project. Implement the extension’s input view controller, which provides the keyboard interface and its controls. Apple’s Custom Keyboard guide describes the extension model and its text-input interface.
- Set the extension’s keyboard attributes in Info.plist. Identify its primary language with
PrimaryLanguage; declareIsASCIICapablewhere appropriate for the keyboard’s input. SetRequestsOpenAccessonly if the design needs network resources or writable shared storage. Requesting it does not itself grant access. - Build useful baseline text entry before adding AI. Use
textDocumentProxyto interact with the active text field. The basicUIKeyInputoperations areinsertText:for inserting text anddeleteBackwardfor deleting it. Provide ordinary keyboard input and a control that lets the user move to another keyboard.
Make AI an explicit, optional keyboard action
Keep AI separate from ordinary key entry. For example, place an action in the keyboard interface that the user deliberately taps to request a rewrite or another text operation. Explain what text will be sent and what the service will return before the first use; do not silently send keystrokes as the user types.
Do not assume the extension can read an entire message or arbitrary selected text. Work only with the text the active document makes available to the extension, and send no more than the requested operation needs. If the context available at the insertion point is insufficient, let the user know rather than implying that the AI has processed text it could not access.
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- Can't Connect the Bluetooth? Please reset the keyboard and then reconnect the Bluetooth: 1. Turn on the keyboarad; 2. Press and hold the first and the last key at the top row of the keyboard until all indicators start flashing; 3. Bluetooth light flickers quickly, auto entering Bluetooth pairing mode (If not, press Fn + 1 or 2); 4. Search and find "Wireless keyboard".
- Multi-OS Compatible: The keyboard is widely compatible with Android, Windows and iOS devices. Also the basic typing function works with other OS devices such as fire tablets.
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- Orange Keys for Productivity Boost: The color-coded design help you to position the keys effortlessly and reduce mistyping. The orange keys are more visible than standard keys, engineered for speed typists.
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For a remote model, set RequestsOpenAccess in the extension configuration and check hasFullAccess at runtime. The user must also enable “Allow Full Access” for the keyboard in iOS Settings. The Apple open-access documentation explains this permission boundary. If full access is off, do not call the remote service or imply that it is available.
Keep the keyboard useful without full access or a network
Apple’s App Review Guidelines require keyboard extensions to “Remain functional without full network access and without requiring full access.” The guidelines also set requirements for keyboard extensions and personal-data sharing. Make typing and deletion work without remote AI, and give remote-only actions a clear unavailable state when access or connectivity is missing. If you can provide a useful local or otherwise network-independent operation, make clear which functions remain available in that state.
- Keep text entry available when the user has not granted full access.
- Explain why a remote AI action is unavailable, without blocking ordinary typing.
- Provide a working way to switch to another keyboard.
- Do not launch apps other than Settings from the keyboard or repurpose keyboard buttons for unrelated behavior.
Protect text sent to an AI service
Keyboard input can include passwords, private messages, health details, and confidential work. Before sending text to a third party, identify the recipient and purpose, obtain explicit permission when personal data is shared, and describe what is sent in language users can understand. Give users a meaningful way to choose whether to invoke the AI action.
Minimize the text transmitted and use it only to fulfill the user’s requested operation. Apple’s keyboard guidance says not to retain received keystroke or voice data beyond the time needed to return text or provide features explained to the user. Explain any collection, sharing, retention, deletion, and consent controls in your privacy information. Do not promise a particular AI provider’s retention or deletion behavior unless you have verified its current terms directly.
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Test the full permission and failure path
Test the extension as a keyboard, not just as an app screen. Check ordinary typing and deletion, keyboard switching, the AI action with full access enabled, and the unavailable state with access disabled or the service unreachable. Also check supported host-app fields: secure and phone-number fields do not accept third-party keyboards, and an app may disable them entirely. These constraints should shape how you explain the feature to users, not be treated as AI-service errors.
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- Maximize Screen Space: Enjoy up to 50% more usable display for ultimate productivity
- Magnetic Support: Features a built-in magnetic array for secure. It instantly attaches to accessories like power banks, stands, and car mounts for greater convenience in daily use
- System Shortcut Keys: Gain one-tap access to essential actions, streamlining your IOS workflow
- Precision Cutouts: Guarantees easy access to all essential ports, microphone, and speakers
- Plug and Play: Simple and quick setup with direct USB connection
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