iOS 8 Keyboards Climb to Top of App Store Charts

Thursday September 18, 2014 10:08 am PDT by Kelly Hodgkins

With yesterday's launch of iOS 8, devices running the new operating system are now able to install third-party keyboards that work on a systemwide basis. Most of the major keyboard makers were ready for the launch, introducing iOS 8 versions of their keyboards into the iOS App Store. One day after launch, three of these keyboards, including Fleksy, SwiftKey and Swype, are now at the top of the top iOS paid and free charts in the U.S. and other countries.

Within 24 hours of their debut, paid keyboards Swype and Fleksy climbed to the top two spots in the U.S. paid iOS app chart, displacing popular games such as Minecraft Pocket Edition and Five Nights at Freddy's. On the free app chart, Swiftkey jumped to the number one spot, beating out the now freemium and very popular 1Password password manager and the newly launched Amazing Thief game. Perhaps most impressively, SwiftKey has even displaced longtime number one Facebook Messenger from its spot atop the rankings.

paid-free-apps-keyboards

The new keyboards are of course benefiting from launch-day momentum of the iOS 8 debut, and it remains to be seen where they will settle in the charts following the initial surge of interest. Still, it is clear that many users are interested in at least trying out alternatives to Apple's default keyboard, even with its new QuickType suggestions implemented in iOS 8.

These three keyboards and more are available to all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners running iOS 8. SwiftKey [Direct Link] is available for free from the iOS App Store, while Fleksy [Direct Link] costs $1.99 and Swype [Direct Link] is 99 cents.

Top Rated Comments

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iBlazed

70 months ago

I gotta say, I'm not really impressed with the ones I've tried. I still prefer the stock keyboard. But I suppose the more options the better.

Rating: 17 Votes

reden

70 months ago

Such a great feature, something I missed from Android. Too bad it logs all your keystrokes and even credit card numbers. That's the only thing that concerns me.

Rating: 10 Votes

AngerDanger

70 months ago

I gotta say, I'm not really impressed with the ones I've tried. I still prefer the stock keyboard. But I suppose the more options the better.

Perhaps you haven't found the right one yet. I'd suggest the DadaistBoard:

Rating: 9 Votes

Yelmurc

70 months ago

The stock keyboard is fine for me. But I'm glad we finally have the option of other keyboards.

Rating: 5 Votes

gatortpk

70 months ago

I like the current keyboard fine, especially with the new added QuickType suggestions to choose from.

Rating: 5 Votes

Baklava

70 months ago

Coming soon: Keyboard Store :D

Rating: 4 Votes

MikeyMike01

70 months ago

Such a great feature, something I missed from Android. Too bad it logs all your keystrokes and even credit card numbers. That's the only thing that concerns me.

Do you think Android keyboards couldn't? The only difference is Apple's warning you that it's possible.

Rating: 4 Votes

TopToffee

70 months ago

Does anyone else find it massively slower typing with a swipe mechanism than with standard? Way more errors too. Now I know some of it will be a lack of familiarity, but i've been using it for nearly 24hrs now, and it's still taking me approximately 1.6 times as long to type something by swiping than with keypresses

And that's when there's no errors.

Rating: 3 Votes

KentuckyHouse

70 months ago

Such a great feature, something I missed from Android. Too bad it logs all your keystrokes and even credit card numbers. That's the only thing that concerns me.

Do you think Android keyboards couldn't? The only difference is Apple's warning you that it's possible.

If you don't mind giving someone every keystroke, maybe! You ever wonder why it's free?

I am likewise intrigued and happy to try out these new keyboards. While still awaiting a keyboard with a tab key, I confess being alarmed by the amount of battery energy these keyboard apps have been sucking (as reported by iOS) It might be because they phone home all too often. At any rate, battery drain and privacy considerations discourage me from continuing to use them, much as I do type much faster on them.

I would never change an apple keyboard for something that originated on android.

Like wise. I installed Swiftkey on my Android Tablet and it requested access to ALL of my information. I noped straight to the un-install menu.

Then people could argue that you're being arrogant. Does your experience equal to all users? There are legitimate concerns given the fact that the only way you'l really be able to utilise these keyboards is by giving access to internet and everything you type.

Totally agree with you on this.. Looks cool but I saw that message and was like nope no thanks. App now deleted...

See? This is what you get when people are blindly loyal to one brand. Derp.

If any of you had ever actually tried Android (and don't go posting that you have, I'll just turn a deaf ear), then you'd know that the EXACT same thing happens in the Play Store with regards to keyboard. When you activate the keyboard on your phone after downloading it, you get a popup that states information could be sent out, including bank numbers and credit card numbers. However, it isn't. Ever. This is just a standard warning that all app stores provide to cover their own butts. And yes, this now includes Apple's App Store, you poor sheltered people.

You all really should get out and try things for yourself and stop cowering in the corner or worse, spreading falsities by fearmongering.

Before you call me an Android fanboy, know I currently own the 5S and will be the owner of a 6+ as soon as I can get my hands on one. I just wish people would stop being so close-minded about platforms. They're both great, they both get you where you want to go, just in different ways. Stop the freaking insanity!

Rating: 3 Votes