Are There Any Limitations or Restrictions When Creating Custom Keyboards on iOS?

Developing a custom keyboard for iOS devices opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing user interaction and introducing innovative features. However, Apple’s operating system imposes certain limitations and restrictions on custom keyboard extensions that developers must navigate. Understanding these constraints is crucial for creating a keyboard app that not only complies with Apple’s guidelines but also delivers a seamless user experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the key limitations and restrictions you need to be aware of when creating custom keyboards on iOS. We’ll also introduce you to the Fleksy SDK, a powerful tool that can help you overcome these challenges and accelerate your development process.

Introduction

Custom keyboards offer developers an exciting opportunity to create unique typing experiences on iOS devices. From specialized input methods to personalized themes, the possibilities are vast. However, to ensure user security and system stability, Apple enforces specific limitations and guidelines that developers must adhere to.

Understanding iOS Custom Keyboard Extensions

An iOS custom keyboard is implemented as an app extension. This means it runs independently from your main app and has its own lifecycle and limitations. The extension allows users to replace the standard iOS keyboard with your custom keyboard across all apps on their device.

Key Limitations of Custom Keyboards on iOS

Let’s delve into the primary limitations you should consider when developing a custom keyboard for iOS.

No Access to Certain APIs

Custom keyboard extensions have limited access to iOS APIs.

• Restricted Frameworks: You cannot use frameworks like UIKit to present alerts, dialogs, or new windows.
• No Access to Core Features: Access to features like Core Bluetooth, HealthKit, and HomeKit is prohibited.

Impact: This limitation requires you to build functionalities without relying on certain system APIs, which can restrict the features you can offer.

Limited Memory and Performance Constraints

Apple imposes strict memory limits on keyboard extensions.

• Memory Limit: Extensions are limited to approximately 60 MB of RAM (device dependent).
• No Background Execution: Your keyboard cannot run processes in the background.

Impact: High memory usage can cause your keyboard to be terminated by the system, leading to a poor user experience.

Restricted Network Access

By default, custom keyboards have no network access unless the user grants “Allow Full Access”.

• No Internet Connectivity: Without full access, your keyboard cannot communicate over the internet.
• User Consent Required: Users must enable full access manually in their device settings.

Impact: Features that rely on network access, such as cloud syncing or dynamic content, are unavailable without user permission.

No Access to Touch ID or Face ID

Custom keyboards cannot access biometric authentication.

• Security Restrictions: Access to Touch ID and Face ID APIs is not permitted.
• No Biometric Data: You cannot use biometric data within your keyboard extension.

Impact: Authentication within the keyboard must rely on alternative methods.

Limited Customization of System UI

You cannot modify or replace certain system UI elements.

• No Altering System Keyboards: You cannot change the behavior or appearance of the default iOS keyboard.
• Limited Control Over Input Fields: Custom keyboards have limited influence over the text input fields in which they operate.

Impact: Your custom keyboard must provide all desired functionalities within its own UI.

Restrictions Imposed by Apple

In addition to technical limitations, Apple imposes several policies to protect users.

User Privacy and Data Handling

• Data Collection Policies: You must clearly disclose any data collection practices.
• Prohibited Data Collection: Collecting sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords is forbidden.
• Local Data Processing: All data processing should occur on-device whenever possible.

Impact: Violating these policies can lead to App Store rejection or removal.

Full Access Permissions

• User Control: Users must explicitly grant full access to your keyboard.
• Functionality Without Full Access: Your keyboard should provide basic functionality without requiring full access.

Impact: Over-reliance on full access can limit your keyboard’s adoption.

Content Policies

• Appropriate Content: Your keyboard must not include offensive, illegal, or inappropriate content.
• User-Generated Content: You must implement mechanisms to filter and moderate user-generated content.

Impact: Non-compliance can result in App Store rejection.

Overcoming Limitations with Fleksy SDK

Navigating these limitations can be challenging, but the Fleksy SDK provides solutions that help you overcome these hurdles.

Benefits of Using Fleksy SDK

• Optimized Performance: Designed to operate efficiently within iOS constraints.
• Advanced Features Without Full Access: Offers functionalities like autocorrect and predictive text offline.
• Customizable UI Components: Provides flexibility in designing your keyboard’s appearance.
• Privacy Compliance: Processes data locally, ensuring user privacy and compliance with Apple’s policies.

How Fleksy SDK Addresses iOS Limitations

Efficient Memory Usage

The Fleksy SDK is optimized to use minimal memory, preventing system termination due to high resource consumption.

Offline Functionality

Features like autocorrect, multilingual support, and gesture typing work without network access, reducing the need for full access permissions.

Customizable and Compliant UI

With the Fleksy SDK, you can create a unique keyboard UI that adheres to Apple’s guidelines, avoiding the use of restricted APIs.

Privacy-Focused

By processing all data on-device, the Fleksy SDK ensures that user data remains private, addressing Apple’s data handling restrictions.

Integration Example

Integrating the Fleksy SDK is straightforward:

import FleksySDK

class KeyboardViewController: UIInputViewController {
    override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()
        let fleksyKeyboard = FleksyKeyboardView(frame: self.view.bounds)
        self.view.addSubview(fleksyKeyboard)
    }
}

Best Practices for Developing iOS Custom Keyboards

To ensure your keyboard app is successful and compliant, consider these best practices:

• Optimize for Performance: Keep your keyboard lightweight to operate within memory limits.
• Minimize Full Access Dependency: Design your keyboard to function effectively without requiring full access.
• Prioritize User Privacy: Be transparent about data usage and avoid collecting unnecessary information.
• Stay Updated with Guidelines: Regularly review Apple’s developer guidelines for any changes.
• Test Extensively: Conduct thorough testing to ensure stability across different devices and iOS versions.

Conclusion

Creating a custom keyboard for iOS comes with its set of challenges due to Apple’s limitations and restrictions. However, understanding these constraints allows you to design a keyboard that is both innovative and compliant. Leveraging tools like the Fleksy SDK can significantly simplify the development process, enabling you to focus on delivering a high-quality user experience.

By adhering to best practices and utilizing the resources available, you can overcome the hurdles of iOS custom keyboard development and create an app that stands out in the market.

Accelerate your development with the Fleksy SDK. Get started with Fleksy SDK today and deliver an exceptional typing experience that adheres to all of Apple’s guidelines.