Apple iOS 27 Adds Blackfoot, Comanche and Cree to Keyboard Support
The tech giant expands indigenous language options on iPhones and iPads to help preserve endangered tongues among younger generations.
Key points
- iOS 27 introduces typing support for Blackfoot, Comanche and Northern East Cree.
- Cherokee remains the first Native American language added to Apple keyboards since 2010.
- Communities use these tools to engage younger users and support language revitalisation efforts.
Apple has expanded its keyboard support for Indigenous languages in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. The update adds typing capabilities for Blackfoot, Comanche and Northern East Cree, joining existing support for other native tongues.
What happened
Apple released iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 in September, introducing new keyboard layouts for several Indigenous languages. According to CNET, the update allows users to type in Blackfoot, Comanche and Northern East Cree. This follows the addition of Haitian Creole and Nez Perce in iOS 26. Apple states its iOS keyboard now supports more than 200 languages and variants. Cherokee was the first Native American language included on Apple devices, arriving in 2010. The Cherokee syllabary, which contains 85 characters, was developed with help from artist Roy Boney Jr.
Why it matters
The Cherokee Nation has approximately 1,500 active speakers, most of whom are over 70 years old. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. told Wired that the community faces urgent challenges in preserving its language. He noted that previous generations faced colonization and boarding schools, but current demographic shifts pose a new threat. Apple aims to meet young people where they spend their time: on phone screens. Teachers in Oklahoma use these keyboards to help students practice pronunciation and record their speech.
Next steps
- Monitor Apple’s developer documentation for new language support additions in future iOS releases.
- Evaluate how keyboard localisation impacts user engagement in regions with endangered languages.
- Review Unicode standards updates that underpin new character set implementations.
- Assess the role of mobile interfaces in digital preservation strategies for cultural heritage.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Check your device settings to enable newly supported languages if you are part of those communities.
- Verify that your keyboard layout matches the specific dialect or variant you intend to use.
- Ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version to access all language features.
- Report any input errors or missing characters to Apple’s feedback channel for improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
Which new languages are supported in iOS 27?
iOS 27 adds support for Blackfoot, Comanche and Northern East Cree to the iOS keyboard.
When was Cherokee added to Apple keyboards?
Cherokee was the first Native American language added to iOS keyboards, released in 2010.
How many speakers does Cherokee have?
The Cherokee Nation has around 1,500 active speakers, with most being over the age of 70.
