More Indigenous Languages Come to iPhone and iPad Keyboards in New Apple Update

Apple has introduced support for indigenous languages in its iPhone and iPad keyboards with the latest iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 updates released in September. The update marks a significant step in honoring Native American heritage, culture, and sovereignty, particularly on Indigenous Peoples' Day, a federally recognized holiday in the US.

Among the supported languages are Blackfoot, Cherokee, and others. While some languages, such as Cherokee, have only a few thousand fluent speakers globally, their inclusion showcases the commitment to preserving these languages. Cherokee was the first Native American language added to iOS in 2010, and its inclusion has been viewed as an encouraging development for the younger generation learning the language.

Teachers in Oklahoma are leveraging these tools in their classrooms to engage students with Native American languages. These features enable students to record and revisit their pronunciation, emphasizing the importance of every sound in the Cherokee language. For instance, a minor deviation in pronunciation can result in conveying an entirely different word.

The 85-character-written Cherokee language, originally 86, is represented by syllables or sounds in the spoken language. Cherokee artist Roy Boney Jr. collaborated with Apple engineers to integrate the Cherokee syllabary into Apple devices. He emphasized that ensuring the survival and continuation of language and culture is a crucial aspect of being Cherokee.

High-schooler Olivia Daugherty, who graduated from the immersion school in 2024, expressed her concerns about losing her language and culture. However, she is optimistic about the younger generation's role in securing the language's future, highlighting a first-language speaker as her niece, who is one of the first in a very long time.