Exclusive-Apple's predictive text restrictions include 'Dictator Trump' and 'Sleepy Joe,' researcher finds

WASHINGTON, Nov 6 - Apple maintains a secretive multilingual list of tens of thousands of words and phrases that its iOS keyboard will not autocomplete or allow users to swipe-type, according to independent researcher Derik Kauffman. The list, not officially disclosed by Apple, suggests the company aims to prevent offensive or politically charged suggestions while anticipating users' intents.

Kauffman discovered the list by noticing swipe-typing stuttering over certain phrases and later finding a compendium buried within Apple's operating system. The flagged words and phrases often relate to vulgar, offensive, or politically salient topics. Examples include "dictator Trump" and "sleepy Joe." Non-English languages also have their flagged words, such as "Modi braggart" in Hindi and "immigration too high" in French.

Apple did not comment directly on Kauffman's findings but assured users that they could still type specific words or phrases and override predictive text suggestions. The researcher emphasized that while Apple's action aims to avoid inappropriate suggestions, inconsistencies in applying the feature could have a significant impact on global communication.