Apple Adds Comanche and Kiowa Language Keyboards

Learners and speakers can now use native keyboard support for these two endangered languages on iPhones.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Language Learning

Apple Adds Comanche and Kiowa Language Keyboards

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Should technology companies prioritize adding support for critically endangered languages to digital devices?

Apple added keyboard support for the Comanche and Kiowa languages in the iOS 27 update released in September 2026. This addition enables users to type special characters and accents natively for both critically endangered languages.

Why it matters

Native language support on digital devices helps preserve languages with very few remaining fluent speakers by facilitating daily communication and digital literacy. This update expands the tools available for language revitalization efforts among younger generations.

Official software data confirms Apple now supports 20 Indigenous American languages out of 200 total, including the recent addition of Comanche and Kiowa. The update allows users to access these options through the Keyboard tab in Settings.

The players

Apple

A global technology company that develops consumer electronics, including the iPhone and its iOS operating system.

The details

Users can activate these new keyboard layouts by navigating to the Keyboard tab within the Settings app on devices running iOS 27. The software update provides native support for the unique special characters and accents required to write in Comanche and Kiowa. These languages are categorized as critically endangered, with fluent speaker populations numbering fewer than 50 for Comanche and around 10 for Kiowa.

2010: Cherokee was the first Native language added to iPhone keyboards.
September 2026: Apple released the iOS 27 update with Comanche and Kiowa support.

Education Landscape

This development follows the precedent set by the 2010 addition of Cherokee to iPhone keyboards, which marked the first time an Indigenous language was supported on the platform. It reflects a broader trend of integrating language preservation tools into mainstream consumer technology.

Students or learners of Comanche or Kiowa can now use these native keyboard layouts to practice writing or communicate digitally. If you are learning an Indigenous language, check your device settings to see if your language is supported or inquire with your local language program about using these tools.

The takeaway

Digital language support provides a practical way for learners to engage with endangered languages in their daily routines. Check your device's Keyboard settings to ensure you are using the correct regional or linguistic keyboard layout for your studies.