Apple restricts over 100,000 phrases in iPhone predictive text system
Independent researcher Derik Kauffman discovered an internal Apple list blocking more than 100,000 words and phrases from being completed on iPhones.
Blocked phrases include political terms
The grey list prevents predictive text from suggesting specific combinations like Dictator Trump or NSA spies. Users attempting to swipe-type these phrases often see incorrect suggestions such as United Iceland instead of United Ireland. The system also blocks completion for terms related to Tibetan independence and questioning sexuality.
List found in operating system
Kauffman identified the table containing this list while examining Apple's operating system code. He noticed that certain phrases would not autocomplete while others functioned normally on his device. The researcher shared his findings after encountering difficulties typing specific text messages.
Categories of restricted content
The blocked entries cover references to drugs, sexual acts, and corporate protection statements. Some phrases like Australia is a very bad place are also included in the restrictions. Apple has not publicly explained the full criteria used for this internal filtering.
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