The Interface Distraction Vector
The iOS virtual keyboard features a dynamic, grey bar located directly above the keys, known as Predictive Text. As you type, Apple’s machine learning algorithms constantly analyse your sentence structure and populate this bar with three suggested words they believe you intend to type next. While designed to increase typing speed, many users find the constant flashing and changing of text visually distracting. Furthermore, this predictive bar consumes valuable vertical screen real estate, squashing the actual message interface in applications like Messages or WhatsApp.
How to Turn Off Predictive Text
You can instruct the iPhone to completely disable the machine learning suggestions and remove the grey bar from the keyboard interface.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Scroll down the main pane and tap on Keyboard.
4. You will see a long list of toggle switches governing various typing behaviours (such as Auto-Capitalization and Auto-Correction).
5. Locate the toggle switch labelled Predictive.
6. Tap the toggle to switch it to the Off position (the switch will turn grey).
The next time you tap a text field to begin typing, the virtual keyboard will appear without the grey predictive bar, granting you a cleaner interface and slightly more screen space to view the application you are currently using.