Overview

Rating:
3.90
(39)
Version:
5.1.4
Last updated: 2026-06-04
Ranking
#233,165 â–Ľ 7,312
Overall

Features & Capabilities

Type messages on your Apple Watch using a T9 style keyboard with RetroBoard.

Typing messages on Apple Watch can be chore - Scribble doesn't always work and Dictation isn't great in public spaces. With RetroBoard, you get a classic T9 keyboard straight on your wrist, no awkward typos necessary!

By adding a T9 keyboard to your Apple Watch, you can reply to iMessages quickly and privately. Autocorrect and smart text predictions quickly ensures what you type is accurate and makes sense.

RetroBoard contains these great features:

T9 KEYBOARD

Add a T9 keyboard to your Apple Watch.

Keys are easy to press and brings back the classic typing experience.

SENDING

RetroBoard uses the built-in Apple Messages app on your Apple Watch to send messages to your contacts. Type out your message, tap the send button and you’ll be taken to the Messages app with your message ready to go! There's support for the Apple Mail app too so you can emails all from your wrist!

SUGGESTIONS

As you’re typing, you can complete words using the suggestions bar above the keys.

Tap on a suggestion to replace the current typed word with the full suggestion. Great for improving speed on the small screen!

Access all suggestions by tapping the ellipsis icon next to the first suggestions.

AUTOCORRECT (T9)

Whilst typing, RetroBoard will make suggestions based on the keys pressed - just like predictive text.

OTHER CHARACTERS

RetroBoard has full support for adding symbols, numbers and other special characters.

EMOJI

RetroBoard supports adding an unlimited amount of emoji to a single message! Simply tap the emoji icon to get started and pick from Apple’s library, or one of your most recently used ones.

THEMES

Customize the look and feel of your keyboard with support for themes.

MESSAGE PREVIEW

Before sending your message, just tap the text field to view a full preview of your message.

HAPTICS

Choose to receive Haptic Feedback on actions like key presses and button actions.

COMPLICATION

For quick and easy access, you can add the RetroBoard Complication to your Watch Face. Just tap and the keyboard will launch.

CURSOR

Whilst typing on the keyboard, you can see exactly where you are with the pulsing blue cursor. Use the Digital Crown to move the cursor's position.

SETTINGS

Customize RetroBoard your way.

Access the Settings menu by using the options button on the keyboard and you’ll be able to change the theme and toggle auto correct, suggestions & more.

If you like this app, I’d really appreciate it if you could take the time to leave a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch:

Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev

Please note, a supported Apple Watch is required for full app functionality. RetroBoard supports sending messages via SMS & iMessage through the Messages app or email through the Mail app. Some features may require a RetroBoard+ subscription which can be purchased in the app. You can cancel at anytime.

Terms: https://adamfoot.dev/terms-of-use

User Growth & Download Statistics

App
By:
Adam Foot
Rating:
3.90
(39)
Version:
5.1.4 Last updated: 2026-06-04
Version code:
886530809
Creation date:
2019-11-06
Compatible devices:
Size:
16.32MB
URLs:
Website ,Privacy policy
Full description:
See detailed description
Source:
Apple Apps Store
Data ingested on:
2026-07-20
Compare stats and ranking:

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.
Developed by:
Adam Foot
Apple Apps Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroboard-t9-watch-keyboard/id1465643346
Website:
https://adamfoot.dev

User Reviews

User reviews show a mixed view: the app delivers a compact Apple Watch keyboard that several users find appealing, with some praise for its potential and the option to bundle a full keyboard. However, widespread concerns include lack of true T9 predictive text, perceived poor value for money, watch-specific usability limitations, and occasional crashes. The Apple platform restrictions and desire for ongoing refinements are recurring themes, with several reviewers hoping for improvements and true predictive capability in future updates.
Pros
  • Compact, functional Apple Watch keyboard (appears as a strong feature in reviews 1 and 9).
  • Shows potential for improvement and ongoing development (noted in review 7).
  • Bundled option for a full keyboard is valued by some users (mentioned by review 6).
Cons
  • No true T9 predictive text; relies on multi-tap input (mentioned by reviews 2, 6, 7, 9).
  • Perceived poor value for money; multiple reviewers regret purchasing or describe refunds as unsatisfactory (reviews 2, 3, 5, 7).
  • Not well suited for watch input due to form-factor limitations and usability issues (reviews 7, 11).
  • Stability issues on some devices, including crashes (review 4).
Recent reviews
Its unfortunately an Apple issue, and doubly so as the app makes for a fantastic keyboard. If Apple ever pulls allows third party keyboards I will btw this immediately, but I cannot recommend this until then.
by Dr*****, 2024-07-23

Please please please add a setting to enable actual t9 predict! This app is a useless waste of money without being able to single tap the buttons. 🙏🏻
by An*****, 2022-04-13
View all user reviews ›

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