# Modality Type — Four-button watch typing

> Four-button watch typing app for Apple Watch and iOS devices. (iPhone/iPad app by Ian Hanson.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modality-type/id1432298400 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ian Hanson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1124238168)
- Category: Productivity, Entertainment
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 3.67/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.3 · 33 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2018-10-06
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modality-type/id1432298400/reviews.md

## What is Modality Type?

View tutorials at joyfulmachines.com

If you want to leave your phone behind, or even in your pocket, there's a problem: you can navigate, pay, answer calls, run health apps, and get news and reports, but you can't type on your Apple Watch.... until now.

By reducing the keypad to four buttons, we allow you to type easily on Apple Watch.

With a design three years in the making, Modality has a layout that is easy to learn and memorize, because the letters are arranged by shape. You'll probably understand how it works the first time you use it. And you may even find it fun.

After we released Modality for Apple Watch, I sent out many, many texts in the first week - partly because of the excitement, but mostly because it's easier than reaching for a phone.

We thank you for trying Apple Watch Modality and invite you to give us feedback at support@joyfulmachines.com

Download and use Modality for Apple Watch... and then get it for your iPhone or iPad too.

## Key features

- Four-button keypad for watch typing
- Easy to learn and memorize layout
- Type without needing your phone
- Available for Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modality-type/id1432298400/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very interesting

*2019-01-04, version 2.2*

This is not a perfect app. It has some things I wish were different and it took me a minute before I fully understood what the developer was trying to do with this app, but it's good. I think some of the other reviewers maybe didn't take enough time with it or read the literature on it. When I took the time to research the app on YouTube and understood the philosophy behind it and that Apple does not allow private development of system keyboards, then I got what was going on here. For the 2.99, I think this app is worth it. I have gotten a lot less for a lot more. I am along for the ride and curious what they come up with next.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful review. As far as Modality's not being a "perfect app," we would love to hear your ideas about what you would like to see different. We do have plans for development, including more emoji and a quicker way to switch between words and symbols, but we also would like to hear what thoughts our users have. For this reason, we strongly encourage users to reach out to us at support@joyfulmachines.com with their ideas for updates as well as their stories. Thank you again; we look forward to hearing more from you!

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2018-11-30, version 2.2*

Modality has made my everyday life so much easier, when I’m in a meeting and need to easily type to my kids without distracting this is the go to app I use. 10/10 recommend!

**Developer response:** Thank you so much for this review! I also use Modality in meeting situations for those quick texts, as well as for longer writing when I simply don't want to take out my phone. Please contact us at any time at support@joyfulmachines.com or on Facebook so we can get more specifics on your experiences as well as find out what suggestions you might have.

### 1/5 — Confusing...wasted money...

*2018-11-10, version 1.0*

This was confusing/cumbersome at best. I just wasted $2.99. Oh well, maybe somebody will think of something that works, but this isn’t it... Deleted.

**Developer response:** I am really sorry to hear that. The basic philosophy is that the buttons can be any one of the letters, like the old flip phones. Also the letters are arranged by shape to help learn and use them quickly. There is a tutorial at joyfulmachines.com to describe that, and we would love it if you would consider giving Modality another chance. Also, please write us at support@joyfulmachines.com to dialog and share specifics. We do appreciate your trying it, and we would love to hear directly from you in our never-ending pursuit of making this the best system we possibly can. Thanks, Ian Hanson, CEO, Joyful Machines.

### 1/5 — Nope

*2018-10-26, version 1.0*

Crashes constantly and forces a signature at the end of every text that says you used the app. Just use scribble. It’s easier.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry to hear of your troubles. It took us some time, but we did find a reason for crashing under certain circumstances involving lower-cased words. It has been corrected now with the version 2.2. Thanks again for the feedback, and please give us more response at support@joyfulmachines.com so that we can respond personally and specifically.

### 5/5 — Intuitive

*2018-10-13, version 1.0*

Easy to learn and use, wonderful application.

**Developer response:** Thank you so much for this response! Any thoughts, please share at support@joyfulmachines.com.

### 5/5 — Expansive

*2018-10-06, version 1.0*

Works for any number of situations, and I can write very long texts. 

I hope e-mail and note options come soon, but for now I can get any text to my phone through texting myself. 

Very easy to learn, and pretty comfortable. 

Modality should store new words that I type in single letter mode. I think that option is also on its way. 

All in all an incredible solution for typing on a watch, and I end up using it a lot.

**Developer response:** Thank you!

To respond quickly, yes, we want to expand to allow for e-mails and notes. And we also plan to "save" words that you would type in single-letter mode. These will come out, most likely in the next update.

Thanks again, and please keep us updated on Facebook or support@joyfulmachines.com

## Frequently asked questions about Modality Type

### What devices does Modality Type support?

Modality Type is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch. It is designed to enhance the typing experience on your Apple Watch.

### How does Modality Type's typing system work?

Modality Type reduces the keypad to four buttons, arranging letters by shape for easy learning and memorization. This allows for efficient typing directly on your Apple Watch.

### Is Modality Type free to use?

No, Modality Type is a paid application. It is priced at $0.99.

### How often is Modality Type updated?

The latest version is 2.26, released on January 23, 2019. Updates are provided by the developer, Ian Hanson.

### What is the age rating for Modality Type?

Modality Type has an age rating of 4+.

### Can I use Modality Type to type without my phone nearby?

Yes, a primary benefit of Modality Type is enabling you to type messages and use your watch features without needing to have your phone on you or in your pocket.

### Where can I find tutorials for Modality Type?

Tutorials for Modality Type can be found at joyfulmachines.com.

### What is the user sentiment for Modality Type?

Modality Type has an average rating of 3.7 stars from 6 ratings. User feedback can be sent to support@joyfulmachines.com.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 2.26 — 2019-01-23

- The last-used contact will come to the top of the list.
- Removed the forced signature.
- Easier to do single letter entry with less scrolling.

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## More apps by Ian Hanson

- [Modality Keyboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modality-keyboard/id1124238169)
- [Modality Type 8](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modality-type-8/id1440036886)

All apps by Ian Hanson: https://appshunter.io/developer/1124238168

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*