# RetroBoard - T9 Watch Keyboard — Classic Feature Phone Typing > Apple Watch T9 keyboard for faster, private messaging and email. (iPhone/iPad app by Adam Foot.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroboard-t9-watch-keyboard/id1465643346 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Adam Foot](https://appshunter.io/developer/1071261283) - Category: Productivity, Utilities - Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $1.99) - Rating: 3.90/5 from 39 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 16 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2019-11-06 - Data updated: 2026-08-16 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroboard-t9-watch-keyboard/id1465643346/reviews.md ## What is RetroBoard? 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 ## Key features - T9 keyboard input - Autocorrect and text predictions - Emoji support - Customizable themes - Haptic feedback - Message preview - Complication for quick access ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | RetroBoard+ (Yearly) | $4.99 | per year | | RetroBoard+ (Monthly) | $1.99 | per month | | RetroBoard+ (Weekly) | $0.99 | per 7 days | **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | RetroBoard+ (Lifetime) | $19.99 | one-time | | Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time | | Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time | | Huge Tip | $19.99 | one-time | | Medium Tip | $4.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 16) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroboard-t9-watch-keyboard/id1465643346/reviews.md ### 3/5 — This does not replace the main keyboard *2024-07-23* 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. ### 1/5 — Disappointed *2023-01-12* I am very disappointed because I paid the money for really nothing! I through I can use this keyboard for everything on my watch, like got text messages and can quick answer by typing work with this keyboard or open messenger and text to someone, but it doesn’t work like that. You need to open this app on watch, type the text and than send just to my contacts. Which is why i would want to do that if i have phone. I needed keyboard for quick answer. I want money back! **Developer response:** Hi, unfortunately Apple doesn't allow 3rd party keyboards to work in this way. If you'd like further support, or to request a refund, please email support@adamfoot.dev ### 2/5 — T9 Predict *2022-04-13* 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. 🙏🏻 **Developer response:** Hi, This feature is now available! Please update to the latest version and consider updating your review. Thanks, Adam ### 1/5 — takes FOREVER to install on your App a watch. *2021-07-30* SHOULD NEVER EVER HAVE BOUGHT IT! Awful. **Developer response:** Hi, I have no control over how long it takes to install on Apple Watch. Please email info@adamfoot.dev if you have other issues but for this, you’ll need to contact Apple Support. ### 1/5 — T9 not working *2021-01-17* The advertised function of T9 keyboard is not working at all! When typing on the app’s keyboard the letters of a word on your watch, the app is NOT recognising those letters and is not switching it into a useful word (like T9 works). Only because of this practical feature for the apple watch I downloaded this app. Disappointing that it doesn’t work :( **Developer response:** Hi, this app is advertised as a T9 style keyboard but I’ll be looking to add this in a future update. UPDATE: This feature is now available! Please update to the latest version and consider updating your review. Thanks, Adam ### 1/5 — Crashes immediately on WatchOS 7 *2020-09-18* I get one or maybe two letters into the keyboard before it crashes back to the watch face of my Series 4. **Developer response:** Hi, please update to the latest version of the app. If you are still facing issues, please email info@adamfoot.dev ### 1/5 — Application doesn’t work with iphone 11 pro *2020-05-03* Took the money and claimed they can’t do anything, thieves..because they are simply bluffing the public. I really don’t understand how apple accept to advertise their product. **Developer response:** Hi, as explained in the email your issue is with the Apple Messages app... I don’t work on that app as I don’t work at Apple. Apple have their own support app or website that you can use to contact them and get help from. If you are unaware on how to do that, I think maybe it’s best you keep away from using technology going forwards and not throwing your toys out the pram when things go wrong. Thanks for taking your time to write a review and email me, just a shame you don’t listen to what I’ve said to you. ### 4/5 — Lobe it - BUT *2020-02-29* i love this app! the only thing that really bothers me is that you can't reply in group chats at imessage. will this function be made up soon? **Developer response:** Hi, Unfortunately this is a bug with the Messages app and not this one. Hopefully Apple fixes the issue so that your problem can be solved. Thanks UPDATE: This should now be fixed in watchOS 7. If you have the chance, please consider updating your review. Thanks! :) ### 4/5 — Probably the best t9 for a watch *2020-02-01* I really like the t9 feature. I purchased the bundle just in case I’d want a full keyboard as well. The only downside is there no true t9 prediction. If I didn’t have to hit each key multiple times to scroll through letters it would be awesome **Developer response:** Hi, This feature is now available! Please update to the latest version and consider updating your review. Thanks, Adam ### 1/5 — Um wow, not very impressive *2020-01-17* Did I just pay for this? Immediately, I regret that choice. The T9 version doesn’t work like the old phones did by predicting text. Not sure what this version does actually except take my money. The other app, well that stinks as well. The watch just isn’t meant for a full keyboard. The touch sensitivity on an iwatch screen isn’t that detailed. Well, that is what I assume based on how poorly this app works on my watch. The surprising thing is that this app was recommend from then apple news feed that I receive in my email. Time to unsubscribe to that nonsense as well. Developer - you seem to be onto something. I certainly was hoping. Refine it and make it work. ## Frequently asked questions about RetroBoard ### Does RetroBoard have ads? RetroBoard does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases for additional features. ### What is the RetroBoard+ subscription? RetroBoard+ is an optional subscription that unlocks additional features. It offers weekly, monthly, and yearly plans, with free trial periods available for monthly and yearly options. ### How do I cancel my RetroBoard+ subscription? You can cancel your RetroBoard+ subscription at any time through your device's subscription settings. The app provides flexibility for users to manage their subscriptions. ### What devices does RetroBoard support? RetroBoard is designed for Apple Watch and is also supported on iPhone. A supported Apple Watch is required for full app functionality. ### How often is RetroBoard updated? RetroBoard was last updated on January 27, 2026, with version 5.1.1. The developer, Adam Foot, regularly releases updates to improve functionality and add new features. ### What is the age rating for RetroBoard? RetroBoard has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for children and adults, with no mature content. ### Can I use RetroBoard offline? While RetroBoard's core typing functionality can be used offline on your Apple Watch, sending messages and emails requires an active internet connection through your paired iPhone or cellular capabilities. ### What are the benefits of using RetroBoard over Apple's built-in options? RetroBoard offers a classic T9 keyboard experience, which many users find faster and more accurate than Scribble or Dictation, especially in public spaces. It also provides enhanced features like extensive emoji support and customizable themes. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 5.1.4 — 2026-06-04 In this update: - Bug fixes and improvements. If you like this app, please consider leaving a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch: Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev ### 5.1.3 — 2026-05-20 In this update: - Bug fixes and improvements. If you like this app, please consider leaving a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch: Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev ### 5.1.2 — 2026-04-14 In this update: - Bug fixes and improvements. If you like this app, please consider leaving a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch: Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev ### 5.1.1 — 2026-01-27 In this update: - Fixed a crash when typing messages. - Other bug fixes & improvements. If you like this app, please consider leaving a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch: Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev ### 5.1 — 2026-01-26 In this update: - Added an onboarding process for new users so some options can be configured on first launch. - Other bug fixes & improvements. If you like this app, please consider leaving a positive review! Having issues? 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User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-16.*