My 20-year-old didn’t like that when they typed “excited” in a text message on their iPhone, iOS automatically seemed to apply a Ripple effect, part of the set of somewhat pointless Text Effects that Apple added in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia. When I test this out, I see suggestions for certain words in the QuickType bar where other suggestions appear. However, my older kid has them dropped in–something other people have complained about in online forums since the feature’s introduction.
There’s a way to disable this in iOS and iPadOS. Not, unfortunately, with a switch marked Disable Text Effects. Instead, go to Settings > General > Keyboards, scroll to All Keyboards, and disable Predictive Text. This removes all attempts at providing options based on your typing, though it doesn’t disable the often-inaccurate Auto-Correction, which you can turn off in the same section.
It used to be rare that Apple would force new features on us that we didn’t expect, like a spider dropping from a ceiling onto our clothes. The not-very-useful Text Effects should have a way to prevent their insertion or suggestion, leaving them for people who explicitly want to use them.
This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Ben.
Ask Mac 911
We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
Author: Glenn Fleishman, Contributor, Macworld
Glenn Fleishman’s most recent books include Take Control of iOS and iPadOS Privacy and Security, Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, and Take Control of Securing Your Mac. In his spare time, he writes about printing and type history. He’s a senior contributor to Macworld, where he writes Mac 911.