Apple fixes major ‘ducking’ problem with auto-correct overhaul

One of the most annoying autocorrects for many iPhone users has finally been fixed. And it’s about time.

No ducking way!

Obscenity-inclined texters can now relish in the collective microseconds they’ll save not having to undo an iOS auto-correct which has automatically changed the F-word to “duck” on Apple phones for years.

In a move aimed at appeasing frustrated iPhone users, Apple has officially announced that it will no longer automatically replace a certain F-word with the seemingly innocent word ‘ducking’.

The tech giant unveiled the update at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.

Apple has fixed a major ‘ducking’ problem.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, took to the stage to share the news.

“In those moments where you just want to type a ducking word, well, the keyboard will learn it, too,” Federighi said.

This change represents a significant shift in how autocorrect operates, as it will now use artificial intelligence to discern when users genuinely intend to use the expletive.

iPhone users have wrestled with auto-correct’s meddling ways for years, resulting in countless hilarious and, at times, embarrassing texting mishaps.

Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. Picture: AFP

The phenomenon became so prevalent that “damn you autocorrect” became an acronym, a meme, an Instagram account, and even a chart-topping song.

The key to this transformation lies in a powerful transformer model integrated into Apple’s operating system.

The company says this advanced AI model learns and analyses the contextual relationships between words, mimicking human understanding through mathematical techniques.

The highly anticipated auto-correct overhaul will be introduced as part of the forthcoming iOS 17 operating system upgrades.

Apple has revealed that the public beta version of the update will be available in July, allowing eager users to get a taste of the improved auto-correct capabilities, with the general release is scheduled for September.

In the meantime, Apple enthusiasts can take immediate action by turning off the auto-correct feature in their device settings which is enabled by default.

With the release of iPadOS 17, the auto-correct functionality is expected to extend to iPad users.

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference also witnessed the tech giant diving headfirst into the world of mixed reality.

Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc, beside an Apple Vision Pro mixed reality (XR) headset unveiled during conference at Apple Park campus. Picture: Philip Pacheco/ Getty Images

CEO Tim Cook proudly unveiled the Apple Vision Pro, an advanced augmented reality headset set to redefine how users interact with the world around them. With a price tag of $3,499 [AU $5288], the Apple Vision Pro promises to merge the real and virtual realms, delivering its first mixed reality experience.

The headset is slated for an early release in the United States next year, with availability in other countries expected later in 2024.

Apple’s announcements on Monday proved a boon for its market valuation.

On Monday, the tech giant’s market capitalisation soared to nearly US$3 trillion, a historic high for the company.

Originally published as Apple fixes major ‘ducking’ problem with auto-correct overhaul