(Image credit: iMore / Future)
Currently, typing the Apple symbol on your iPhone or iPad isn't as easy as on Mac. In macOS Monterey, you can use the built-in shortcut — Shift-Option-K — to type the Apple symbol anytime you want — but your iPhone and iPad don't have keyboard shortcuts, unfortunately.
In iOS 16, a feature called Text Replacement allows you to create text-based shortcuts. For example, if you type "omw" on iPhone or iPad, it will automatically change to "on my way". That's because text replacement is set up that way. Therefore, you can use text replacement to create a text-based shortcut to type out the Apple symbol.
Here's how to type out the Apple symbol on your iPhone and iPad.
Be warned: The Apple symbol doesn't display in non-Apple programs or products
Before starting, you should know that the Apple symbol is a special character that only displays with compatible software. So it will work on your best iPhone no problem, but if you try to send the Apple symbol in a text to your friend who has an Android phone, they won't be able to see it.
How to type the Apple symbol on iPhone and iPad
Right now, the quickest and most straightforward way to enter the Apple symbol with your iPhone or iPad is to set up a keyboard shortcut, which you can do in the text replacement menu. That way, when you type a combination of letters, iOS 15 will automatically replace them with the Apple symbol. It should be short, so it doesn't take long to type, but it also needs to be unique, so you'll never type it as part of another word and trigger the replacement by accident. After some experimentation, I've settled on "aappll," but you'll need to find what works for you. Here's how you can type the Apple symbol on iPhone and iPad.
- Copy the symbol from this post.
- Launch Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Keyboard.
Adding Apple Symbol in iOS 14: Copy the symbol from this post, tap Settings, tap General, and then tap Keyboard. (Image credit: iMore)
- Tap Text Replacement.
- Tap + at the top right.
- Tap and hold the Phrase text field.
Adding Apple Symbol in iOS 14: Tap text replacement, tap the + button, and then tap and hold the phrase text field. (Image credit: iMore)
- In the "Phrase" text field, tap and then Paste the symbol.
- In the Shortcut text field, enter your shortcut of choice. I used "aappll."
- Tap Save.
Adding Apple Symbol in iOS 14: Tap paste, enter your shortcut, and then tap save. (Image credit: iMore)
Now, you'll be able to type your shortcut of choice on your iPhone or iPad and insert the Apple symbol on your iPhone or wherever and whenever you like. However, for the sake of Apple and the internet, use your newfound powers wisely and sparingly.
Just the tip of the iceberg!
As Apple fans, it's just very fun and cool to be able to put the Apple symbol in text, similar to an emoji. I know, all of our Android friends just love it, right? Of course they do!
Using Text Replacement for the Apple symbol is just the tip of the iceberg. You can use the feature to create shortcuts for you to type anything. And thanks to iCloud, any text shortcut you create will automatically sync between your devices, including your best iPad and even Mac.
Updated July 2022: Updated for the latest version of iOS 15 and iOS 16 betas.
Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way.
Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.