A report published September 14, 2026, described an Android beta rollout of Microsoft SwiftKey AI voice typing in version 9.13.16.4. In a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 test, the mode reportedly transcribed speech with Wi-Fi and mobile data turned off after an approximately 163 MB model download.
How SwiftKey’s offline voice typing works
The reported test points to a practical benefit: after downloading the model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 transcribed speech without an active Wi-Fi or mobile-data connection. That result applies to the tested beta setup.
To start, use SwiftKey’s microphone control and choose the AI voice option. While listening, the keyboard displays a waveform; it does not show a live text preview. Instead, the finished transcription appears after processing, with the spoken words cleaned up and formatted.
SwiftKey AI voice versus Google Gboard Rambler
The reported differences are scope, connectivity, and voice-editing controls. SwiftKey’s beta was described as extending beyond Google’s Pixel line, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as the reported test device. Google Gboard Rambler was associated with the Pixel 11 series.
| Feature | Microsoft SwiftKey AI voice beta | Google Gboard Rambler |
| Device scope | Reported for Android beyond Google’s Pixel line; tested on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Pixel 11 series |
| Connectivity in the reported comparison | Worked offline in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 test after the model download | Reported to require an internet connection during testing |
| Voice-editing controls | The reported implementation lacked controls for tone changes, extra formatting, and automatic emoji insertion | Reported to offer tone, formatting, and emoji controls |
SwiftKey’s Android voice and privacy settings
SwiftKey’s microphone control is the entry point for voice typing. For Android voice input generally, Microsoft also documents a Google voice-input fallback: turn off Multimodal voice typing under SwiftKey Settings > Rich input. The Google app must be installed and updated for that fallback.
For SwiftKey voice typing generally, Microsoft says anonymized voice clips may be sent to Microsoft to improve recognition. Users can opt out in settings; this describes the broader voice-typing service, not a specific data flow for the AI beta.
