Upgrade looms for Chinese text converter

A new "jyutping" input method that will transform English romanization of Chinese words into Chinese characters will be included in the next iPhone update.

The input method is highly popular among young Hongkongers, particularly those who do not want to switch between Chinese and English keyboards or who simply do not know conventional Chinese input methods.

For years, iPhone users have only been exchanging text messages bearing English romanization of Chinese words. The iOS16 update will give them an input method that translates into Chinese characters.

The feature was revealed in a peek by Apple for its next software update expected in the fall. And Hong Kong online users were thrilled about the news.

Jyutping is a romanization system for Cantonese developed by the Linguistic Society of Hong Kong.

Although most Hongkongers have not formally learned the phonetic system, local IT specialists who have tried the iOS16 test version found that the English transcriptions of Cantonese words were sufficient to generate meaningful phrases and sentences "and the prediction is quite accurate."

For example, by typing "Hong Kong y" the Chinese characters of "Hongkonger" will show up as predictive text.

Tech blogger Jane Manchun Wong tweeted a demonstration, showing that users would not be required to adhere to formal jyutping rules.

When she typed in "gwong dung wa syu yap faat," the Chinese characters of "Cantonese input method" showed up as predicted results.

A woman in her early 20s, Lo, said the input method is a "lifesaver" because she does not know conventional Chinese input methods such as Sucheng or Cangjie.

"Sometimes I use Putonghua pinyin, but my Putonghua is bad and I can't find the right words," she said.

"And I often mix Chinese and English in my texts, so I'm used to typing English romanization of Cantonese."

In addition, one of iOS16's most noticeable differences will occur on the lock screen which will allow users to anchor their favorite apps as small widgets on it. It will enable the lock screen to display live notifications, such as the status of an Uber ride on its way to pick up a passenger.

The ApplePay wallet will add a new "buy now pay later" feature, which will likely be popular.

The option will allow consumers to stagger the cost of any purchase made through ApplePay over four installments completed within six weeks with no additional fees.

kelvin.wan@singtaonewscorp.com