Apple’s iOS 8 operating system was recently rolled out with various interface updates, including an improved built-in keyboard. On the surface, that would signify that third-party keyboard apps would continue to be officially banned, as users had to jailbreak previous iOS versions to install apps such as Swype and SwiftKey. Coming as a surprise to some, Apple actually lifted that restriction and iOS does in fact support third-party keyboards.

The move is seen as a “surprising addition(s)” and indicates a “philosophical shift,” writes VentureBeat’s Devindra Hardawar, suggesting that it’s also a nod to Android capabilities that Apple has up until now resisted.

Just how popular are the alternative iOS 8 keyboard apps? Swype and Fleksy were among the top paid apps in the App Store and SwiftKey shot up to the top of the free app category; SwiftKey announced its keyboard crossed the million downloads mark within 24 hours of iOS 8 release.

There are slight differences among the apps – Swype, for instance, allows users the option to swipe their fingers across the letters instead of traditional typing – and there is no consensus among tech bloggers and websites about which one is superior. Wider choice is generally something that is being heralded, however. TwinkieTalk pats Apple on the back for “willing to accept innovative programs and applications … outside of the Apple bubble.” VentureBeat’s Hardawar, a fan of SwiftKey on the Android devices he has tested, concludes “each of these keyboards could appeal to different people.”

It appears Apple is embraced a democratic approach to keyboard apps as its own new-and-improved keyboard is highlighted as one of the coolest new features in iOS 8. “iOS 8 brings the biggest changes to the keyboard since the very first iPhone,” Apple’s website copy reads.