Tech Desk July 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM 2 min readtechevergreen

Willow Removes Limits on Free AI Dictation for iPhone Users

Willow Pro Plan Changes:

Willow has officially announced the removal of usage caps for its AI-powered dictation feature on its iOS keyboard. Previously restricted behind a paywall, unlimited voice-to-text functionality is now accessible to all free users on the platform. This move positions the company to compete more aggressively with integrated smartphone operating system features.

Strategic Market Shift:

The decision likely stems from the increasing integration of native AI voice tools within Apple’s own iOS ecosystem. By providing unlimited access to their specialized dictation engine, Willow aims to retain its user base and incentivize continued engagement within its app environment. The shift reflects a broader trend among productivity app developers who are increasingly offering premium AI tools for free to maintain relevance against tech giants.

User Experience Benefits:

iPhone users can now leverage the keyboard’s full dictation capabilities for long-form typing and transcription without the previous constraints of the Pro tier. This update simplifies the user journey for professional and casual typists alike. The change is immediate and applies to all current app installations, requiring no additional subscription to access the formerly premium features.
Pulse Intelligence
Context & Impact
  • AI-powered transcription tools have become standard features in mobile operating systems.
  • Many third-party productivity apps have struggled to differentiate their offerings as Apple and Google improve native dictation software.
  • Users will no longer need to pay for a Pro subscription specifically for the dictation feature, likely reducing churn.
  • Increased accessibility could lead to higher daily active usage for the Willow keyboard app.
  • Competitors may follow suit by un-gating AI features to prevent migration to free, feature-rich alternatives.

No direct market impact.