[w3c/uievents] Add normative note to spec regarding "modifier keys on mobile platforms" (Issue #417)

michael created an issue (w3c/uievents#417)

Editor developers (like me) are trying to attempt to implement things like "Shift+Enter" to trigger special behavior like inserting a hard break. But that's not the way it works on mobile. So we should add a normative note to the spec that gives guidance to developers.

Here's the original issue: https://github.com/w3c/editing/issues/542

Conclusion after discussion in W3C monthly meeting on 2026-07-09:

- desired behavior above can not be implemented easily because it might be a breaking change
- iOS/Android have no notion of modifier keys, when virtual keyboards are used
- this means editor developers should ignore modifier keys when a virtual keyboard is active (check via VirtualKeyboard API) e.g. for an Enter keypress where `event.shiftKey === true`, it should be interpreted as if only Enter were pressed
- iOS platform guidlines for iOS (likely Android as well) recommend to use dedicated tools e.g. a "hard break" button in a toolbar, and not rely on modifier keys.


-- 
Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub:
https://github.com/w3c/uievents/issues/417
You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.

Message ID: <w3c/uievents/issues/417@github.com>

Received on Thursday, 9 July 2026 16:36:35 UTC