@gjacobse said in How to turn off iOS Suggested Words:

Recent updates to the iOS system have made a number of changes. One of which is you don't swipe down to turn off Suggested words when using the keyboard.

How to turn off the QuickType keyboard on your iPhone or iPad

Launch any app and pull up the keyboard. Tap and hold on the emoji icon in the bottom left of the keyboard. ... Swipe upwards and hover your finger over the Predictive toggle and release your finger. To enable QuickType again, just follow the same three steps.os

I was not under the impression the swiping down on the handle was disabling it. Only hiding it.