GrapheneOS has launched version 13 of its Messaging app, marking a significant update with a rebuilt interface using Jetpack Compose and Material 3 design principles. This release replaces the legacy UI and introduces a two-pane conversation layout optimized for large screens, alongside a new adaptive app icon and onboarding process that highlights SMS privacy and permissions.
The update enhances conversation management with features such as pinning, snoozing notifications for customizable durations, marking conversations as unread, and swipe actions for archiving or unarchiving. Users can now perform quick actions directly from conversation avatars and benefit from redesigned multi-select controls for archiving, deleting, blocking, and managing notifications.
Message handling has been improved with rebuilt message bubbles, grouping, and selection capabilities. Users can select multiple messages for deletion and access detailed message information including sender, recipients, timestamps, and delivery status. The app also supports editing MMS subjects and adding participants to existing conversations or creating new groups.
Media attachments receive a refreshed experience with a rebuilt media picker supporting photo and video capture, redesigned audio recording controls, and enhanced photo and vCard viewers. Sharing and forwarding functionalities have been consolidated with a new share picker that supports search, multi-select, and editing shared content.
Privacy and security have been a focus in this release. YouTube link previews are now opt-in and disabled by default. The app validates shared content to reject unsafe URIs and restricts widget intents to improve security. Several crash fixes and improvements to message and notification handling have been implemented to enhance stability.
Accessibility improvements include better screen-reader support, detailed timestamp announcements, and feedback on message sending. The app also supports multiple users and work profiles with appropriate notification handling and labeling.
Under the hood, the update raises the minimum Android SDK version to 36 and updates dependencies including Kotlin 2.4.10, Android Gradle Plugin 9.3.2, and various libraries such as Glide and libphonenumber. The integration of Compose BOM, Material 3 Adaptive, Navigation 3, Coil 3, and CameraX reflects the app’s modernization efforts.
This comprehensive update aims to provide a more secure, user-friendly, and visually consistent messaging experience on GrapheneOS devices.