A Thunderbird iOS Beta Arrives Later This Year

Thunderbird's iOS App: A Slow but Steady Climb

Following the successful launch of its Android app, the Thunderbird team is turning its attention to iOS. A TestFlight beta is anticipated before the end of 2025, though users shouldn't expect a fully featured application initially.

Initial iOS Release: A Minimalist Approach

A recent progress report revealed that the team is currently focused on fundamental architectural decisions and will soon establish a basic GitHub repository. After completing the hiring process for a Senior Software Engineer, a limited beta will be released via Apple's Test Flight program. Because Thunderbird is building this iOS client from scratch (unlike the Android app, which leveraged K-9 Mail), early versions will be extremely basic, likely offering email display but potentially lacking email sending capabilities.

Despite the slow pace, this represents significant progress. The arrival of an open-source email client on iOS is a welcome development.

Related: Mozilla Thunderbird 136 Released, Shifting to Monthly Updates

Mozilla's open-source email client now receives more frequent updates.

Thunderbird for Android: Ongoing Enhancements

While the iOS announcement is noteworthy, it's a minor detail compared to the substantial progress on Thunderbird's Android app. The report highlights several key improvements underway:

• Improved Account Drawer: The current account drawer is undergoing a redesign to improve usability and clarity, including better account differentiation and more intuitive controls. Community feedback will shape these changes.

• Addressing Notifications and Syncing Issues: Problems with notifications and slow syncing, largely due to permission errors, are being actively addressed. The team aims to provide better user notification when necessary permissions are missing.

• Language Refinements: Vague terms like "sync" and "push" are being reviewed for improved clarity.

• Resolving Gmail Login Problems: The team is working to resolve Gmail login issues affecting K-9 Mail users, although Google's new requirements are causing delays. Switching to the Thunderbird Android app offers an immediate workaround.

A future Android roadmap, expected soon, will detail further improvements, including enhanced message synchronization, HTML signature support, quick filter actions, and full Android 15 compatibility. The full progress report provides more details.

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