Proton VPN rolls out major iOS 8.0 overhaul, pending App Store release

Proton VPN has announced a substantial upgrade for its iPhone application, version 8.0.0, which is now available on the project's GitHub repository. The build has not yet appeared in the Apple App Store, meaning iOS users will need to wait for the official rollout before they can install the new code through the usual channel.

The update marks the first time the company has published a full iOS client source package on its open‑source platform. By sharing the code publicly, Proton signals a shift toward greater transparency while also inviting community scrutiny of the changes that underpin the new release.

At the core of the upgrade is a re‑engineered VPN core built in Rust, a language praised for memory safety and performance. The new engine powers Proton's own set of VPN protocols, which are designed to provide stronger resistance to network censorship and to improve overall connection stability compared with earlier implementations.

Among the user‑facing enhancements are an advanced kill‑switch that more aggressively blocks traffic if the VPN drops, an interactive globe map that lets users visualise server locations and load, and refined support for Apple CarPlay, allowing the app to be accessed from a vehicle’s infotainment system without compromising security.

Industry observers note that the combination of a Rust‑based core and the added privacy‑focused features could make the iOS client the most significant iteration in years. If the forthcoming App Store approval proceeds smoothly, the upgrade may set a new benchmark for mobile VPN performance and could push competitors to adopt similar low‑level redesigns. Proton has not provided a timeline for the App Store release, but the GitHub posting suggests that the company is close to completing internal testing.