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Published 20 hours ago • verified publisher icon element-hq

Epic: EX for iOS 26

Open americanrefugee opened this issue 2 months ago • 4 comments

Background

Now that Apple has officially released iOS 26 with liquid glass it's time to put a plan together for updating EX accordingly.

We've already had a few initial discussions about the impact and some things we need to consider (effort, order of priorities, timing, etc.). Meanwhile, @Velin92 has already created a first GitHub issue and is working on an early implementation of liquid glass for the Super Chat app.

The following is a proposal for how we proceed from here.

Important documents

The plan

Since there's a lot we could do, it doesn't make sense to release everything at once. For one thing, the risk of breaking things would be too great. For another, it would take us forever to release something.

Instead, below is a proposal for how we can approach the project in steps that would deliver the most critical components and then move on to core sections of the app. In the end we aim to have a comprehensive overhaul of Element X and Element Pro that truly feels native while maintaining our high standards for accessibility and without fundamentally altering any UX patterns we've already established.

Milestone 0: Agreement

Before we actually do anything, we should all be aligned on the plan proposed below :)

  • [ ] Plan reviewed by everyone
  • [ ] Any updates to plan finalized
  • [ ] Determine how work will be tracked and (ideally) paid for
  • [ ] Commitments and final sign off from stakeholders

Milestone 1: System components

First, @americanrefugee will work with @Velin92 to determine exactly what's needed for our first critical release. We'll start by identifying which components to update or introduce based on what Apple provides automagically. Once we're in agreement, the original GitHub issue will be updated with the most critical items needed for release.

List of iOS system components

Milestone 2: Global components

Next we should update all the global components we use that are based on liquid glass, but customized for our specific needs, and are reused for for many different screens / contexts.

List of global components

Milestone 3: Chats & Spaces list

Then we should focus on any updates to all full screen views of the Chats and Spaces lists that aren't addressed simply by updating any native or global components.

List of Chats & Spaces views

Milestone 4: Create new room or space

There are also a few different flows that need to be updated for creating a new room or space. This can happen after updating the core views defined above.

Currently, only certain screens or flows have been updated to show the overall design direction. If more screens are needed, then please request them from @americanrefugee – but many things are just variations of the vision defined.

List of create new room/space flows

Milestone 5: DMs & Rooms

After the Chats and Spaces lists, the most commonly used area of the app is, of course, rooms. For the most part, there shouldn't be much that actually needs to be implemented once all the system and global components in Milestones 1 & 2 have been completed. For example, there are no changes to the Timeline – just the room header and composer. However, there are a couple key areas that will need more extensive updates (room settings and Media List). If more designs guidance is required for anything, just reach out to @americanrefugee

List of room views

Milestone 6: Element Call

The other thing users do a lot of is using Element Call for peer-to-peer and video meetings or voice calls. This feature of the app can actually be done whenever the EC Team has capacity once all the system and global components are in place.

Only some screens have been updated with new designs. Once again, holler at @americanrefugee if any additional design guidance is needed.

List of Element Call views

Milestone 7: Sign in / Sign up

Finally, all the sign in screens will need to be updated. Since this is something most users do rarely, it can wait until after everything else has been done. Although many of these screens are connected to some very complex, technical bits, any changes should only be cosmetic and minimal (such as updates to form fields, lists, and spinners).

List of sign in/up views

Milestone X: App icons

At any point we can introduce new app icons. These should be requested from @JordanConnor and coordinated with the Marketing Team.

List of app icons

  • [ ] Element Pro
  • [ ] Element Community
  • [ ] Element TI-Messenger

americanrefugee avatar Sep 23 '25 14:09 americanrefugee

Does it make sense to update the app icon to support the light/dark/glass/tinted aesthetic as part of this epic?

alecdwm avatar Sep 28 '25 04:09 alecdwm

Does it make sense to update the app icon to support the light/dark/glass/tinted aesthetic as part of this epic?

💯yes please! https://developer.apple.com/documentation/TechnologyOverviews/adopting-liquid-glass#App-icons

stefanceriu avatar Sep 28 '25 05:09 stefanceriu

Does it make sense to update the app icon to support the light/dark/glass/tinted aesthetic as part of this epic?

💯yes please! https://developer.apple.com/documentation/TechnologyOverviews/adopting-liquid-glass#App-icons

Epic updated to include app icons.

americanrefugee avatar Sep 29 '25 08:09 americanrefugee

Just to confirm, none of the documents should be publicly accessible and are intended only for New Vector Ltd. employees?

hugmouse avatar Oct 08 '25 07:10 hugmouse