Session iOS Database Refactor Underway 📱
Session iOS contributors have known for some time that the largest cause of crashes and notification issues on iOS is due to the way Session's database interacts with the iOS operating system. Contributors have been trying to address this issue with various piecemeal fixes, however these fixes have had limited success. We’ve decided to bite the bullet and address this issue at its root, subsequently Session’s contributors have kicked off a major refactor of the iOS database layer. These systemic changes should have the effect of drastically reducing app crashes and improve Session’s notification reliability on iOS devices.
Session for Android Nears Next Release 🤖
The next Android point release is nearly ready, with Session’s contributors actively resolving the final issues discovered in QA. This release includes a range of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes to enhance the overall experience for Android users. Meanwhile, work has begun on the first set of post-release updates for group chats—including improvements to the conversation settings screen, ensuring a more consistent and user-friendly interface when managing groups.
Desktop & Infrastructure Improvements Incoming 🛠️
The next Session Desktop point release is in the final stages of preparation, targeting key fixes for notification issues (especially when the app is unfocused) and syncing bugs that can affect users with large configuration messages. Alongside this, Session’s contributors are working on upgrades to the decentralized storage software that runs on every Session Node. These improvements will make message syncing between nodes more robust, particularly when nodes change swarms or join the network, ensuring a smoother experience across all platforms.
Anchor Hardfork Is Here 🚀
The Anchor Hardfork Software Upgrade officially rolled out last week, with some quick follow-up fixes addressing initial upgrade challenges faced by some users. Oxen Service Node operators rapidly upgraded their nodes ahead of the activation. With the Anchor Hardfork activated, new Service Node registrations to the Oxen Network are now disabled to ensure stability during the transition to the new Session Network. This represents a major milestone in Session's infrastructure evolution, setting the stage for TGE. Up next is the Landing Software Upgrade, slated for release on Tuesday, May 13th. Node operators preparing for the migration should review this checklist and FAQ in the meantime.
Oxen Coin Claims Bridges Ready to Launch 🌉
Bridge preparations are complete and ready for TGE! The interface for manual swaps from OXEN to SESH following the TGE has been built and is ready for use. Additionally, enhancements to the wOXEN>SESH bridge (based on the existing wOXEN>OXEN bridge) have been finalized, focusing on improved usability and reliability. These bridges will ensure a smooth transition path for existing tokenholders to the new Session Network. Holders will be able to swap directly between Oxen to SESH on Arbitrum, or from wrapped Oxen on Ethereum to SESH on Ethereum. Learn more about the Coin Claims Program here.
Staking Portal Getting a Final Polish ✨
The Staking Portal is receiving its final touches ahead of the TGE, with several quality-of-life improvements in the pipeline. Backend and frontend changes are being implemented to display staking rewards separately from reclaimed stakes—you can check out this enhancement on the Canary site right now before it rolls out to the main Staking Portal. A new confirmation approach to registrations is completing internal testing and scheduled for deployment at the end of next week, adding an extra layer of security to the staking process. Additionally, clear warnings are being added throughout the registration, staking, and exiting workflows to ensure users have complete clarity on the implications of each action they take. These upgrades aim to create a more intuitive, transparent staking experience.
Session and Nym Team Up, Talk Privacy 🎙️
This month, Session teamed up with Nym to spotlight decentralized privacy infrastructure. Each project published threads introducing each other's product to their respective audiences, and hosted a X Space featuring Nym CEO Harry Halpin, Session’s co-founders Chris McCabe and Kee Jefferys, along with Alex Linton, the director of the STF. What was planned as a 30-minute conversation stretched to nearly 90 minutes, diving deep into decentralization, sustainable incentives, and real-world privacy needs. There’s more collaborations like this in the pipeline so stay tuned.
Check it out here .
DePIN Hub Recognizes Session ✅
Session has been officially verified by DePIN Hub a curated platform highlighting serious decentralized physical infrastructure projects. It joins only 9 other verified projects on the platform, and 100+ which were not eligible.
Session’s inclusion is a big step in connecting with the broader DePIN community and helping more people discover the decentralized network that powers Session.
Yesterday, co-founders Chris and Kee also joined DePIN Hub for an X Space to talk about privacy, messaging, and the future of user-run infrastructure.
Check it out here.