GrapheneOS has released version 13 of its Messages app, a complete rewrite that replaces the legacy interface with Jetpack Compose and Material 3 design. According to the release notes, the update rebuilds every screen, adds new conversation controls, large-screen support, and addresses problems with crashes, notifications, security, and message handling.
The redesigned interface includes a two-pane conversation layout for large screens, a new adaptive app icon with monochrome variant, and improved onboarding that covers SMS privacy, permissions, and default-app setup. The conversation list now supports pinning conversations, snoozing notifications for 1, 8, or 24 hours or indefinitely, and marking conversations as unread through menu or swipe actions.
Conversations themselves have been rebuilt with updated message bubbles, grouping, and link handling. Users can now select multiple messages for deletion, access full-screen message details with copyable sender and recipient information, timestamps, and delivery status, and add MMS subjects from the conversation menu. The recipient picker has been redesigned with alphabetical sections, email addresses, and support for multiple numbers per contact.
Attachment handling includes a rebuilt media picker with photo and video capture, redesigned audio recording with slide-to-cancel, and a rewritten photo viewer with pinch-to-zoom. The sharing interface now features a new picker with search and multi-select capabilities, allowing users to edit shared content and preview it before sending.
Privacy and security enhancements are significant. YouTube link previews are now opt-in and disabled by default. Shared-content validation rejects file URIs and private app files. The app now checks content URI permissions and applies private-file checks to shared text. Widget receivers are no longer exported, and pending intents use FLAG_IMMUTABLE where mutability is not required. The onboarding explains that SMS is unencrypted and recommends end-to-end encryption for sensitive messages.
The release addresses multiple crash issues in the widget, failed SMS database inserts, declined-call quick responses, and share intents. Incoming SMS messages are now imported immediately, and failed-message notifications are delivered correctly. Unread notifications survive reboots, and blocked conversations no longer play notification sounds.
The update requires minSdk36 and targets Android SDK 37, with updated dependencies including Kotlin 2.4.10, Gradle 9.7.1, Material 3 Adaptive, and CameraX.
Key facts
- Material 3 interface replaces legacy design using Jetpack Compose
- Two-pane layout added for large screens with conversation pinning and snoozing
- YouTube link previews are opt-in and disabled by default
- Multiple crashes fixed including widget, SMS database, and share intent issues
- Incoming SMS messages import immediately with improved notification handling
- Minimum SDK requirement is 36; targets Android SDK 37