The Beta Version 2.9 is now live on Android and iOS, featuring many new internal changes.

This update is a significant refactor due to new requirements from Google and Apple, which necessitate a complete redesign of the app's internal structure. This is why we have spent weeks testing thoroughly to ensure everything operates smoothly. Let's start by reviewing all the changes.

Key Changes

1. Device Compatibility

Support for 16k memory devices (as required by app stores).

2. Enhanced Encryption Flow

Unlock directly with biometrics (fingerprint/face ID).
Automatic fallback to PIN if biometrics fail or are disabled.
First-time setup will prompt biometrics twice: once to decrypt the old system and once to re-encrypt in the new system.

3. New Security Settings Page

Option to enable/disable biometrics.
Added a PIN lock mechanism: after 5 failed attempts, login is locked temporarily. Lock time increases with each failed attempt until the correct PIN is entered.

4. Navigation Improvements

Smoother screen transition animations.
We added a swipe gesture from the edge to go back between screens.

5. Camera & Gestures

Better QR code scanning ability with the camera.
Improved gesture handling (e.g., reordering swipes, deleting browser favorites).

6. Cleanup & Performance

Removal of unused assets.
Improvements in the notifications feature.
General UI/UX adjustments.

7. Technical Upgrade

A huge part of the refactor was the switch from bare React Native to Expo.
These changes come with several advantages, like faster upgrades to new React Native versions and related libraries, easier compliance with new store requirements, and faster deployments. This means less time between new releases.

What to do after this update?

With this update, most things happen behind the scenes. On your side, the key step is decrypting and re-encrypting your keys using your biometrics to enable the new encryption system. If you were already using your fingerprints, the App will ask for your biometrics twice (once to decrypt using the old system, once to reencrypt using the new one). This can either be your FaceID or Fingerprints, which you can also disable if you want in the new Settings > Security screen. Once the migration is done, you will be able to access the App using only your biometrics or your PIN (instead of both).

Remember to report any problem you encounter to our team on our Discord. Your feedback is invaluable to make Hive Keychain better and more user-friendly for everyone! 🙌