Have you noticed anything different yet? Oh yeah, we have incremented the major number in the app version. Can you hear the smell of all these changes already? :) In this version, we introduce a wide range of novelties, starting with app redesign (dark theme looks slick!), to new features like Blocking Lists to block ads devise-wise, to the whole new Privacy module (and specifically DNSCrypt support) to boost your online privacy. And much more! Read on to find out details.

And as a small present from AdGuard team, we lower the price for AdGuard Pro by 50% for two weeks following the release of the new version!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to turn off the "PRO mode" switch inside DNS Settings before updating to avoid potential problems!

Major changes

These are basically things that justify the major version increment. Hope you like them!

[Changed] App redesign #455

This is undoubtedly the first thing you will notice when you run the app after the update. Light theme has been discontinued in favor of a dark one, and the overall style of the menu has changed. We were fully aware that changes like this are destined to spawn a lot of controversy, so feel free to rant in the comments :)

[Added] Privacy settings #545

There is a new “Privacy settings” tab in the main menu. Inside you will find familiar Whitelist and Blacklist, but also new “Blocking lists” section. Blocking lists, sometimes also referred to as “subscriptions”, are lists of rules (similar to Safari content blocking rules) that are used to operate the filtering process. There is a link inside to add some of the popular subscriptions as well as a possibility to add any custom ones by URL.

Subscriptions are either hosts-file or adblock-file based. Hosts files are basically lists of matches between domain names and ip-addresses that the system should use to navigate to these domains. Unlike hosts files, adblock-based subscriptions are regular filters that support basic syntax. Both types of files can be added to AdGuard Pro to block DNS requests (including AdGuard's own subscription, "Simplified domain names filter").

NOTE: Important to notice that adding too many subscriptions can lead to tunnel crash, i.e. the app will stop responding and the filtering will cease.

[Added] DNSCrypt support #465

AdGuard now supports DNSCrypt servers. You can read why DNSCrypt is so important in our Knowledge base article. Long story short: it greatly enhances your online protection. Loads of DNSCrypt servers to choose from are available by default on the “DNS settings screen”, along with an option to add a custom server (among them are AdGuard's own servers).

[Added] Integration with the web reporting tool #533

You may have heard about the online reporting tool before, especially if you are an AdGuard for Windows or AdGuard browser extension user (or if you are subscribed to our blog!). Basically, it is a web form to report missed ads, false positives or any other issues caused by AdGuard filters. Now it is integrated with AdGuard for iOS, so whenever you report a filtering-related problem, the app will take you to a special web page. A wizard will walk you through all the steps, and most of the required fields will be prefilled automatically.

Other changes

Some of the less important changes that can't quite be called 'major', but still deserve a mention:

[Added] AdGuard now detects if Content Blocker is not enabled in Safari settings #437

Enabling AdGuard Content blocker in Safari settings is required to have filtering going on in Safari. From now on, if AdGuard is disabled, the red warning will appear at the top of the main screen to remind you to enable the Content blocker. The video right below it shows how to do so (it is hidden on this screenshot, but it will be there on your screen).

[Added] AdGuard DNS (default, family) has been added to the list of known DNS providers #582

With the new Apple policy you can never be sure what is allowed and what is not. Previously, both AdGuard Default and AdGuard Family protection servers were not available in the list of default DNS servers to choose from, just in case. Now, though, we feel like it should be safe to make them selectable from the get go, without having to enter their addresses manually.

[Improved] Mobile Assistant version has been updated #581

The “Preview” button disappeared from the “Block element on this page” tool in the last update due to technical difficulties, which caused a righteous uproar from many users. Luckily, we were able to resolve these problems by now and the preview button is back where it belongs.

[Added] Trackers' detection in DNS requests log #620

We know that a lot of our users care a lot about their privacy (and we absolutely approve of it), so we made it easier to distinguish trackers requests in the DNS requests log. All trackers requests are now highlighted with yellow. You'll have no problem picking them out and blacklisting if you so desire.

There's much more, of course, the full change log is available on GitHub.

Conclusion

Hope you are pumped for the new version by now :) Just remember to disable the "Pro" mode before updating to eliminate the possibility of something going wrong. And, as usual, let us know about your thoughts in the comments!