- ExpressVPN Moves to Qt Platform for Unified Cross-Platform Development
- The Linux app gets a full GUI, dual-mode speed test, and dedicated IP support.
- macOS Beta Restores Split Tunneling and Adds WireGuard Protocol Options
If you are using a desktop computer ExpressVPNyour experience will become much more consistent and possibly much faster. The top-rated vendor has announced a major architectural shift, moving its Linux, macOS and Windows applications to a common foundation built on Qt framework.
To the uninitiated, this may sound like dry technical jargon, but to subscribers of one of best VPN services on the market, this is a significant improvement in the quality of life. By adopting Qt (pronounced “cute”), ExpressVPN can now build features once and deploy them to all operating systems at once.
This marks the end of the “platform drift” that often plagues software: a Windows app gets a shiny new feature while Mac and Linux users are forced to wait months for the same tool.
Game Changer for Linux and Mac
The immediate benefits of this implementation are most noticeable for Linux and Mac VPN users.
For the Linux community, which is often neglected in the VPN world, this update is significant. The new Qt-based application features a full graphical user interface (GUI), meaning you no longer have to rely solely on the command line to switch servers or configure settings. While the command line interface remains for advanced users, the new control panel makes the service much more accessible.
Linux users also get access to a built-in speed test that measures your Internet performance both with and without a VPN in a single session, as well as the ability to manage dedicated IP add-ons directly in the application.
On the Mac side, the news is equally good. New beta application based on Qt returns split tunneling for modern versions of macOS, a feature that has been notoriously difficult to implement in recent Apple Silicon updates. This allows users to route certain applications through the VPN while keeping others connected as standard.
Additionally, the Mac beta adds WireGuard along with ExpressVPN's own Lightway and OpenVPN protocols, giving users more options for speed and stability.
Why switching to Qt matters
IN blog post Detailing the changes, ExpressVPN explained that the shift is all about predictability and speed.
“Users won't notice Qt directly, but it will change the way these applications will evolve over the next few years,” the company said. “Features can be built once rather than multiple times, designs can move seamlessly between platforms, and updates that previously moved unevenly across operating systems can finally be consistent.”
Essentially, it simplifies the engineering process. Instead of three separate teams creating the same feature for three different OSes, one team creates it and distributes it everywhere. This should result in faster bug fixes, more frequent feature shutdowns, and a consistent look and feel whether you're using an Ubuntu desktop, a MacBook Air, or a Windows gaming rig.
How to get the update
The new experience is being introduced in stages:
- Linux: The new Qt-based application (v3.0+) is now available for distributions based on Debian 11+, Ubuntu 24.04+, Fedora 35+ and others.
- macOS: The Qt version is currently available exclusively via beta channel on the ExpressVPN website. Users should be aware that the Qt app for macOS will not be available on the App Store due to Apple restrictions.
- Windows: The beta for Windows 10 and 11 is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
Those interested in testing out the latest features can download installers directly from their account dashboard on the ExpressVPN website. As always, keeping your VPN app up to date is key to maintaining optimal security and performance.
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