Proton VPN 8.0 brings a new iPhone engine and advanced kill switch

Proton VPN has published version 8.0.0 for iOS on its GitHub releases page. The update introduces Proton protocols, a new VPN architecture that the company says is designed to improve stability and resistance to censorship.

Known internally as ProTUN, the new core replaces wireguard-go with libpvpnclient, Proton’s own WireGuard implementation written in Rust. Proton says the previous code did not integrate well with Swift, making development and debugging harder. The company says the new engine should help it deliver updates faster, reduce platform-specific bugs and respond more quickly when censorship tactics change.

The architecture also enables Proton’s advanced kill switch on iPhone and iPad. It blocks all internet access unless the device is connected to Proton VPN, and remains active after a restart. Proton cautions that some DNS requests from Apple services may still bypass the VPN when the feature is on. The company says the new core also lays groundwork for post-quantum encryption, which remains a planned feature.

Version 8.0 also lets users reach local network devices, such as printers, and use Apple CarPlay while either kill switch is enabled. Proton has not announced a release date. Although the final 8.0.0 build is tagged on GitHub, Apple’s review process could delay its App Store rollout.