What About Web & Android?
Ever since our launch, the most frequently asked question we receive is: “When is Dex coming to Web and Android?” In our annual update, “What’s next for Dex?”, we laid out our plans for expanding Dex to both Web and Android platforms. Today, we’d like to provide a detailed update on where we stand, what’s coming next, and when you can expect to see these exciting changes!
What is needed?
Dex was originally designed as an Apple-exclusive app. This approach helped us build a solid foundation, using Apple’s ecosystem, including iCloud for our database. While this allowed us to get Dex off the ground quickly and deliver a seamless experience for Apple users, it also created barriers when expanding to other platforms like Web and Android.
Dex’s current reliance on iCloud means it can only operate within Apple’s ecosystem. To reach more users across multiple platforms, we need to make significant changes, including:
- Migrating from iCloud to a new database: The first and most critical step is to migrate Dex’s backend away from iCloud, allowing us to support Web and Android.
- Implementing a Web app: After freeing Dex from iCloud, we’ll develop a Web version, giving you the ability to manage your collection directly from your browser.
- Building an Android app: Once the Web version is live, we’ll turn our focus to creating an Android app, so Dex can reach even more collectors.
Why the move away from iCloud?
In Dex’s early days, iCloud was a great choice. It allowed us to quickly deliver a smooth, efficient experience for Apple users. But as our community has grown, we’ve seen how limiting this setup can be. By moving to a more flexible database that works across platforms, we’re not only opening Dex up to Web and Android users, but we’re also introducing a modern, flexible login system.
With this shift, you’ll no longer be tied to Apple’s ecosystem. Dex will soon offer login options via email, Google, and other providers, making it easier to access your collection on any device you choose. This new foundation will deliver a more consistent and seamless experience, no matter whether you’re on iOS, Android, or the Web.
Where are we now?
We’ve been hard at work on this migration, which has been both challenging and exciting. Unfortunately, we hit an unexpected obstacle. Since June, we made steady progress and were nearly ready for internal testing. However, just last week, the platform we were migrating to announced it would be discontinuing its service within a year (you can read more about that here: MongoDB Device Sync Deprecation).
This forced us to rethink our approach. We had to set aside much of the work we had completed and restart the migration process on a different platform. The good news? We’re now moving to a system where we have full ownership and control, ensuring we won’t face disruptions like this in the future. While it’s been a setback, the lessons we’ve learned will help us move faster and more efficiently this time around.
We’re confident that we can complete the migration by November, allowing us to shift our focus back to delivering Dex on Android and Web.
What to Expect Before the End of the Year
We’re currently targeting a November release for the new database and login system on Apple devices. This will also include migrating all existing users to the updated platform, ensuring a smoother, more reliable experience as we transition to a more flexible, future-proof foundation.
At the same time, we’re working on the Dex website, which will bring the core Dex experience to the Web. Our priority is to deliver the essential features you’re familiar with—such as tracking and managing your collection—so that you can access Dex from any browser, on any device. While the Web version won’t initially have every feature available on iOS, we’ll focus on ensuring the most important tools are ready for day one.
Once the Web version is up and running, we’ll continue to add new features, building upon the strong foundation we’re putting in place.
What About Android?
After the Web version is launched, Android will be the next major step. While we initially hoped for a release this year, the delays we’ve encountered mean we’re now realistically looking at the first half of 2025. We want to ensure that when Dex comes to Android, it meets the same high standards as our iOS and Web versions.
Bringing Dex to Android and the Web is by far the most requested feature from our community, and it remains our top priority for 2024 and 2025. We’re excited about the future and can’t wait to make Dex available to everyone, everywhere!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue on this journey.
Until next time,
Pedro Carrasco 👋