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Pugpig Bolt 4.5 is here! Here’s what’s new…
Complete with a refreshed search interface and the introduction of
haptic feedback – check out what’s new with Pugpig Bolt 4.5.
3rd June 2025
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of What’s New in Pugpig Bolt! In case you missed it, we gave a big update on our upcoming user-driven personalisation feature, Bolt Follow, in our publisher check-in a couple of weeks ago. Watch the update and demo here (skip to 7mins 50s).
Our publisher check-ins happen every month and are your fast-track to learning about our newest features (and what’s next) and ensuring you’re getting the most out of your app. Sign up for the next call to make sure you don’t miss out (Tuesday 24th June, 11am ET/4pm BST).
So… what is new on Pugpig Bolt? Well, we’ve been working on a host of updates designed to make your app feel faster and more intuitive. Highlights this month include a refreshed search interface that feels more integrated across all devices, the introduction of haptic feedback for key actions, and full compatibility with Apple’s latest iOS and iPadOS updates.
And don’t forget to join our publisher-focused Mobile Matters community to share tips, tricks, and best practices on the topics that matter most to you. We’d love to see you there!
Team Pugpig
Release dates:
SDK 18: 17 April
Haptics: 6 May
Search improvements: 12 May
iOS 18 SDK now required – Bolt iOS 4.5 is fully compliant
Useful for: Your product team
As part of their regular updates, Apple has rolled out iOS and iPadOS 18. From 24th April 2025, all new app updates must be built using this latest version. The good news: our latest release, Bolt iOS 4.5, is fully compatible with it – so your apps are all set for the future.
One visible change to be aware of: on iPads, the tab bar (which lets users navigate between sections of your app) now appears at the top of the screen instead of the bottom.
Who’s affected: All Bolt customers
What you need to do: No action needed. Your next app update will be on the latest version.
A smarter, smoother search experience
Useful for: Your product team
We’ve further refined our search interface to make it more intuitive. Search filters now feel like a natural part of the app, helping your readers fine-tune results without getting in the way.
- On mobile, the filter menu no longer takes over the whole screen. Instead, it feels more lightweight and seamless.
- On tablet and desktop, filters sit neatly to the side, so users can adjust them while still browsing results.
- On larger screens, the search bar and sort options stay pinned as users scroll, and we make better use of screen space to show more content.
These updates are especially powerful when paired with filters, as your users will be able to drill down based on taxonomies such as authors or section. Get in touch if you’re interested in adding filters to your app.
Who’s affected: All Bolt customers with search – particularly those with clear sections and authors in content
What you need to do: To configure filters, reach out to our support team. For feedback or questions about search in Bolt, feel free to reach out to Benji, one of our Bolt Product Managers.
Haptics: A more responsive app experience
Useful for: Your product team
We’ve introduced subtle haptic feedback to key interactions in Bolt apps, adding a layer of responsiveness that feels intuitive and satisfying. Light vibrations now confirm when actions like following a topic, saving an article, or refreshing your feed are completed – without interrupting the user journey.
Haptics are thoughtfully applied to meaningful moments and align with native iOS and Android behaviour, so they’ll feel natural and respect your device settings.
And coming soon: toast messages to give users even clearer visual feedback alongside the tactile cues.
Read more about how Bolt handles responsive feedback
Who’s affected: All Bolt customers
What you need to do: App update to Bolt iOS 4.6+ and Bolt Android 4.4+
In case you missed it …
Pugpig publisher check-in call
Join us for our next publisher check-in on Tuesday 24th June. It’s your chance to chat directly with our Product Team about the latest updates, and we’ll also be getting the latest AI platform updates from expert David Buttle. RSVP here
PODCAST: We spoke to Pippa Leary, MD Free News & Lifestyle, NewsCorp Australia
We discuss the work she’s done to build a sophisticated first-party data-driven advertising machine, driving major growth in engaged audiences. Drawing on her deep industry experience, she offers valuable insights into the evolving digital publishing landscape. It is essential listening! Listen to the podcast episode.
Say hello at the Publisher App Summit
We’re kicking off the Publisher App Summit (from our friends at Media Voices) this year on Wednesday 11th June. We’ll be diving into the findings from our not-yet-published 2025 State of Mobile Publishing report. You don’t want to miss it – let us know if you’re interested in coming along.
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