Proton VPN iOS update version 7.1.0 just shipped with a focused quality-of-life improvement: city-level server search and load sorting that cuts the friction out of finding the right connection on iPhone. No more scrolling through endless server lists or squinting at a map centered on country midpoints. This update brings iOS closer to feature parity with Proton’s Windows and Android apps, which have had these capabilities for weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Proton VPN iOS 7.1.0 adds city-level server search, letting users type “New York” or “London” directly instead of scrolling country lists
- New server load sorting shows which servers are congested, helping users avoid bottlenecks and pick faster connections
- Map pins now sit on actual city locations instead of country centers, making server geography clearer on iPhone
- Update requires iOS 17 or later; iOS 16 support is ending
- Premium features like port forwarding and split tunneling remain behind the paid plan
Why This Matters for iPhone Users
Proton VPN iOS update addresses a real pain point: selecting a server in large countries like the US, UK, or Australia used to mean either scrolling a massive list or tapping through a map with imprecise city markers. Now, typing “Austin” or “Sydney” finds the server instantly. Load sorting—new in version 7.0.0—lets you see which servers are under stress, so you pick one that will actually deliver the speed you expect. For users in countries with dozens of server locations, this cuts connection setup from 30 seconds to 5.
The map redesign itself is a small but smart touch. Proton placed city pins directly on city coordinates rather than floating them to country centers, which actually means the iOS map now leads Android in visual accuracy. David Peterson, Proton VPN’s general manager, noted the precision: “For iOS the map pin is on the city instead of in the middle of the country as it is on Android”. It’s a minor detail, but it signals that Proton is thinking about platform-specific UX rather than shipping identical interfaces everywhere.
How Proton VPN iOS Update Compares to Competitors
NordVPN and other major VPN apps have offered city-level filtering for years, so Proton is catching up rather than innovating here. What matters is that Proton was behind on iOS specifically—the Windows and Android apps already had this. By unifying the feature set across platforms, Proton removes a reason to choose a competitor just because you prefer iPhone. One user review flagged a missing feature Proton still lacks: the ability to pause and auto-reconnect in 5, 30, or 60 minutes, a convenience NordVPN offers. That gap remains unfilled in version 7.1.0.
What Else Changed in the Broader 2025 Redesign
This iOS update is part of a larger Proton VPN platform overhaul that started in early 2025. The redesign introduced new home screen widgets that let you connect to your VPN with a single tap without opening the app, custom connection profiles, and a refreshed interface across iOS and Android. Features like NetShield ad-blocking, kill switch, port forwarding, split tunneling, custom DNS, and NAT type detection all made the cut, though some require a paid subscription. Proton has already updated Windows and Android; Mac and Linux are next.
Version Requirements and Update Path
Proton VPN iOS update 7.1.0 requires iOS 17 or later. If you’re still on iOS 16, you’re stuck on an older version of the app—Proton has stopped major updates for that iOS release. Auto-updating through the App Store is recommended to ensure you get the latest security patches and features.
Is the Proton VPN iOS update worth installing?
Yes, if you regularly connect to VPN servers in large countries or find yourself scrolling through long server lists. The city search and load sorting save time and help you pick less congested connections. The update is free if you already have Proton VPN installed.
Do I need a paid Proton VPN plan to use the new iOS features?
No. City search and load sorting work on the free tier. Premium features like port forwarding, split tunneling, and ad-blocking require a paid subscription.
When did Proton VPN iOS update 7.1.0 release?
Proton VPN announced the iOS update on February 24, 2026. The version is live for all iOS users via the App Store.
Proton VPN iOS update 7.1.0 is a straightforward but meaningful improvement that should have shipped months ago. City-level server search and load sorting are table-stakes features in the VPN market, and Proton finally delivering them on iOS removes a competitive disadvantage. If you’ve been frustrated by server selection on iPhone, update now. If you’re comparing VPN apps and iOS is your platform, this closes a gap that might have made you hesitate.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
