Updates to JW Library® (All Devices)

[cdk.h5c]

New iOS update

 

[Tortuga]

There is the same announcement for Android devices. I'm looking forward to the next version.

[fdhtx]

43 minutes ago, Tortuga said:

There is the same announcement for Android devices. I'm looking forward to the next version.

16.0 HAS to be next 😭

[shali]

I always dread it when they announce which versions of Android they will stop updating. My phone is 8 years old and running on Android 11. But in the last 6 to 8 months some of the app's I depend on won't update anymore. I was afraid it was going to happen with JW Library and my banking app's soon, so I broke down and bought a new phone even though my other ones still works. 4 months pay after taxes down the proverbial drain. 

[hybridxer0]

20 minutes ago, shali said:

I always dread it when they announce which versions of Android they will stop updating. My phone is 8 years old and running on Android 11. But in the last 6 to 8 months some of the app's I depend on won't update anymore. I was afraid it was going to happen with JW Library and my banking app's soon, so I broke down and bought a new phone even though my other ones still works. 4 months pay after taxes down the proverbial drain. 

and unfortunately due to the state of memory prices and supply contracts, ALL hardware is going to either increase in price, or consumers will pay more for less (at least until 2028, likely).

[Tortuga]

On 6/9/2026 at 11:41 AM, bvr said:

It seems like JW Library will have another overhaul to the UI.

 

We’ll stay tuned. 

Do you have any updates for us?

[ChrisC]

There is an update to the Study Bible (iOS) but I couldn’t see any obvious differences. (Library tab/Pending Updates)

[bvr]

Announcement
Major JW Library® Update Coming in January 2027

 

We are pleased to announce that JW Library® will receive a major update in January 2027, introducing several new features and improvements designed to make personal study, research, and access to spiritual content easier and more convenient.

What’s New?

• Expanded What’s New Feed: Access all newly released content, including news articles and other updates previously available only on jw.org.

• New Search Tab: Search across publications, videos, and audio content while online, or search downloaded materials when offline.

• Redesigned Study Pane: View publications and the Study pane simultaneously on mobile devices, with the ability to highlight text and add notes directly within the pane.

• Instant Access to Publications: Open publications online without downloading them first, helping save device storage. Publications must still be downloaded for offline use.

• Publication Sharing: Share downloaded JWPUB files with others, particularly those who have limited Internet access.

 

Important Reminder: Back Up Your Personal Study Data

Before the update is released, all users are strongly encouraged to create a backup of their personal study data, including notes, tags, playlists, and highlights. To create a backup, open Personal Study → Backup and Restore → Create Backup, then save the backup file in a secure and accessible location. Regular backups are recommended, especially before installing this major update, to help protect your personal study information.

 

Watch the Official Tutorial

For more information about the upcoming changes, please watch the official video:

Tutorial for JW Library Updates

 

 

We look forward to the release of these improvements in January 2027 and encourage everyone to prepare their devices and personal study data in advance.

Edited 3 hours ago by bvr

[Skye]

12 minutes ago, bvr said:

Redesigned Study Pane: View publications and the Study pane simultaneously on mobile devices, with the ability to highlight text and add notes directly within the pane.

 

This is IT for me!

[bvr]

On 11/4/2026 at 1:52 PM, Tortuga said:

Do you have any updates for us?

 

Well, as I mentioned before early this year, there it is!. A new design. 

Edited 3 hours ago by bvr

[php]

I think the design is really well optimized. I love it! And hopefully, we'll soon have formatting options (bold, italics, etc.) for the notes we create. That would be my biggest feature request, haha!

[Brandon]

With so many previously website-only features being added to JWL, perhaps soon we will be able to use the Meetings Search, make donations, and even more right inside the app.

[dannysharedstuff]

I just wish I could receive updates on the app when a new letter or guidelines are added to the jwhub xD

[fdhtx]

1 hour ago, bvr said:

Announcement
Major JW Library® Update Coming in January 2027

 

We are pleased to announce that JW Library® will receive a major update in January 2027, introducing several new features and improvements designed to make personal study, research, and access to spiritual content easier and more convenient.

What’s New?

• Expanded What’s New Feed: Access all newly released content, including news articles and other updates previously available only on jw.org.

• New Search Tab: Search across publications, videos, and audio content while online, or search downloaded materials when offline.

• Redesigned Study Pane: View publications and the Study pane simultaneously on mobile devices, with the ability to highlight text and add notes directly within the pane.

• Instant Access to Publications: Open publications online without downloading them first, helping save device storage. Publications must still be downloaded for offline use.

• Publication Sharing: Share downloaded JWPUB files with others, particularly those who have limited Internet access.

 

Important Reminder: Back Up Your Personal Study Data

Before the update is released, all users are strongly encouraged to create a backup of their personal study data, including notes, tags, playlists, and highlights. To create a backup, open Personal Study → Backup and Restore → Create Backup, then save the backup file in a secure and accessible location. Regular backups are recommended, especially before installing this major update, to help protect your personal study information.

 

Watch the Official Tutorial

For more information about the upcoming changes, please watch the official video:

Tutorial for JW Library Updates

 

 

We look forward to the release of these improvements in January 2027 and encourage everyone to prepare their devices and personal study data in advance.

 

Hurray!!

 

No bold strikethrough or underline ;(

[Tony]

43 minutes ago, dannysharedstuff said:

 

I just wish I could receive updates on the app when a new letter or guidelines are added to the jwhub xD

 

For that, user accounts would be needed 

[Dages]

1 hour ago, Skye said:

 

This is IT for me!

What I want from the beginning!

[AH173]

1 hour ago, bvr said:

Redesigned Study Pane: View publications and the Study pane simultaneously on mobile devices, with the ability to highlight text and add notes directly within the pane.

I like this feature. 

I noticed it in the JW documents apart of hub.jw.org when I was looking over some documents for either public talks or dc-82 forms.

The citation when tapped came up from the bottom of the screen. 

This was like almost a month ago. 

I didn't think it would be apart of JW library. Looks very nice 😁 

 

[bvr]

1 hour ago, php said:

I think the design is really well optimized. I love it! And hopefully, we'll soon have formatting options (bold, italics, etc.) for the notes we create. That would be my biggest feature request, haha!

 

The video only showcases the major changes to the app, but there will also be additional smaller features and changes included that weren't mentioned at all. So yes, more is coming, what are they? you'll see more early next year.

 

But if you all are really excited, you can watch the video again because some of them already appeared briefly.

Edited 1 hour ago by bvr

[Dhanyel]

Tutorial for JW Library Updates

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-patv_3_VIDEO

[Tortuga]

It gives us time to replace older devices. The last update I received said "This is the last version that will support Android 8, 9, and 10. To receive future versions of JW Library, you need to update your device's operating system.'

[bvr]

Most of the time, when the app drops support for older operating systems, is a sign that a major update is coming. This often happens because the upcoming release introduces newer architecture and technologies that older operating systems can no longer support. So, the next time you see an announcement like this, it may indicate that the app is preparing for significant changes or improvements, and of course, new features.

 

A clue!, whoop whoop. 😁