This post starts a trend of quarterly updates about Passepartout. Being close to the end of Q3, this is mostly an overview of what I’ve done in the recent months, with an outlook on what I’m doing next.
Rebranding to Partout
Passepartout will not change its name, but it will be part of a broader project named after its backbone: Partout. Partout is the Swift library, now also cross-platform, of which Passepartout aims to be an elegant showcase. Easier to pronounce, shorter to type, the library I’m building is the very heart of Passepartout, and aims to provide a comprehensive, portable framework to create tunneling software. This website will soon reflect this new direction, I hope you’ll like it.
Cross-platform is REAL!
This is the grand goal of 2025, and the intense work of Q3 has taken me incredibly close to the finish line. I drafted the simplest PoC to test VPN connectivity, and I’m thrilled to say that it worked on all the new platforms I intend to support. I managed to connect with Partout to both OpenVPN and WireGuard servers on Linux, Windows, and even Android! It will take patient polish for a public MVP, but I’m positive that something will see the light by the end of the year.
Considering that in January I had little hope that Swift could ever be so ubiquitous, this accomplishment feels kind of legendary to me. I’m proud, and despite the difficulties, the whole experience of native multiplatform has been fun and deeply satisfying.
If you want to learn more, I’ve been writing about this long journey in “Cross-platform Swift”, a blog series that I’ve been publishing on my personal website. I promise, if you are a Swift developer willing to port your apps and libraries on non-Apple platforms, you will find my discoveries very helpful.
New features, wisely
As stability is paramount in Passepartout, I’ve taken a more conservative approach to new features. All the disruptive additions are now rolled out dynamically, in a way that I can instantly revert a faulty update without involving the tedious App Review in the process. The cross-platform initiative is taking 100% of my focus, so new features are still on hold.
What’s been done:
- New paywall: Recently activated to make the purchase flow a bit less confusing.
- TV web import: Today, I restored the web QR feature on the Apple TV, which finally allows uploading profiles without an iOS or macOS device. Incidentally, without even iCloud. The feature will be under observation for 2 weeks before deeming it stable. If so, a convenient Send to TV button will be added to the native apps as well.
What’s coming next:
- WireGuard in providers: Starting with Mullvad. This is mostly done, but I’m trying not to rush it. Let’s give it a couple of weeks still.
- Interoperability: Importing and exporting profiles and modules, plus a universal format for Passepartout/Partout profiles. Sharing profiles with other people. These elements will give the project a stronger and unique identity.