# Element Classic — Previous generation Element

> Legacy secure messaging and collaboration app for existing users. (iPhone/iPad app by Vector Creations Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774)
- Category: Business, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 578 App Store ratings · 286 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 172 MB
- Languages: American English, Albanian, Basque, Belarusian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Central Atlas Tamazight, Czech, Danish and 40 more
- Released: 2016-05-05
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067/reviews.md

## What is Element Classic?

Element Classic is the previous-generation of Element mobile app. Friends, family and communities should use the free and open source Element X app which is faster, easier to use, and more powerful. New users of public sector organisations, enterprises and professional teams users should use the Element Pro app that is built for work and organizations. Element Classic is available at least until the end of 2025 and will receive critical security updates but no further enhancements or new features.

## Key features

- Secure messaging
- Collaboration
- Legacy version
- Security updates

## What do users think of Element Classic?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🌐 Decentralized and open-source

**Cons**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📚 Steep learning curve
- 🤔 Confusing user experience
- 🚫 Lack of key features

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Constant crashes and freezes
- Issues with message decryption and verification
- Unreliable notifications and sync issues
- Inability to leave or delete empty rooms
- Problems with image and video sharing

**Most requested features**

- Ability to pause notifications
- Option to set messages to disappear after a certain time
- Improved search functionality
- Better integration with other apps and services
- Customizable font size and notification sounds

## Recent user reviews (10 of 286)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great app, can bug out

*2026-08-16*

I have to restart the app and occasionally my device if it says I’m stuck in a call or something but it’s not to hard to fix, you just need patience. 
It would be great if there was an option to hear sound through the screen share. 
Overall it’s a great app, really recommend for those who wanna use it for work, gaming, or even just calls.

### 1/5 — have to clear cache to view new messages

*2026-07-22, version 1.11.39*

h

### 1/5 — Broken

*2026-06-22, version 1.11.38*

Webui works great - why does this app never sync or work?

### 3/5 — Notifications stopped working

*2026-05-27, version 1.11.37*

After updating the version, notifications stopped working. Please fix this

### 4/5 — Работа приложения

*2026-05-09*

С впн всё работает хорошо, но стоит выключить - бесконечная синхронизация

### 5/5 — UI

*2026-04-20, version 1.11.37*

I honestly prefer this user interface over Element X

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2026-04-01*

Works great. 

Only one bug - when leaving a chat via swiping up and going to iOS’ app selector, the pin screen appears. However the user can still type in the message box of the app.

It’s a bit confusing, but imagine your iphone is locked, and you are prompted with entering your pin, but for some reason your keyboard is on your lock screen, and when you type on that lock screen it allows you to fill in your latest chat with somebody on iMessage. In theory, it would make it appear as you are typing from the other party’s end, but you cannot see the contents of your message, only type and append onto it.

### 5/5 — As advertised

*2026-03-26, version 1.11.35*

Experienced glitch (app crashing after opening) after update but now working well.

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2026-03-22, version 1.11.35*

The app crashes while trying to set a home server. Unusable app

### 1/5 — Slow slow slow

*2026-02-25, version 1.11.34*

I will get a text and be able to preview it on my phone. But when I open Element, it will say synchronizing for sometimes up to 5 minutes before I can read the message. On the computer the app works fine but on the phone, it is by far the worst messaging service I’ve ever used.

## Frequently asked questions about Element Classic

### What is Element Classic?

Element Classic is the previous generation of the Element mobile app. It provides secure messaging and collaboration features for existing users. The app will continue to receive critical security updates until at least the end of 2025.

### What are the key features of Element Classic?

Element Classic offers secure messaging and collaboration functionalities. It is designed for existing users who may not yet have migrated to newer versions. The app will receive essential security updates to maintain its integrity.

### Is Element Classic free to use?

Yes, Element Classic is a free application. There are no costs associated with downloading or using its core features. The app does not have in-app purchases or advertisements.

### Who should use Element Classic?

Element Classic is intended for existing users of the previous generation of the Element mobile app. New users or those looking for enhanced features are recommended to use Element X or Element Pro.

### Will Element Classic be updated with new features?

No, Element Classic will not receive any new features or enhancements. It is a legacy version that will only be maintained with critical security updates until the end of 2025.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.11.39 — 2026-07-02

This latest version re-introduces the banner shown on unverified devices.

As always the full release notes can be found at https://github.com/element-hq/element-ios/releases/tag/v1.11.39

### 1.11.38 — 2026-06-01

We've fixed a bug where it wasn't always possible to reset your identity when there are no other recovery options available on your account.

### 1.11.37 — 2026-04-02

Bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 1.11.36 — 2026-03-30

This latest version of Element Classic brings various fixes and improvements to group calling.

As always you can find the full release notes at https://github.com/element-hq/element-ios/releases/tag/v1.11.36

### 1.11.35 — 2026-03-10

This update prepares Element Classic for the move towards mandatory device verification on Matrix and will display a banner on all unverified devices.

You can find the full release notes at https://github.com/element-hq/element-ios/releases/tag/v1.11.35

## Apps similar to Element Classic

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Wire • Secure Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wire-secure-messenger/id930944768) | 3.1 (916) | Free | Business |
| [Confide - Private messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/confide-private-messenger/id779883419) | 4.7 (8,720) | Free | Business |
| [Google Chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619) | 4.6 (305,259) | Free | Business |
| [Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/voxer-walkie-talkie-messenger/id377304531) | 3.0 (1,807) | Free | Business |
| [Microsoft Teams](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-teams/id1113153706) | 4.8 (3,371,077) | Free | Business |
| [Adobe Connect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adobe-connect/id1533425942) | 3.4 (220) | Free | Business |

## More apps by Vector Creations Limited

- [Element X - Secure Chat & Call](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820)
- [NI²CE Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nice-messenger/id6444872278)
- [Element Pro for work](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-pro-for-work/id6502951615)

All apps by Vector Creations Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774

## Related topics

[element](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/element) · [element classic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/element-classic) · [element x](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/element-x) · [elemnt](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/elemnt) · [fluffychat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/fluffychat) · [matrix chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/matrix-chat) · [matrix](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/matrix) · [ector](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ector)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*