> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ugfugl-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ugfugl-io.gitbook.io/docs/project/roadmap.md).

# Roadmap

See where Glimmer is heading before proposing a change. This covers at least the next year, with no delivery dates or feature promises.

## 2026.10.8 baseline

The release branch already contains the shared Mac/iOS engine, native iPhone/iPad app, controller layouts and shortcuts, touch editing, session continuation and separate platform delivery workflows. These are implemented features, not a new extraction project. iPhone/iPad distribution remains in TestFlight; App Store submission is separate from Mac release promotion.

Use the [release checkpoint](https://github.com/Se7enbrc/glimmer/tree/main/docs/release-acceptance/2026.10.8.md) for candidate acceptance and the [shared-engine roadmap](/docs/project/contributing_index/architecture/ios_engine_roadmap.md) for remaining hardware and adapter work. Historical test gaps stay visible without turning every small fix into another full release-validation pass.

## Near-term priorities

* Resolve reported playback, input and lifecycle issues with focused regression coverage and the affected hardware check.
* Progress TestFlight access and production-flavour App Store readiness.
* Make concurrent Mac/iOS delivery bookkeeping and Apple build-number selection reliable without manual guesswork or weaker release gates.
* Measure sustained mobile energy, thermal behavior and advanced display/audio combinations where evidence is still missing.

## Next year

Expect work to stay focused on stream quality and a native experience across Mac, iPhone and iPad.

| Direction           | Intended result and evidence                                                                                                                                                              |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Wi-Fi fidelity      | Smoother pacing, audio buffering and quality recovery, measured on real streams. [Product principles](https://github.com/Se7enbrc/glimmer/blob/main/PRODUCT.md) and recent release fixes. |
| Clear failures      | A useful next step when a stream fails, with safeguards that recover. [Changelog](https://github.com/Se7enbrc/glimmer/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md).                                            |
| Compatibility       | Keep pace with current Sunshine, macOS, iOS and iPadOS. [Project rules](https://github.com/Se7enbrc/glimmer/blob/main/AGENTS.md).                                                         |
| Test coverage       | Measure each component and test missing paths before setting a gate. [Security roadmap](/docs/security-and-privacy/security/security_roadmap.md).                                         |
| Parser assurance    | Retain ASan/fuzz results, notices and release-verification evidence. [Security roadmap](/docs/security-and-privacy/security/security_roadmap.md).                                         |
| Reproducibility     | Extend unsigned local comparisons to hosted builds and normalized published artifacts. [Release process](/docs/project/contributing_index/release.md#4-reproducible-payload).             |
| Protocol assessment | Keep encryption/integrity limits current without requiring a patched Sunshine. [Security model](/docs/security-and-privacy/security.md).                                                  |
| Homebrew main cask  | Move beyond the project tap when eligible, keeping a transition period. [Homebrew policy](https://docs.brew.sh/Package-Acceptance-Policy).                                                |
| Apple devices       | Improve the shared experience on Mac, iPhone and iPad. Apple TV remains exploratory and is not an available client.                                                                       |

## Out of scope

Keep proposals within these settled product decisions.

| Area                    | Boundary                                                                       |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Mac support             | Apple Silicon, macOS 15.7 or later; no Intel or older-macOS client.            |
| iPhone and iPad support | iOS 26 or later on iPhone; iPadOS 26 or later on iPad.                         |
| PC software             | Current, unmodified Sunshine; no NVIDIA GameStream or patched-PC requirement.  |
| Interface               | SwiftUI, AppKit, UIKit and system controls; no web views or cross-platform UI. |
| Rendering               | `AVSampleBufferDisplayLayer`; no Metal renderer.                               |
| Game Mode               | macOS controls it; no private APIs or signed-plist edits.                      |
| Automation              | One Swift command-line implementation in the Mac app binary.                   |
| Business/privacy        | Every feature free; no analytics, tracking or unrelated network calls.         |

## How this changes

Open an issue explaining what you want to do and what gets in the way.

The maintainer reviews this direction at least yearly and updates it when a release changes the plan. Agree on an approach before starting a contribution; see the [developer guide](/docs/project/contributing_index/contributing.md).