Apex Comics 1.5.0 Release notes

Hey everyone,

1.5.0 is rolling out on Google Play. This update bundles several long-standing community requests: server library support, manga reading direction, faster hand-offs between issues, plus a big pass on performance and day-to-day feel. Thank you for testing, reporting bugs, and sharing feedback: it directly shapes what we build next.

Komga server

Connect a self-hosted Komga server as an Apex library: browse your collection remotely, download comics for offline reading, and keep the same reading experience (modes, zoom, local progress).

Settings → Libraries → add a Komga server library.

Sign in with email/password or API key
Paginated listing of your Komga library
On-demand full download for offline reading
Premium: two-way reading progress sync between Apex and your server (pick up where you left off, on any device)

Manga reading direction

Read in the direction that matches your collection: right-to-left for manga, left-to-right for western comics.

Switch any time from the reader ⋮ menu (top right), in Horizontal and Dual modes.

Your choice is saved and included in backup/restore
The pager, thumbnail strip, and navigation all follow the selected direction

Near-instant next comic

As you approach the end of an issue, the next one is quietly prepared in the background so it opens almost without delay.

Settings → Reader → Advanced → Prewarm next comic (on by default).

Targets local libraries only (no automatic download of a remote comic)
Can be turned off if you prefer to limit disk activity

Smarter library reconnection after backup import

Restoring a backup on a new phone or after clearing app data is smoother and clearer:

After import, Apex shows a reconnection assistant that lists each library by name and tells you exactly which ones still need folder access
In Settings → Libraries, every library now shows a clear status: Connected or Reconnection required
Libraries that are already accessible on the device are re-scanned silently in the background

Why reconnect at all? Android does not let apps carry over folder permissions in a backup file. The folder paths are restored, but you must grant access again through the system folder picker. There is no way around that on import.

When you tap Reconnect folder, the picker opens as close as possible to your previous location. You still need to confirm access to the same folder (Android requires explicit user consent every time). It is not a full "pick any folder from scratch" flow. The goal is to get you back to the right library as quickly as possible.

Performance

This release includes meaningful under-the-hood work, without random UI churn:

Smoother library scrolling
Faster, lighter reader (less memory pressure, smarter preloading)
Snappier page turns and navigation in day-to-day use

We are keeping the technical details out of this post. The short version: less jank, less waiting, more comfort on large collections.

A more alive app

Apex picks up micro-animations and polished transitions so the app feels more natural under your thumb:

Smooth cover-to-reader transition (the cover expands into the opening page)
Visual feedback when you tap library cards and list rows
Subtle motion on navigation, list appearance, and cover loading

Nothing flashy. Just enough movement to make the app feel alive, without getting in the way of reading.

Also in this release

In-app What's New screen on first launch after the update (replay anytime in Settings → More → What's New)
Stability improvements and bug fixes

Download / update

Google Play Store

More details: https://apex-comics.uppr.be/

The rollout may take a few hours depending on your region.

Hit a snag? Have an idea? Please reach out on the Play Store, on Discord, or by email. For bugs, the winning combo is still: device + file type + steps to reproduce. And if you have a practical feature idea for everyday use (organization, reading, server libraries, and more), tell us: that is exactly the kind of feedback that shapes what comes next.

Thanks again for being here early. Your feedback is what Apex becomes next.

More new features are on the way. Stay tuned.

Please rate the app on the Play Store to help us improve. Thank you!