Archive: What's New in the Blackboard App

This page is an archive of releases for the Blackboard app.

For the latest updates go to What's New in the Blackboard App

2019

Version 4.9

Release date: December 11, 2019

You can download Ultra course documents and view them later when you’re offline or don’t have internet access. You can now enjoy offline content for both Original and Ultra courses.

We’ve also fixed various bugs in this release.

Version 4.8

Release date: November 28, 2019

If your school has Ultra navigation, your course list will have a fresh look and feel! You’ll have course cards with images so it’s easier than ever to find the right course. You can tap a star to bump your most important courses to the top for quick access.

You can also access partner cloud content and tools in the mobile apps now.

Version 4.7.1 (iOS hotfix)

Release date: November 4, 2019

iOS

We fixed the push notifications issue that was happening for some iOS 13 users. After installing the app update, users should log out and log in again to resolve the issue.

Version 4.7.1 (Android hotfix)

Release date: October 25, 2019

Android

We fixed the crash issues related to fingerprint login on Android devices.

Version 4.7

Release date: October 24, 2019

Bug fixes

Fixed course announcements issue where accessing file links prompted users to log in again.
Fixed issue where Google logins failed for institutions with Google authentication.
Fixed issue where Collaborate Ultra sessions couldn't launch from web links in course content.
Fixed issue where the app crashed when HTML files were accessed on devices running iOS 11.
Fixed issue where some iOS push notifications didn't link directly to course content.
Fixed issue where Original course percentage grades didn't display correctly.

Version 4.6.1

Release date: October 3, 2019

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Version 4.6

Release date: September 25, 2019

Biometric login

We added support for Face ID and Touch ID on iOS. On Android devices, you can use your fingerprint to log in.

More on biometric login for the Blackboard app

Bug fixes

We also squashed some bugs and made minor improvements behind the scenes.

iOS 13+

We updated the Blackboard app to support iOS 13+. Users should update to iOS 13.1 and to the latest version of the Blackboard app for the best experience.

Version 4.5.1

Release date: September 20, 2019

Bug fixes

Resolved issue where opening LTI content in the app showed a message about 3rd party cookies.
Resolved issue where error messages displayed when completed course items such as assignments or tests were accessed.
Resolved issue of missing due date indicators on the calendar view in Due Dates.

Version 4.5

Release date: August 28, 2019

Push notification management

For Blackboard Learn environments with the Ultra experience enabled, users can manage push notifications right from the app. Settings specified in the app are reflected in the web view of Blackboard Learn and vice versa.

SCORM

We improved support for SCORM content and due dates in the app. If you don't see these improvements, your school's system may need an upcoming Blackboard Learn update.

Version 4.4

Release date: July 31, 2019

Due dates for Blogs, Wikis, Journals and other Original course tools are available in the app. Due dates for Discussions are now available in both the Original and Ultra course views. We also fixed several bugs.

Version 4.3.3

Release date: July 22, 2019

We've introduced a new and improved Collaborate experience! When you join a session to meet virtually with peers and instructors, you have access to a more robust set of tools.

More on Collaborate and the Blackboard app

Version 4.3.1

Release date: July 11, 2019

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Version 4.3

Release date: June 24, 2019

Check out the app enhancements for Ultra courses! We improved support for multimedia that's embedded in documents and content. Our new assessment experience enables you complete and submit tests and assignments on your mobile device.

iOS

Fixed issue where multimedia didn't display in discussion forum descriptions
Fixed issue where HTML files didn't render properly
Fixed truncation of course information for some languages
Fixed issue where logins were recorded multiple times in administrator reports

Android

Fixed issue issue where some content was being displayed offline instead of properly loading
Fixed issue where HTML files didn't render properly
Fixed truncation of course information for some languages

Version 4.2

Release date: May 30, 2019

If your institution has the Ultra experience, your institution's logo displays in the app.

iOS

Fixed issue where some videos were not playing in documents and content
Fixed issue where VoiceOver wasn’t working properly in discussion boards

Android

Fixed issue where text size was too small in content

Version 4.1

Release date: April 10, 2019

This release includes bug fixes and other minor improvements.

By default, the Blackboard app shows grades in colors that correspond to grade level. Institutions can now submit a request to turn off grade colors in Original courses in the app.

The ability to email instructors from the app's course outline is disabled to better align with institutional communication policies. Students can email instructors in the web view of Blackboard Learn if their institution has enabled that capability.

Version 4.0.1

Release date: April 5, 2019

Android

Resolves an issue that caused the Blackboard app to crash for some Android users.

Version 4.0

Release date: March 27, 2019

In this release, we added support for Ultra course learning modules. Now you can view learning modules for both Ultra and Original courses in the app.

We also added push notifications for discussion boards in Ultra courses, which will appear in the app when Learn SaaS 3600.0 releases to production.

Version 3.12.1

Release date: March 4, 2019

iOS only

Resolves issue where characters in non-English languages didn’t render appropriately in announcements and discussions.

Version 3.12

Release date: February 27, 2019

iOS and Android

Improved support for rich text and media in the announcement and discussion board tools for Original courses.

iOS only

With app switching in iOS, a static Blackboard app splash page is now shown in the collection of recently used apps. The splash page replaces the former behavior of showing a screenshot of the current state of the app. This improvement ensures information security.

2018

Version 3.11

Release date: December 31, 2018

This release includes bug fixes on iOS and Android.

Version 3.10

Release date: October 29, 2018

This release includes bug fixes on iOS and Android.

Version 3.9.1

Release date: September 27, 2018

iOS

Fixes an issue that prevented access to discussions in the app for iOS 12 users.

Version 3.9

Release date: August 23, 2018

iOS

We expanded your cloud storage options by integrating Apple Files. Now you can choose from a variety of cloud storage providers when you upload media and files into courses.
Nynorsk language support.

Android

Nynorsk language support
Bug fixes and improvements

Version 3.8

Release date: July 5, 2018

This release includes bug fixes and improvements on iOS and Android.

Tool links

When instructors add tool links to Original courses, such as grades or announcements, users see the tool in the app instead of on a responsive web browser page.

Android enhancements

Enhanced support for viewing PDFs in the app
Improved pinch and zoom support for embedded documents in iFrames
YouTube videos can be viewed full-screen

Version 3.7.1

Release date: May 20, 2018

Schools can provide a link to their institutional terms of use in the app if they are on a version of Learn that supports Blackboard app 3.7.1+ and have properly configured a link to their institution’s terms of use. In the app, the link is found in Settings and at the bottom of the Blackboard Terms of Use acceptance policy shown at login.

Version 3.6.1

Release date: April 17, 2018

This hotfix resolves extra padding issue in multiple tools introduced in newer versions of Blackboard Learn.

Version 3.6

Release date: April 2, 2018

Need to add media or files to a discussion while on the go? You can now attach files from your device or cloud storage to discussion posts. If you don’t see this feature immediately, don’t worry. We’re working with your institution to make it available.

Version 3.5

Release date: March 1, 2018

Have a Collaborate Ultra session scheduled by your instructor, but can't remember when it starts? Sessions are now listed inside your courses! Tap the Collaborate tool, select the session, and instantly join the virtual classroom.

Version 3.4

Release date: January 29, 2018

New push notification support: Announcements, new content item, and test availability
Bug fixes

Version 3.3.1

Release date: January 10, 2018 for iOS only

Resolves an issue in iOS where an error showed when navigating through content while offline.

2017

Version 3.3

Release date: December 28, 2017 for Android and Windows | January 8, 2018 for iOS

You can now download course files and view them offline when you have limited or no internet connectivity. Your institution may need an update for you to see this feature in the app.

Version 3.2

Release date: December 5, 2017

We added support for organizations on iOS and Android! For every organization where you’re a participant, you can access content, view announcements, and participate in discussions.

We fixed some bugs and improved performance on all platforms.

Version 3.1

Release date: October 31, 2017

Bug fixes on all platforms.

Version 3.0

Release date: October 9, 2017

The Blackboard app for iOS and Android has a new look, improved workflows, and simpler navigation!! Be sure to update your app. If you use a Windows device, access the Windows-only help pages.

Indicator for new discussions lets you know you've got course activity to catch up on.

Version 2.9.10

Release date: September 4, 2017

Bug fixes on all platforms.

Version 2.9.8

Release date: July 17, 2017

Notice something different about Bb Student? Don’t worry—this is the same app. We changed the name to Blackboard and freshened up the icon. The functionality remains the same.

App name change to Blackboard and new app tile
Support for the Catalan language
Bug fixes on all platforms
Collaborate supports sessions with up to 500 participants

Version 2.9.7

Release date: June 1, 2017

You can now reply to a reply in Ultra Course View discussions, just like the web view of the course.
Bug fixes and other improvements on all platforms.

Version 2.9.6

Release date: May 3, 2017

Bug fixes on all platforms
Calculated grades, such as running totals or averages that your instructor created, show in Grades. If a calculated total shows in a desktop browser but not in the app, your school hasn't updated Blackboard yet.
Dropbox improvements for iOS and Android

Version 2.9.5.1

Release date: April 13, 2017

Android only: resolved issue where Collaborate participants couldn't view app shares during sessions

Version 2.9.5

Release date: April 5, 2017

Revised Google Drive authentication
High contrast visual support for Windows
Bug fixes on all platforms

Version 2.9.4

Release date: March 1, 2017

General bug fixes
Accessibility bug fixes

2016

Version 2.9.2

Release date: December 22, 2016

Bug fixes on all platforms
Improved accessibility
Large session support for up to 250 participants in Collaborate

Version 2.9.1.1

Release date: December 19, 2016

Android

Bug fixes

Version 2.9.1

Release date: December 1, 2016

iOS

Various improvements and fixes

Android

Various improvements and fixes

Windows

In Collaborate sessions, you can set your avatar to let others know you're away
Fixed issue where some users were unable to share files in Collaborate sessions

Version 2.9.0.1

Release date: November 21, 2016

Android

Performance improvements
Fixed issue where some students were unable to attach files to assignments

Version 2.9

Release date: November 1, 2016

Support for Arabic and Hebrew for iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

iOS

Fixed issue where some users were unable to join Collaborate sessions.

Windows

Resolves issue where some students were unable to log in.

Version 2.8

Release date: October 3, 2016

Collaborate improvements. In Collaborate with the Ultra experience, you can enjoy an easier entry workflow on your mobile device. For iOS and Android, you can set your avatar and let others know when you're away during Collaborate sessions.

Hidden courses. For all platforms, information for hidden courses is no longer visible in Grades and Activity Stream. Due to a performance issue, Due Dates still shows hidden course's information at this time.

New language. Language support now includes Irish.

Android

Fixed issue where some linked documents were not being rendered

Windows

Presenters and moderators can now share files in Collaborate sessions

Version 2.7

Release date: August 26, 2016

Various improvements and bug fixes were implemented for iOS, Android, and Windows. An issue where some users were unable to hide courses was resolved.

Version 2.6

Release date: August 1, 2016

Breakout groups in Collaborate with the Ultra experience are supported in all platforms.

iOS

Various improvements and bug fixes

Android (released as 2.6.2)

Improved HTML content viewing
Various bug fixes

Windows

Fixes issue where users were not able to edit their profile photo

Version 2.5

Release date: June 30, 2016

iOS

Ability for moderators to record Collaborate sessions
Variety of bug fixes

Android

Resolves issue with linked documents not rendering properly
Various stability improvements

Windows

Resolves issue with media files not rendering properly
Collaborate stability improvements and bug fixes

Version 2.4

Release date: May 17, 2016

Discussions are now available! Quickly view and reply to course discussion activity.

Hide and show courses. You can manage which courses show in your Current course list. Scroll to the bottom of your course list. Tap the box to select which courses you want to hide.

iOS

Resolves issue where instructor and student avatars did not appear
Fixes bug where feedback button was constantly shown

Android

Resolves various crashes

Windows

Resolves issue on tablet where HTML was not properly rendering in content items
Fixes issue where avatar could not be modified

Version 2.3

Release date: April 5, 2016

Push notifications have arrived! The Blackboard app will keep you up to date and let you know when a test is coming up or is overdue. Curious about how you did on your last exam? You'll also get notifications when new grades are posted.
Norwegian and Finnish languages are now supported.

iOS

Various stability improvements

Android

New Feature! Record sessions in Collaborate with the Ultra Experience within the app (moderator role only).
Improved support for HTML in course content items
Increased PDF support
Fixes crash when adding files from OneDrive/Google Drive

Windows

Improved support for HTML in course content items

Version 2.2

Release date: March 8, 2016

Collaborate with the Ultra Experience

iOS and Android users have new capabilities in Collaborate with the Ultra experience. You can enjoy activity notifications, navigate multi-page documents, and use the status bar to quickly get back into sessions when multi-tasking.

Profiles

For all devices, you can now change your profile avatar and view profile tiles that show which school you attend.

iOS

Fixes issue where Dropbox accounts could not be changed
Resolves issue where uncategorized grades were not shown
Resolves session cookie issue when launching LTI links
Faster loading of course content
Scrollable title bar for long file names in courses

Android

Resolves issue where uncategorized grades were not shown
Faster loading of course content
Scrollable title bar for long file names in courses

Windows

Resolves issue where uncategorized grades were not shown
Scrollable title bar for long file names in courses
Faster loading of course content

Version 2.1

Release date: January 5, 2016

The Blackboard app is now available in over 21 languages, including English, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. See the release notes for a complete list.

Students in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and parts of the Asia Pacific region can download the app.

Version 2.0

Release date: December 3, 2015

The Blackboard app 2.0 is here! You've asked and we've listened.

Connect your cloud accounts such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. You can now use your cloud-connected accounts to easily submit documents for class assignments!

Collaborate in iOS and Android. Collaborate with the Ultra experience provides real-time video conferencing that allows you to share files, chat, and use an interactive, virtual whiteboard on the go!

iOS Improvements

Improved save and submission workflows for assignments and tests
Resolves crash when accessing video files in an assignment

Android Improvements

Increased support for HTML in content items
Improved save and submission workflows for assignments and tests
Resolves crash when accessing video files in an assignment

Windows Improvements

Fixes single sign-on authentication crash
Improved save and submission workflows for assignments and tests

Version 1.3

Release date: November 4, 2015

Now available in Latin America. Students in Latin America can download the Blackboard app and use it to access their content, grades, and assignments.

Support for Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese languages.

Version 1.2

Release date: October 8, 2015

iOS Improvements

Fixes issues with single sign on authentication (CAS/Shibboleth)
Improved error handling and messaging
Resolves crash when saving an assignment with attachments

Android Improvements

Updated support for PDF attachments
Improved error handling and messaging

Windows Improvements

Resolves crash when refreshing Due Dates
Improved error handling and messaging

Version 1.1

Release date: August 17, 2015

Support for Canada. Students in Canada can now download and use the Blackboard app to access their content, grades, and assignments.

Due Dates. Students can see a long term view of upcoming assignments and tests across all of their courses. Work is color coded by course and grouped by day and week to provide a clear understanding of what's due.