RainLoop was created around 2012-2013 by the RainLoop Team. The project emerged to provide a simple, modern, and fast webmail client with a clean user interface.
RainLoop gained attention for its:
- Modern interface: Clean, responsive design
- Performance: Fast loading and minimal resource usage
- Simplicity: Easy deployment and configuration
- License: AGPL-3.0 (Community Edition)
Key milestones:
- 2013: First public releases
- 2014: Version 1.8 with improved mobile support
- 2015: Version 1.10 with enhanced security
- 2016: Version 1.11 with plugin support
RainLoop continued development with regular releases:
- 2017: Version 1.12 with two-factor authentication
- 2018: Version 1.13 with improved calendar integration
- 2019: Version 1.14 with security improvements
- 2020: Version 1.15 with modern PHP support
The project entered a gradual decline:
- 2021: Version 1.16 released, development slowed
- 2022: Version 1.17.0 (August 31, 2022) - Last release
- 2022-2024: Minimal activity, issues accumulating
- 2024: Repository archived (November 4, 2024)
RainLoop was known for:
- PHP-based: Simple deployment on any PHP host
- Modern UI: Clean, responsive interface
- Performance: Fast loading, minimal JavaScript
- MIT License: Community edition (changed from AGPL-3.0)
The project was officially discontinued:
- November 4, 2024: GitHub repository archived
- Status: Read-only, no new development
- Open issues: 919+ unresolved issues
- Last release: v1.17.0 (August 31, 2022)
As of 2026:
- Status: ❌ Discontinued (archived November 4, 2024)
- Last release: v1.17.0 (August 31, 2022)
- License: MIT
- GitHub: 4.1k stars, 976 forks, 919 open issues
- Recommendation: Migrate to Roundcube or other maintained alternatives
| Version |
Year |
Key Features |
| 1.0 |
2013 |
First public release |
| 1.10 |
2015 |
Enhanced security |
| 1.12 |
2017 |
Two-factor authentication |
| 1.15 |
2020 |
Modern PHP support |
| 1.17.0 |
2022 |
Final release |