Goodnotes v7.1.16 sparks backlash over toolbar changes and broken family sharing in August 2026

The official App Store release notes for version 7.1.16 are generic, stating only "bug fixes and performance improvements." There is no mention from the publisher about any user interface redesign or specific alterations.^[2] However, the sharp increase in user complaints about the toolbar strongly suggests that significant, unannounced changes were shipped in this update, leaving users to discover the disruptive modifications themselves.

The most prominent complaint is the constant relocation of core tools. As one 1-star reviewer on v7.1.16 wrote, "STOP CHANGING THE TOOLBAR!!!! You get used to where your eraser pen is and then they move it every week." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among users who rely on muscle memory for efficient note-taking and feel the changes are counterintuitive.

A thread on the r/Goodnotes subreddit echoes this, with one user commenting, "the toolbar at the top of the screen is driving me crazy," indicating a major layout shift.^[3] Archived.

Beyond the UI changes, v7.1.16 introduced critical functional bugs. Users reported that the Family SharingGlossaryFamily SharingApple and Google's mechanism for sharing app subscriptions and IAP purchases with up to 5-6 family members under one purchase. subscriptionGlossarySubscriptionA recurring in-app purchase that charges the user on a fixed cadence (weekly, monthly, annual) until they cancel. model stopped working, blocking family members from paid features. One 1-star review stated, "Despite having an active family subscription, the subscription does not work properly for family members."

Others encountered issues with in-app purchases. A user noted, "Neither [iPad nor iPhone] allows me to purchase the special edition. You are only allowed to select essential or pro." These bugs suggest potential issues with the app's backend payment and account systems.

The user sentiment shift was immediate and severe. After the v7.1.16 update, the average ratingGlossaryStar RatingThe 1-5 star average users give your app on the App Store and Google Play — a primary ranking signal and one of the biggest conversion drivers on your product page. from 54 new reviews dropped to 2.22 stars, a 1.25-star decrease from the 3.47-star average recorded in the period just before. The app, which has over 1.2 million downloads in the last 30 days, now faces a challenge in retaining users who are frustrated by both usability and functional regressions.

The evidence suggests Goodnotes is pursuing a UI redesign without clear communication, alienating its core users. The payment and sharing bugs appear to be unintentional regressions. To prevent further user churnGlossaryChurnThe rate at which users stop using an app (general churn) or cancel a subscription (subscription churn) over a time window — retention's mathematical complement. and revenue loss, the publisher will likely need to ship a hotfix for the functional bugs swiftly. Addressing the core usability complaints around the toolbar, perhaps by making it customizable, will be critical for rebuilding trust with a user base that values stability and predictability.