Not looking for a server as I use fastmail currently but a client would be nice. I am currently using spark on iOS and Mac OS and just fastmail website on my Linux desktop. I’m realizing spark is nothing special and would rather not renew my subscription.
I could be misinformed, but this isn’t just limited to Spark as I understand it, I believe a lot (maybe all?) third-party clients do the same thing. They act as an intermediary between you and the server so they can deliver push notifications.
However, as I understand it, Spark’s privacy policy outlines that they don’t read/scan the contents of your emails, and the use of app-specific passwords rather than your email password ensures they only have access to emails and nothing else.
Pretty sure others such as Canary, Airmail, Edison, etc. all do/did the same thing, but it was the lack of clarity in Spark’s privacy policy that made them the main target for scrutiny. I think they’ve since cleared that up.
I could be mistaken, though.
Most email clients do not keep a copy of your email on their own servers. It is increasingly common though as it allows them to offer features which are impossible to do otherwise.
I don’t believe there is any need for them to keep a local copy of your mail for push notifications.
I didn’t know they stored local copies — had a very, VERY quick skim through their privacy policy on their website and couldn’t see any reference to that (sure it’s there but I didn’t see it).
I’m not a Spark user btw, was just following the conversation. I use plain ol’ Apple Mail.
What features?
There are various methods of arranging push notifications for email. None of them require the messages to be stored on third party servers.
Any email “client” service that stores your messages and credentials and is not the actual provider should be avoided at all costs.
A real email client connects directly to your provider’s servers and shows you what messages are there. Whenever it needs to do something with your messages (send, receive, notification etc.) it arranges it with your provider’s servers, never with 3rd party servers. If it stores your credentials, it stores them on your device, either in your browser, or in your app data (if the client is an app), never on 3rd party servers.
When you use Spark or others like them it’s like paying someone to check the mail box on your lawn. It’s your own mail box (the provider, for email) but instead of checking it yourself you give a complete stranger the box key and allow them to rummage through your mail and packages before they bring 'em in.
You don’t need this service. Nobody needs this service. They’re taking advantage of the fact people can’t make the difference between a client that runs at the provider, on your device, or on a 3rd party server.