Twitter co-founder and Block CEO Jack Dorsey has launched a new messaging app called Bitchat, now available to download on the Apple App Store. The app, which enables encrypted peer-to-peer communication via Bluetooth, is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Vision Pro devices.
Developed under the umbrella of “and Other Stuff”—an open-source collective supported by Dorsey—Bitchat allows users to send messages without relying on mobile data, Wi-Fi, or even knowing the recipient’s phone number or email address. The app aims to support communication between people in close physical proximity, making it especially useful at in-person events or in situations with limited or no internet access.
A privacy-focused, offline-first communication tool
Bitchat operates by establishing a Bluetooth-based mesh network among devices. This approach enables users to exchange encrypted messages directly, eliminating the need for an internet connection. The system is designed with privacy in mind, using encryption protocols to ensure that messages remain secure.
Users can initiate conversations with others nearby without sharing personal contact information. According to the app’s description, this method of messaging could be ideal for environments such as conferences, concerts, or remote areas where internet service is unreliable or unavailable.
A distinctive feature of the app is its “Panic Mode,” which enables users to erase all data from the app with a triple tap. This feature adds an extra layer of privacy and security, particularly in emergencies.
Built for experimentation and resilience
bitchat?
— jack (@jack) July 28, 2025
now on the App Store: https://t.co/uzB0uqRJGy
Dorsey described Bitchat as an experimental platform to explore different technologies. “Bluetooth mesh networks, relays, store and forward models, message encryption models and a few other things” are among the technical areas he aims to examine with the app, according to his statement.
Because it does not depend on the internet, Bitchat can offer an alternative way to stay connected during natural disasters, internet shutdowns, or other instances where traditional communication is disrupted. This capability aligns with a growing interest in decentralised and resilient communication platforms that are less vulnerable to censorship or outages.
Bluetooth mesh messaging technology is not entirely new—similar apps emerged more than a decade ago—but Dorsey’s reputation and the app’s open-source foundation bring renewed attention to the concept. By backing the app through his collective, Dorsey is also promoting transparent development and collaborative improvement from the global coding community.
Available now for Apple users
Bitchat is currently available as a free download on the App Store. Users with compatible Apple devices can try it out immediately, offering a glimpse into the potential of offline-first communication powered by peer-to-peer technology. The app’s release also hints at possible future developments in decentralised tech, as Dorsey continues to explore alternative approaches to online connectivity and messaging.
