Imagine being able to send messages at a packed festival, even when the cellular network is overwhelmed, or communicate discreetly from a basement with zero signal bars. That’s now possible thanks to Bitchat, a new app launched on the App Store by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter (now X). It breaks one of the core rules of modern messaging: total dependence on the internet, cellular networks, and cell phone plans.
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How does Bitchat work?
The secret lies in its clever use of Bluetooth. Bitchat creates a mesh network between compatible Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro), enabling direct communication without a central server or cell towers. There’s no need for a phone number or email address to identify yourself. The app connects anonymously to nearby devices within a limited range. Even in airplane mode, as long as Bluetooth is on, messages can still be exchanged.
Festivals and dead zones: the perfect playgrounds
The usefulness becomes immediately clear in critical situations: concerts where networks are overwhelmed by the crowd, hikes in dead zones, large-scale network outages, or simply when you want to communicate without sharing your personal details. The only requirement is that devices remain within Bluetooth range (a few dozen meters). This simplicity makes it a discreet and reliable backup tool.
Encryption and “panic mode” for privacy
Security hasn’t been overlooked. Developed by the open-source collective “and Other Stuff” and funded by Dorsey, the app ensures end-to-end encryption for messages. A built-in “panic mode” adds an extra layer of protection: three quick taps on the screen instantly wipe all data, providing immediate privacy in sensitive situations.
For Twitter’s former CEO, Bitchat is more than just a novelty. It’s a real-world experiment in decentralized, resilient communication that works offline. While Bluetooth messaging isn’t new, the backing of a high-profile figure like Dorsey and the app’s immediate availability on iOS could help bring this alternative into the mainstream.
