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Jack Dorsey Unveils Bitchat, a Server-Free Bluetooth Mesh Chat App

It has reached its 10,000-user beta cap under TestFlight, pending App Store approval for wider release.

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Overview

  • The closed beta on Apple’s TestFlight filled its 10,000-user quota hours after launch.
  • All messages are end-to-end encrypted and stored only on users’ devices by default, disappearing without ever touching central servers.
  • Devices form a Bluetooth Low Energy mesh that relays messages within roughly 30 meters per hop and uses bridge nodes to link clusters.
  • Users can create optional group chats called “rooms” that support hashtags, password protection, and store-and-forward messaging for offline participants.
  • A future update will add Wi-Fi Direct support to expand range and boost data transfer speeds.