Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth messaging app Bitchat now on App Store
Jack Dorsey, the visionary co-founder of Twitter and Block, has officially launched his highly anticipated Bluetooth messaging application, Bitchat, on the iOS App Store. The app, which Dorsey claims he coded the foundational elements of over a single weekend in early July, marks a distinct return to minimalist, localized communication.
Bitchat’s core innovation lies in its reliance on Bluetooth mesh networks. This unique design enables users to exchange messages with others within the typical Bluetooth range, approximately 100 meters, without requiring an active cellular signal or Wi-Fi connection. This capability positions Bitchat as a potentially vital tool for connectivity in areas with limited or no traditional internet infrastructure.
Upon launch, users will find Bitchat’s interface remarkably straightforward. Eschewing traditional log-in systems, the app immediately presents an instant messaging box. Users can observe conversations from nearby individuals also utilizing the app and effortlessly customize their display name at any given moment, promoting a fluid and anonymous user experience.
While Dorsey’s involvement has propelled Bitchat into the spotlight, the concept of Bluetooth-driven messaging is not entirely novel. Such applications have gained traction in environments where conventional cellular service is compromised, such as crowded music festivals or post-disaster scenarios. A notable precedent is Bridgefy, a Bluetooth messaging app that played a crucial role during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, demonstrating the power of off-grid communication in sensitive contexts.
Initially promoted by Dorsey as a secure and private messaging solution during its beta phase, Bitchat’s security has faced scrutiny. Security researcher Alex Radocea highlighted in a comprehensive blog post that the app’s design makes it susceptible to user impersonation, raising questions about the true security of what Dorsey termed his “vibe-coded” app.
Radocea underscored the critical importance of meticulous detail in cryptography, stating, “A protocol that has the right vibes can have fundamental substance flaws that compromise everything it claims to protect.” In response to these concerns, Dorsey later acknowledged that Bitchat had not undergone an external security review, conceding that the software might harbor unaddressed vulnerabilities.
Beyond internal security challenges, Bitchat also faces external threats from fraudulent applications. While the official Bitchat is accessible on the iOS App Store and via GitHub for Android devices, numerous imposter apps have surfaced on the Google Play Store, attracting thousands of downloads under false pretenses.
Dorsey has not directly addressed these fake apps but amplified a user’s X (formerly Twitter) post warning the public that the authentic Bitchat is not yet available on Google Play, urging users to “beware of fakes.” This underscores the growing challenge of app authenticity in decentralized ecosystems.
