Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat: Offline Messaging Rival to WhatsApp

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched Bitchat, a new messaging app that works without internet or phone numbers by using Bluetooth mesh networks.

Bitchat, currently in beta testing on TestFlight, supports encrypted communication across nearby devices without relying on central servers. It forms local Bluetooth clusters that allow messages to hop from one device to another—even without Wi-Fi or mobile data.

The app is designed to function in offline environments, making it useful during internet shutdowns or in regions with poor connectivity. According to Dorsey, Bitchat also supports password-protected group chats, real-time message forwarding, and ephemeral messages stored only on users’ devices.

Uniquely, Bitchat integrates Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, enabling micro-payments within chats. This positions it at the intersection of decentralized communication and finance.

The app’s open-source code is available on GitHub, reflecting Dorsey’s commitment to privacy, decentralization, and user control. Experts say Bitchat could transform secure messaging, particularly in areas where privacy and censorship are key concerns.