Invalidate media deletion callbacks during panic

bitchat/App/ConversationUIModel.swift

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ final class ConversationUIModel: ObservableObject {
     @Published private(set) var currentNickname: String
     @Published private(set) var isBatchingPublic = false
     @Published private(set) var canSendMediaInCurrentContext = true
+    @Published private(set) var legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest: LegacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?
     /// Who is talking live in the public mesh channel right now (floor
     /// courtesy: the composer mic tints "busy" while someone holds the floor).
     @Published private(set) var activeLiveVoiceTalker: String?
@@ -153,6 +154,13 @@ final class ConversationUIModel: ObservableObject {
         chatViewModel.sendVoiceNote(at: url)
     }
 
+    func resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: UUID, approved: Bool) {
+        chatViewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            requestID: requestID,
+            approved: approved
+        )
+    }
+
     /// Capture backend for the mic gesture: live PTT when the current DM
     /// peer can hear it now, classic voice note otherwise.
     func makeVoiceCaptureSession() -> VoiceCaptureSession {
@@ -193,6 +201,10 @@ final class ConversationUIModel: ObservableObject {
             .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
             .assign(to: &$activeLiveVoiceTalker)
 
+        chatViewModel.$legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest
+            .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
+            .assign(to: &$legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest)
+
         conversations.$activeChannel
             .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
             .sink { [weak self] channel in

bitchat/Identity/IdentityModels.swift

@@ -189,6 +189,18 @@ struct IdentityCache: Codable {
     // Fingerprint -> when we verified it (orders outgoing vouch batches;
     // entries verified before this field exists sort as oldest)
     var verifiedAt: [String: Date]? = nil
+
+    // Stable Noise fingerprints that proved encrypted private-media support
+    // inside an authenticated Noise session. Optional for decoding caches
+    // written before this migration. Entries are monotonic until a panic wipe
+    // so an old/replayed announce cannot silently downgrade a peer.
+    var privateMediaCapableFingerprints: Set<String>? = nil
+
+    // Noise-fingerprint -> Ed25519 announcement key, learned only from the
+    // authenticated peer-state payload. This prevents a self-signed announce
+    // containing a copied public Noise key from replacing a previously bound
+    // public-message signing identity. Optional for old cache compatibility.
+    var authenticatedSigningKeysByFingerprint: [String: Data]? = nil
 }
 
 //

bitchat/Identity/SecureIdentityStateManager.swift

@@ -140,6 +140,14 @@ protocol SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
     func markVouchBatchSent(to fingerprint: String, at date: Date)
     func signingPublicKey(forFingerprint fingerprint: String) -> Data?
     func mostRecentlyVerifiedFingerprints(limit: Int, excluding fingerprint: String) -> [String]
+
+    // MARK: Noise-authenticated announcement identity
+    func bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(_ signingPublicKey: Data, fingerprint: String)
+    func authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint fingerprint: String) -> Data?
+
+    // MARK: Private-media downgrade protection
+    func markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: String)
+    func hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: String) -> Bool
 }
 
 /// Singleton manager for secure identity state persistence and retrieval.
@@ -157,6 +165,7 @@ final class SecureIdentityStateManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
     
     // Thread safety
     private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "bitchat.identity.state", attributes: .concurrent)
+    private let queueSpecificKey = DispatchSpecificKey<UInt8>()
     
     // Pending-save coalescing flag. Reads/writes are serialized on `queue`.
     // Persistence is done with a fire-and-forget `queue.async(.barrier)` rather
@@ -214,6 +223,7 @@ final class SecureIdentityStateManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
 
         self.encryptionKey = loadedKey
         self.encryptionKeyIsEphemeral = keyIsEphemeral
+        queue.setSpecific(key: queueSpecificKey, value: 1)
 
         // Only read the persisted cache when we hold the real key; with an
         // ephemeral key the decrypt would fail and discard the real cache.
@@ -370,6 +380,66 @@ final class SecureIdentityStateManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
             return cryptographicIdentities.values.filter { $0.fingerprint.hasPrefix(peerID.id) }
         }
     }
+
+    // MARK: - Private-media downgrade protection
+
+    func markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: String) {
+        guard !fingerprint.isEmpty else { return }
+        let insertAndPersist = {
+            var pinned = self.cache.privateMediaCapableFingerprints ?? []
+            guard pinned.insert(fingerprint).inserted else { return }
+            self.cache.privateMediaCapableFingerprints = pinned
+            self.saveIdentityCache()
+        }
+        // Downgrade decisions can run immediately after an authenticated
+        // announce. Make the pin visible before returning; merely enqueueing a
+        // barrier leaves a cross-queue window where a replay can look legacy.
+        // The queue-specific fast path prevents self-deadlock if a future
+        // identity-state mutation records the capability from inside `queue`.
+        if DispatchQueue.getSpecific(key: queueSpecificKey) != nil {
+            insertAndPersist()
+        } else {
+            queue.sync(flags: .barrier, execute: insertAndPersist)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: String) -> Bool {
+        guard !fingerprint.isEmpty else { return false }
+        return queue.sync {
+            cache.privateMediaCapableFingerprints?.contains(fingerprint) == true
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Noise-authenticated announcement identity
+
+    func bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(_ signingPublicKey: Data, fingerprint: String) {
+        guard signingPublicKey.count == AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.signingPublicKeyLength,
+              !fingerprint.isEmpty else { return }
+        let bindAndPersist = {
+            var bindings = self.cache.authenticatedSigningKeysByFingerprint ?? [:]
+            let bindingChanged = bindings[fingerprint] != signingPublicKey
+            bindings[fingerprint] = signingPublicKey
+            self.cache.authenticatedSigningKeysByFingerprint = bindings
+            if var cryptoIdentity = self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] {
+                cryptoIdentity.signingPublicKey = signingPublicKey
+                self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] = cryptoIdentity
+            }
+            guard bindingChanged else { return }
+            self.saveIdentityCache()
+        }
+        if DispatchQueue.getSpecific(key: queueSpecificKey) != nil {
+            bindAndPersist()
+        } else {
+            queue.sync(flags: .barrier, execute: bindAndPersist)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint fingerprint: String) -> Data? {
+        guard !fingerprint.isEmpty else { return nil }
+        return queue.sync {
+            cache.authenticatedSigningKeysByFingerprint?[fingerprint]
+        }
+    }
     
     func updateSocialIdentity(_ identity: SocialIdentity) {
         queue.async(flags: .barrier) {

bitchat/Models/NoisePayload.swift

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ struct NoisePayload {
         
         // Safely get the first byte
         let firstByte = data[data.startIndex]
-        guard let type = NoisePayloadType(rawValue: firstByte) else {
+        guard let type = NoisePayloadType.decoded(rawValue: firstByte) else {
             return nil
         }
         

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityConstants.swift

@@ -6,17 +6,60 @@
 // For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
 //
 
+import BitFoundation
 import Foundation
 
 enum NoiseSecurityConstants {
     // Maximum message size to prevent memory exhaustion
     static let maxMessageSize = 65535 // 64KB as per Noise spec
+
+    /// The extracted transport nonce (4 bytes) and Poly1305 tag (16 bytes)
+    /// added by `NoiseCipherState` around every transport plaintext.
+    static let transportCiphertextOverhead = 20
+
+    /// Private files are an explicit BitChat extension to the ordinary Noise
+    /// message-size ceiling. They remain bounded by the same framed-file cap
+    /// used by the binary and fragment decoders. Only the `.privateFile`
+    /// typed-payload path is allowed to use this larger budget.
+    private static let privateFileOuterPacketOverhead =
+        (BinaryProtocol.v1HeaderSize + 2) // v2 adds two length bytes
+        + BinaryProtocol.senderIDSize
+        + BinaryProtocol.recipientIDSize
+    static let maxPrivateFilePlaintextSize = FileTransferLimits.maxFramedFileBytes
+        - privateFileOuterPacketOverhead
+        - transportCiphertextOverhead
+    static let maxPrivateFileCiphertextSize =
+        maxPrivateFilePlaintextSize + transportCiphertextOverhead
     
     // Maximum handshake message size
     static let maxHandshakeMessageSize = 2048 // 2KB to accommodate XX pattern
 
     // Noise XX message 1 contains only the initiator's 32-byte ephemeral key.
     static let xxInitialMessageSize = 32
+
+    // Bounds an ordinary initiator whose message 1 or 2 is lost.
+    static let ordinaryHandshakeTimeout: TimeInterval = 10
+
+    // Bounds the receive-only rollback quarantine created by an unauthenticated
+    // inbound message 1. A lost message 3 must not strand outbound traffic.
+    static let ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: TimeInterval = 20
+
+    // A released client may immediately retry after both crossed initiators
+    // yielded. Give that unilateral retry a brief head start before the
+    // patched side spends its one bounded recovery.
+    static let handshakeCollisionRecoveryDelay: TimeInterval = 0.2
+
+    // Rate-limited recovery remains actionable without spinning.
+    static let handshakeRateLimitRecoveryDelay: TimeInterval = 60
+
+    // Covers only reordering between a winning message 3 and the losing
+    // crossed message 1.
+    static let recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: TimeInterval = 1
+
+    // After unauthenticated responder rollback, reject another attempt long
+    // enough that paced message 1 traffic cannot keep outbound paused. A
+    // legitimate peer converges through the one manager-owned local retry.
+    static let ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown: TimeInterval = 60
     
     // Session timeout - sessions older than this should be renegotiated
     static let sessionTimeout: TimeInterval = 86400 // 24 hours

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityValidator.swift

@@ -14,6 +14,19 @@ struct NoiseSecurityValidator {
     static func validateMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
         return data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessageSize
     }
+
+    static func validateCiphertextSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessageSize
+            + NoiseSecurityConstants.transportCiphertextOverhead
+    }
+
+    static func validatePrivateFileMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxPrivateFilePlaintextSize
+    }
+
+    static func validatePrivateFileCiphertextSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxPrivateFileCiphertextSize
+    }
     
     /// Validate handshake message size
     static func validateHandshakeMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSessionError.swift

@@ -13,3 +13,9 @@ enum NoiseSessionError: Error, Equatable {
     case alreadyEstablished
     case peerIdentityMismatch
 }
+
+/// The manager owns the exact attempt's one bounded recovery. Packet handling
+/// must not launch its historical second, immediate restart for this failure.
+struct NoiseManagedHandshakeFailure: Error {
+    let underlying: Error
+}

bitchat/Noise/SecureNoiseSession.swift

@@ -24,8 +24,12 @@ final class SecureNoiseSession: NoiseSession {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExhausted
         }
         
-        // Validate message size
-        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(plaintext) else {
+        // Ordinary Noise messages keep the protocol ceiling. Finalized media
+        // is the sole typed-payload extension and remains under the framed-file
+        // cap enforced again at the service and file-decoder layers.
+        let isPrivateFile = NoisePayloadType.isPrivateFile(rawValue: plaintext.first)
+            && NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileMessageSize(plaintext)
+        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(plaintext) || isPrivateFile else {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
         }
         
@@ -42,8 +46,11 @@ final class SecureNoiseSession: NoiseSession {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExpired
         }
         
-        // Validate message size
-        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(ciphertext) else {
+        // The payload type is encrypted, so a large candidate can only be
+        // bounded here; `NoiseEncryptionService.decrypt` authenticates it and
+        // then requires the resulting type to be `.privateFile`.
+        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateCiphertextSize(ciphertext)
+                || NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileCiphertextSize(ciphertext) else {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
         }
         

bitchat/Protocols/BitchatFilePacket.swift

@@ -154,3 +154,90 @@ struct BitchatFilePacket {
         )
     }
 }
+
+/// Wire-compatible identity for private media exchanged by clients using the
+/// current iOS entropy-bearing filenames, without extending the deployed file
+/// TLV. Android clients reject unknown file tags, so eligible senders and
+/// receivers derive the receipt key from fields already on the wire.
+///
+/// Locally-created image and voice-note filenames contain a UUID or live-voice
+/// burst ID. Including the normalized direction keeps a reused filename
+/// distinct across chats while allowing short and full Noise-key peer IDs to
+/// converge. Android and older-iOS timestamp-only names remain ineligible and
+/// retain their legacy random local IDs (transfer-compatible, no receipts).
+enum PrivateMediaMessageIdentity {
+    private static let domain = Data("bitchat-private-media-message-v1".utf8)
+    private static let idPrefix = "media-"
+    private static let digestHexLength = 32
+
+    static func isStableID(_ candidate: String) -> Bool {
+        guard candidate.hasPrefix(idPrefix) else { return false }
+        let digest = candidate.dropFirst(idPrefix.count)
+        guard digest.utf8.count == digestHexLength else { return false }
+        return digest.utf8.allSatisfy { byte in
+            (UInt8(ascii: "0")...UInt8(ascii: "9")).contains(byte)
+                || (UInt8(ascii: "a")...UInt8(ascii: "f")).contains(byte)
+        }
+    }
+
+    static func stableID(
+        senderPeerID: PeerID,
+        recipientPeerID: PeerID,
+        fileName: String?
+    ) -> String? {
+        guard let fileName, !fileName.isEmpty else { return nil }
+        let leafName = (fileName as NSString).lastPathComponent
+        guard leafName == fileName else { return nil }
+
+        let path = leafName as NSString
+        let stem = path.deletingPathExtension
+        let fileExtension = path.pathExtension.lowercased()
+        switch true {
+        case stem.hasPrefix("img_"):
+            guard fileExtension == "jpg" || fileExtension == "jpeg" else { return nil }
+        case stem.hasPrefix("voice_"):
+            guard fileExtension == "m4a" else { return nil }
+        default:
+            return nil
+        }
+        let entropyToken = stem.split(separator: "_").last.map(String.init)
+        let hasUUIDEntropy = entropyToken.flatMap(UUID.init(uuidString:)) != nil
+        let voiceBurstID = stem.hasPrefix("voice_")
+            ? String(stem.dropFirst("voice_".count))
+            : ""
+        let hasBurstEntropy = voiceBurstID.count == 16
+            && voiceBurstID.allSatisfy(\.isHexDigit)
+        guard hasUUIDEntropy || hasBurstEntropy else {
+            return nil
+        }
+
+        let fields = [
+            Data(senderPeerID.toShort().bare.utf8),
+            Data(recipientPeerID.toShort().bare.utf8),
+            Data(leafName.utf8)
+        ]
+        var input = domain
+        for field in fields {
+            guard let length = UInt32(exactly: field.count) else { return nil }
+            var bigEndianLength = length.bigEndian
+            withUnsafeBytes(of: &bigEndianLength) {
+                input.append(contentsOf: $0)
+            }
+            input.append(field)
+        }
+
+        return "\(idPrefix)\(input.sha256Hex().prefix(digestHexLength))"
+    }
+
+    static func stableID(
+        for packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        senderPeerID: PeerID,
+        recipientPeerID: PeerID
+    ) -> String? {
+        stableID(
+            senderPeerID: senderPeerID,
+            recipientPeerID: recipientPeerID,
+            fileName: packet.fileName
+        )
+    }
+}

bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift

@@ -79,12 +79,35 @@ enum NoisePayloadType: UInt8 {
     case groupKeyUpdate = 0x07      // Creator-signed group state (key rotation / roster update)
     // Live voice (push-to-talk)
     case voiceFrame = 0x08          // One live voice-burst packet (see VoiceBurstPacket)
+    // Finalized private media. `0x20` is the value already deployed by the
+    // Android client. The complete BitchatFilePacket is encrypted inside
+    // Noise before the outer noiseEncrypted packet is fragmented.
+    case privateFile = 0x20
+    // Versioned peer state authenticated by the surrounding Noise session.
+    // This is intentionally distinct from the public announce: announce
+    // capabilities are discovery hints, while this payload proves possession
+    // of the advertised Noise static key before downgrade state is pinned.
+    case authenticatedPeerState = 0x21
     // Verification (QR-based OOB binding)
     case verifyChallenge = 0x10     // Verification challenge
     case verifyResponse  = 0x11     // Verification response
     // Transitive verification (web of trust)
     case vouch = 0x12               // Batch of vouch attestations
 
+    /// #1434 briefly used 0x09 before release. Accept it while prerelease
+    /// builds age out, but never emit it. Decoders canonicalize both values to
+    /// `.privateFile` so the compatibility alias cannot leak into app logic.
+    static let prereleasePrivateFileRawValue: UInt8 = 0x09
+
+    static func decoded(rawValue: UInt8) -> NoisePayloadType? {
+        rawValue == prereleasePrivateFileRawValue ? .privateFile : Self(rawValue: rawValue)
+    }
+
+    static func isPrivateFile(rawValue: UInt8?) -> Bool {
+        guard let rawValue else { return false }
+        return rawValue == privateFile.rawValue || rawValue == prereleasePrivateFileRawValue
+    }
+
     var description: String {
         switch self {
         case .privateMessage: return "privateMessage"
@@ -93,6 +116,8 @@ enum NoisePayloadType: UInt8 {
         case .groupInvite: return "groupInvite"
         case .groupKeyUpdate: return "groupKeyUpdate"
         case .voiceFrame: return "voiceFrame"
+        case .privateFile: return "privateFile"
+        case .authenticatedPeerState: return "authenticatedPeerState"
         case .verifyChallenge: return "verifyChallenge"
         case .verifyResponse: return "verifyResponse"
         case .vouch: return "vouch"

bitchat/Protocols/Packets.swift

@@ -156,6 +156,89 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
     }
 }
 
+/// State that is authoritative only because it is carried inside an
+/// established Noise session. The public announce remains useful for
+/// discovery, but its self-signature cannot prove possession of the copied
+/// Noise public key it contains.
+///
+/// Wire format (v1):
+/// `[version=0x01][type][length][value]...`
+/// - TLV `0x01`: canonical minimal little-endian `PeerCapabilities`
+/// - TLV `0x02`: 32-byte Ed25519 signing public key
+///
+/// Unknown TLVs are skipped for forward compatibility. Unknown versions,
+/// duplicates, non-canonical capability fields, and malformed lengths are
+/// rejected without changing authenticated state.
+struct AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket: Equatable {
+    static let currentVersion: UInt8 = 1
+    static let signingPublicKeyLength = 32
+
+    let capabilities: PeerCapabilities
+    let signingPublicKey: Data
+
+    private enum TLVType: UInt8 {
+        case capabilities = 0x01
+        case signingPublicKey = 0x02
+    }
+
+    func encode() -> Data? {
+        guard signingPublicKey.count == Self.signingPublicKeyLength else { return nil }
+        let capabilityBytes = capabilities.encoded()
+        guard !capabilityBytes.isEmpty, capabilityBytes.count <= 8 else { return nil }
+
+        var data = Data([Self.currentVersion])
+        data.append(TLVType.capabilities.rawValue)
+        data.append(UInt8(capabilityBytes.count))
+        data.append(capabilityBytes)
+        data.append(TLVType.signingPublicKey.rawValue)
+        data.append(UInt8(signingPublicKey.count))
+        data.append(signingPublicKey)
+        return data
+    }
+
+    static func decode(from data: Data) -> AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket? {
+        guard data.first == Self.currentVersion else { return nil }
+
+        var offset = 1
+        var capabilities: PeerCapabilities?
+        var signingPublicKey: Data?
+
+        while offset < data.count {
+            guard offset + 2 <= data.count else { return nil }
+            let typeRaw = data[offset]
+            let length = Int(data[offset + 1])
+            offset += 2
+            guard offset + length <= data.count else { return nil }
+            let value = Data(data[offset..<(offset + length)])
+            offset += length
+
+            guard let type = TLVType(rawValue: typeRaw) else {
+                continue
+            }
+            switch type {
+            case .capabilities:
+                guard capabilities == nil,
+                      !value.isEmpty,
+                      value.count <= 8 else { return nil }
+                let decoded = PeerCapabilities(encoded: value)
+                guard decoded.encoded() == value else { return nil }
+                capabilities = decoded
+
+            case .signingPublicKey:
+                guard signingPublicKey == nil,
+                      value.count == Self.signingPublicKeyLength else { return nil }
+                signingPublicKey = value
+            }
+        }
+
+        guard let capabilities, let signingPublicKey else { return nil }
+        return AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket(
+            capabilities: capabilities,
+            signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey
+        )
+    }
+}
+
 struct PrivateMessagePacket {
     let messageID: String
     let content: String

bitchat/Protocols/PeerCapabilities+Local.swift

@@ -3,5 +3,11 @@ import BitFoundation
 extension PeerCapabilities {
     /// Capabilities this build advertises in its announce packets.
     /// Each feature adds its bit here when it ships.
-    static let localSupported: PeerCapabilities = [.vouch, .prekeys, .groups]
+    static let localSupported: PeerCapabilities = [
+        .vouch,
+        .prekeys,
+        .groups,
+        .privateMedia,
+        .privateMediaReceipts
+    ]
 }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEAnnounceHandler.swift

@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ struct BLEAnnounceHandlerEnvironment {
     let now: () -> Date
     /// Noise public key already recorded for the peer, if any (registry read).
     let existingNoisePublicKey: (PeerID) -> Data?
+    /// Ed25519 key previously bound to this Noise identity by an authenticated
+    /// peer-state payload, if any (persistent identity-state read).
+    let authenticatedSigningPublicKey: (_ noisePublicKey: Data) -> Data?
     /// Verifies the packet signature against the announced signing key.
     let verifySignature: (_ packet: BitchatPacket, _ signingPublicKey: Data) -> Bool
     /// Direct link state for the peer (BLE-queue read).
@@ -130,11 +133,21 @@ final class BLEAnnounceHandler {
             hasSignature: hasSignature,
             signatureValid: signatureValid,
             existingNoisePublicKey: existingNoisePublicKey,
-            announcedNoisePublicKey: announcement.noisePublicKey
+            announcedNoisePublicKey: announcement.noisePublicKey,
+            authenticatedSigningPublicKey: env.authenticatedSigningPublicKey(
+                announcement.noisePublicKey
+            ),
+            announcedSigningPublicKey: announcement.signingPublicKey
         )
         if case .reject(.keyMismatch) = trustDecision {
             SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ Announce key mismatch for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… — keeping unverified", category: .security)
         }
+        if case .reject(.authenticatedSigningKeyMismatch) = trustDecision {
+            SecureLogger.warning(
+                "⚠️ Announce signing-key replacement rejected for Noise-authenticated peer \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…",
+                category: .security
+            )
+        }
         let verifiedAnnounce = trustDecision.isVerified
 
         var isNewPeer = false

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEAnnounceHandlingPolicy.swift

@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ enum BLEAnnounceTrustRejection: Equatable {
     case missingSignature
     case invalidSignature
     case keyMismatch
+    case authenticatedSigningKeyMismatch
 }
 
 enum BLEAnnounceTrustDecision: Equatable {
@@ -72,12 +73,19 @@ enum BLEAnnounceTrustPolicy {
         hasSignature: Bool,
         signatureValid: Bool,
         existingNoisePublicKey: Data?,
-        announcedNoisePublicKey: Data
+        announcedNoisePublicKey: Data,
+        authenticatedSigningPublicKey: Data? = nil,
+        announcedSigningPublicKey: Data? = nil
     ) -> BLEAnnounceTrustDecision {
         if let existingNoisePublicKey, existingNoisePublicKey != announcedNoisePublicKey {
             return .reject(.keyMismatch)
         }
 
+        if let authenticatedSigningPublicKey,
+           announcedSigningPublicKey != authenticatedSigningPublicKey {
+            return .reject(.authenticatedSigningKeyMismatch)
+        }
+
         guard hasSignature else {
             return .reject(.missingSignature)
         }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEFileTransferHandler.swift

@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment {
     let peersSnapshot: () -> [PeerID: BLEPeerInfo]
     /// Verifies a packet's signature against a candidate signing key (registry path).
     let verifyPacketSignature: (_ packet: BitchatPacket, _ signingPublicKey: Data) -> Bool
+    /// Local signing key used to authenticate our own gossip-sync replays.
+    let localSigningPublicKey: () -> Data
     /// Resolves a display name from a verified packet signature for peers missing from the registry.
     let signedSenderDisplayName: (_ packet: BitchatPacket, _ peerID: PeerID) -> String?
     /// Tracks the broadcast file packet for gossip sync.
@@ -30,10 +32,85 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment {
         _ fallbackExtension: String?,
         _ defaultPrefix: String
     ) -> URL?
+    /// Resolves the durable receiver decision for a stable private-media ID.
+    let privateMediaReceiptState: (
+        _ messageID: String
+    ) -> BLEPrivateMediaReceiptState
+    /// Atomically records a stable private-media ID after the payload save.
+    let commitPrivateMediaFile: (_ messageID: String, _ storedURL: URL) -> Bool
+    /// Rolls back a saved payload when its durable receipt commit fails.
+    let removeIncomingFile: (_ storedURL: URL) -> Void
+    /// Releases the allocator's save-to-UI ownership guard after synchronous
+    /// conversation insertion has completed.
+    let finishIncomingFileDelivery: (_ storedURL: URL) -> Void
+    /// Checks the authenticated sender before any private-media disk work.
+    let isPrivateMediaSenderBlocked: (PeerID) -> Bool
     /// Updates the registry last-seen timestamp for the peer (async barrier write).
     let updatePeerLastSeen: (PeerID) -> Void
-    /// Delivers `.messageReceived` to the UI as one main-actor hop.
-    let deliverMessage: (BitchatMessage) -> Void
+    /// Acknowledges stable private media only after its synchronous
+    /// conversation delivery has completed.
+    let acknowledgePrivateMedia: (_ messageID: String, _ peerID: PeerID) -> Void
+    /// Delivers `.messageReceived` as one main-actor hop while
+    /// `shouldDeliver` remains true before and after the synchronous sink.
+    /// The completion authorizes the stable-media ACK. Finalization runs after
+    /// every delivery attempt, including rejection, so allocator ownership
+    /// cannot leak indefinitely.
+    let deliverMessage: (
+        _ message: BitchatMessage,
+        _ shouldDeliver: @escaping () -> Bool,
+        _ completion: @escaping () -> Void,
+        _ finalization: @escaping (TransportEventDeliveryOutcome) -> Void
+    ) -> Void
+}
+
+/// Process-lifetime reservation cache for stable private-media IDs.
+///
+/// The first arrival reserves its ID before quota enforcement. Concurrent
+/// arrivals remain coalesced in memory, while accepted state is resolved from
+/// the durable ID-to-file ledger so it survives relaunch and becomes retryable
+/// if quota cleanup removed the file.
+private final class PrivateMediaArrivalDeduplicator {
+    enum Reservation {
+        case reserved
+        case pending
+        case accepted(URL)
+        case tombstoned
+        case unavailable
+    }
+
+    private let lock = NSLock()
+    private var pending: Set<String> = []
+
+    func reserve(
+        _ messageID: String,
+        receiptState: () -> BLEPrivateMediaReceiptState
+    ) -> Reservation {
+        lock.lock()
+        defer { lock.unlock() }
+        if pending.contains(messageID) {
+            return .pending
+        }
+
+        switch receiptState() {
+        case .accepted(let existingURL):
+            return .accepted(existingURL)
+        case .tombstoned:
+            return .tombstoned
+        case .unavailable:
+            return .unavailable
+        case .absent:
+            break
+        }
+
+        pending.insert(messageID)
+        return .reserved
+    }
+
+    func finish(_ messageID: String) {
+        lock.lock()
+        defer { lock.unlock() }
+        pending.remove(messageID)
+    }
 }
 
 /// Orchestrates inbound file transfers: self-echo policy, sender display-name
@@ -41,61 +118,204 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment {
 /// and UI delivery.
 final class BLEFileTransferHandler {
     private let environment: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment
+    private let privateMediaArrivals = PrivateMediaArrivalDeduplicator()
 
     init(environment: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment) {
         self.environment = environment
     }
 
-    /// Returns `false` when the packet fails sender authentication and must
-    /// not be relayed onward. Every other outcome returns `true`: files
-    /// directed to another peer are forwarded untouched, and local-only drops
-    /// (malformed payload, quota, save failure) don't affect multi-hop
-    /// delivery to nodes that may handle them fine.
+    /// Returns `false` when the raw packet fails sender authentication (or is
+    /// a live self-echo) and must not be relayed onward. Authentication runs
+    /// before the routing decision, so a forged directed packet cannot use a
+    /// node that is not its recipient as an unsigned forwarding hop.
     @discardableResult
     func handle(_ packet: BitchatPacket, from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
         let env = environment
-        if BLEFileTransferPolicy.isSelfEcho(packet: packet, from: peerID, localPeerID: env.localPeerID()) { return true }
-
-        guard let deliveryPlan = BLEFileTransferPolicy.deliveryPlan(packet: packet, localPeerID: env.localPeerID()) else {
-            return true
-        }
-
+        let localPeerID = env.localPeerID()
         let peersSnapshot = env.peersSnapshot()
-        guard let senderNickname = resolveSenderNickname(
+
+        guard let senderNickname = authenticatedRawSenderNickname(
             packet: packet,
             from: peerID,
-            isBroadcast: !deliveryPlan.isPrivateMessage,
             peers: peersSnapshot,
             env: env
         ) else {
-            SecureLogger.warning("🚫 Dropping file transfer from unverified or unknown peer \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…", category: .security)
+            SecureLogger.warning("🚫 Dropping raw file transfer with missing/invalid signature from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…", category: .security)
             return false
         }
 
+        if BLEFileTransferPolicy.isSelfEcho(packet: packet, from: peerID, localPeerID: localPeerID) {
+            return false
+        }
+
+        guard let deliveryPlan = BLEFileTransferPolicy.deliveryPlan(packet: packet, localPeerID: localPeerID) else {
+            return true
+        }
+
         if deliveryPlan.shouldTrackForSync {
             env.trackPacketSeen(packet)
         }
 
+        _ = storeIncomingPayload(
+            packet.payload,
+            from: peerID,
+            senderNickname: senderNickname,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: Double(packet.timestamp) / 1000),
+            isPrivate: deliveryPlan.isPrivateMessage,
+            usesDurableReceipts: false,
+            env: env
+        )
+        // Once authenticated, a local decode/quota/save failure is not proof
+        // that downstream nodes should be denied the valid signed packet.
+        return true
+    }
+
+    /// Accepts a file packet only after it has been authenticated and
+    /// decrypted by the peer's Noise session. The inner packet deliberately
+    /// has no redundant signature: Noise supplies sender authentication and
+    /// confidentiality, while this handler retains the same validation,
+    /// quota, persistence, and UI-delivery behavior as public files.
+    @discardableResult
+    func handlePrivatePayload(_ payload: Data, from peerID: PeerID, timestamp: Date) -> Bool {
+        let env = environment
+        let peers = env.peersSnapshot()
+        let senderNickname = BLEPeerSenderDisplayName.resolveKnownPeer(
+            peerID: peerID,
+            localPeerID: env.localPeerID(),
+            localNickname: env.localNickname(),
+            peers: peers,
+            allowConnectedUnverified: true
+        ) ?? BLEPeerSenderDisplayName.anonymousNickname(for: peerID)
+
+        return storeIncomingPayload(
+            payload,
+            from: peerID,
+            senderNickname: senderNickname,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            // Every authenticated Noise private-file keeps the stable ID/ACK
+            // contract introduced with capability bit 8. Bit 9 advertises
+            // sender-side automatic retry support; it must not downgrade
+            // prior iOS clients to random IDs or single-check delivery.
+            usesDurableReceipts: true,
+            env: env
+        )
+    }
+
+    private func storeIncomingPayload(
+        _ payload: Data,
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        senderNickname: String,
+        timestamp: Date,
+        isPrivate: Bool,
+        usesDurableReceipts: Bool,
+        env: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment
+    ) -> Bool {
+
+        let localPeerID = env.localPeerID()
         let filePacket: BitchatFilePacket
         let mime: MimeType
-        switch BLEIncomingFileValidator.validate(payload: packet.payload) {
+        switch BLEIncomingFileValidator.validate(payload: payload) {
         case .success(let acceptance):
             filePacket = acceptance.filePacket
             mime = acceptance.mime
         case .failure(.malformedPayload):
             SecureLogger.error("❌ Failed to decode file transfer payload", category: .session)
-            return true
+            return false
         case .failure(.payloadTooLarge(let bytes)):
             SecureLogger.warning("🚫 Dropping file transfer exceeding size cap (\(bytes) bytes)", category: .security)
-            return true
+            return false
         case .failure(.unsupportedMime(let mimeType, let bytes)):
             SecureLogger.warning("🚫 MIME REJECT: '\(mimeType ?? "<empty>")' not supported. Size=\(bytes)b from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))...", category: .security)
-            return true
+            return false
         case .failure(.magicMismatch(let mime, let bytes, let prefixHex)):
             SecureLogger.warning("🚫 MAGIC REJECT: MIME='\(mime)' size=\(bytes)b prefix=[\(prefixHex)] from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))...", category: .security)
+            return false
+        }
+
+        if isPrivate, env.isPrivateMediaSenderBlocked(peerID) {
+            SecureLogger.debug(
+                "🚫 Dropping private media from blocked peer \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… before disk write",
+                category: .security
+            )
             return true
         }
 
+        let messageID = usesDurableReceipts
+            ? PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+                for: filePacket,
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipientPeerID: localPeerID
+            )
+            : nil
+        if let messageID {
+            switch privateMediaArrivals.reserve(
+                messageID,
+                receiptState: { env.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID) }
+            ) {
+            case .reserved:
+                break
+            case .pending:
+                // The first arrival has not reached durable storage yet.
+                // Coalesce this retry without ACKing so a failed first save
+                // remains retryable by the sender.
+                SecureLogger.debug(
+                    "📁 Coalesced in-flight private media id=\(messageID.prefix(12))… from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return true
+            case .accepted(let existingFile):
+                env.updatePeerLastSeen(peerID)
+                let message = incomingMessage(
+                    messageID: messageID,
+                    senderNickname: senderNickname,
+                    timestamp: timestamp,
+                    isPrivate: true,
+                    peerID: peerID,
+                    destination: existingFile,
+                    category: storedMediaCategory(
+                        for: existingFile,
+                        fallback: mime.category
+                    ),
+                    env: env
+                )
+                SecureLogger.debug(
+                    "📁 Restored durable private media duplicate id=\(messageID.prefix(12))… from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… -> \(existingFile.lastPathComponent)",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                deliverStableMessage(
+                    message,
+                    messageID: messageID,
+                    peerID: peerID,
+                    expectedURL: existingFile,
+                    env: env
+                )
+                return true
+            case .tombstoned:
+                // Explicit deletion is a durable terminal receiver decision.
+                env.updatePeerLastSeen(peerID)
+                env.acknowledgePrivateMedia(messageID, peerID)
+                SecureLogger.debug(
+                    "📁 Dropped explicitly deleted private media id=\(messageID.prefix(12))… from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return true
+            case .unavailable:
+                // Never turn an unreadable ledger into an empty ledger. The
+                // sender can retry after the transient storage failure clears.
+                SecureLogger.warning(
+                    "📁 Withholding private media id=\(messageID.prefix(12))… while durable receipt state is unavailable",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return true
+            }
+        }
+        defer {
+            if let messageID {
+                privateMediaArrivals.finish(messageID)
+            }
+        }
+
         // BCH-01-002: Enforce storage quota before saving
         env.enforceStorageQuota(filePacket.content.count)
 
@@ -106,82 +326,175 @@ final class BLEFileTransferHandler {
             mime.defaultExtension,
             mime.category.rawValue
         ) else {
-            return true
+            return false
         }
 
-        if deliveryPlan.isPrivateMessage {
+        if let messageID,
+           !env.commitPrivateMediaFile(messageID, destination) {
+            // A payload without its durable ID mapping cannot safely suppress
+            // a retry after relaunch. Roll it back and withhold UI/ACK.
+            env.removeIncomingFile(destination)
+            return false
+        }
+
+        if isPrivate {
             env.updatePeerLastSeen(peerID)
         }
 
-        let ts = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: Double(packet.timestamp) / 1000)
-        let message = BitchatMessage(
-            sender: senderNickname,
-            content: "\(mime.category.messagePrefix)\(destination.lastPathComponent)",
-            timestamp: ts,
-            isRelay: false,
-            originalSender: nil,
-            isPrivate: deliveryPlan.isPrivateMessage,
-            recipientNickname: nil,
-            senderPeerID: peerID,
-            // Received messages need an explicit status: BitchatMessage
-            // defaults private messages to .sending, which the media views
-            // render as an in-flight send (empty reveal mask, disabled tap).
-            deliveryStatus: deliveryPlan.isPrivateMessage
-                ? .delivered(to: env.localNickname(), at: ts)
-                : nil
+        let message = incomingMessage(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            senderNickname: senderNickname,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            isPrivate: isPrivate,
+            peerID: peerID,
+            destination: destination,
+            category: mime.category,
+            env: env
         )
 
         SecureLogger.debug("📁 Stored incoming media from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… -> \(destination.lastPathComponent)", category: .session)
 
-        env.deliverMessage(message)
+        if let messageID {
+            deliverStableMessage(
+                message,
+                messageID: messageID,
+                peerID: peerID,
+                expectedURL: destination,
+                env: env
+            )
+        } else {
+            env.deliverMessage(
+                message,
+                { true },
+                {},
+                { outcome in
+                    if outcome == .rejected {
+                        // Raw media has no durable receipt that can redeliver
+                        // it later. Do not leave a newly saved, UI-unowned file
+                        // available for a stale fallback path to misidentify.
+                        env.removeIncomingFile(destination)
+                    } else {
+                        // Plain delegates are invoked without synchronous
+                        // insertion confirmation. Preserve the payload for
+                        // that supported delivery path.
+                        env.finishIncomingFileDelivery(destination)
+                    }
+                }
+            )
+        }
         return true
     }
 
-    /// Resolves the authenticated display name for a file transfer's sender.
-    ///
-    /// Directed (private) transfers are addressed to us specifically and keep
-    /// the lenient connected-peer path. Broadcast transfers carry an
-    /// attacker-controllable `senderID` exactly like public messages and public
-    /// voice frames — registry membership alone is NOT proof of identity, so a
-    /// valid packet signature from the claimed sender is required before we
-    /// trust it. Without this, a peer that observed a public voice burst could
-    /// spoof a broadcast `voice_<burstID>.m4a` note under the talker's ID and
-    /// overwrite the signature-verified live bubble with attacker audio.
-    private func resolveSenderNickname(
+    private func deliverStableMessage(
+        _ message: BitchatMessage,
+        messageID: String,
+        peerID: PeerID,
+        expectedURL: URL,
+        env: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment
+    ) {
+        env.deliverMessage(
+            message,
+            {
+                guard case .accepted(let resolvedURL) =
+                        env.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID) else {
+                    return false
+                }
+                return resolvedURL.standardizedFileURL
+                    == expectedURL.standardizedFileURL
+            },
+            {
+                env.acknowledgePrivateMedia(messageID, peerID)
+            },
+            { _ in
+                env.finishIncomingFileDelivery(expectedURL)
+            }
+        )
+    }
+
+    private func incomingMessage(
+        messageID: String?,
+        senderNickname: String,
+        timestamp: Date,
+        isPrivate: Bool,
+        peerID: PeerID,
+        destination: URL,
+        category: MimeType.Category,
+        env: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment
+    ) -> BitchatMessage {
+        BitchatMessage(
+            id: messageID,
+            sender: senderNickname,
+            content: "\(category.messagePrefix)\(destination.lastPathComponent)",
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            isRelay: false,
+            originalSender: nil,
+            isPrivate: isPrivate,
+            recipientNickname: nil,
+            senderPeerID: peerID,
+            // Received messages need an explicit status: BitchatMessage
+            // defaults private messages to .sending, which media views render
+            // as an in-flight send.
+            deliveryStatus: isPrivate
+                ? .delivered(to: env.localNickname(), at: timestamp)
+                : nil
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// The durable URL is authoritative during reconstruction. A sender that
+    /// reuses a stable filename with a different MIME type must not change how
+    /// the already-stored payload renders.
+    private func storedMediaCategory(
+        for url: URL,
+        fallback: MimeType.Category
+    ) -> MimeType.Category {
+        let mediaDirectory = url
+            .deletingLastPathComponent()
+            .deletingLastPathComponent()
+            .lastPathComponent
+        switch mediaDirectory {
+        case MimeType.Category.audio.mediaDir:
+            return .audio
+        case MimeType.Category.image.mediaDir:
+            return .image
+        case MimeType.Category.file.mediaDir:
+            return .file
+        default:
+            return fallback
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Every remaining raw file transfer is signed, regardless of whether it
+    /// is broadcast, addressed to us, or merely passing through. Registry
+    /// signing keys are preferred; persisted identities cover peers that have
+    /// rotated or are not currently present in the registry.
+    private func authenticatedRawSenderNickname(
         packet: BitchatPacket,
         from peerID: PeerID,
-        isBroadcast: Bool,
         peers: [PeerID: BLEPeerInfo],
         env: BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment
     ) -> String? {
-        guard isBroadcast else {
-            return BLEPeerSenderDisplayName.resolveKnownPeer(
-                peerID: peerID,
-                localPeerID: env.localPeerID(),
-                localNickname: env.localNickname(),
-                peers: peers,
-                allowConnectedUnverified: true
-            ) ?? env.signedSenderDisplayName(packet, peerID)
-        }
+        guard packet.signature != nil else { return nil }
 
-        // Our own broadcasts replayed back via gossip sync (ttl==0) are
-        // trivially authentic and cannot be verified against the peer registry
-        // or identity cache, so exempt self exactly as `BLEPublicMessageHandler`
-        // does. Verify against the signing key already in the
-        // (synchronously-updated) registry first, then fall back to the
-        // persisted-identity signature lookup for peers not yet cached there.
-        let isSelf = peerID == env.localPeerID()
-        let registrySigningKey = peers[peerID]?.signingPublicKey
-        let verifiedViaRegistry = !isSelf && (registrySigningKey.map { env.verifyPacketSignature(packet, $0) } ?? false)
-        let signedDisplayName = (isSelf || verifiedViaRegistry) ? nil : env.signedSenderDisplayName(packet, peerID)
-        guard isSelf || verifiedViaRegistry || signedDisplayName != nil else { return nil }
+        let localPeerID = env.localPeerID()
+        let candidateKey = peerID == localPeerID
+            ? env.localSigningPublicKey()
+            : peers[peerID]?.signingPublicKey
+        let verifiedWithKnownKey = candidateKey.map {
+            env.verifyPacketSignature(packet, $0)
+        } ?? false
+        let signedDisplayName = verifiedWithKnownKey
+            ? nil
+            : env.signedSenderDisplayName(packet, peerID)
+        guard verifiedWithKnownKey || signedDisplayName != nil else { return nil }
 
         return BLEPeerSenderDisplayName.resolveKnownPeer(
             peerID: peerID,
-            localPeerID: env.localPeerID(),
+            localPeerID: localPeerID,
             localNickname: env.localNickname(),
             peers: peers,
-            allowConnectedUnverified: false
-        ) ?? signedDisplayName
+            // The packet signature authenticates the announced peer; the old
+            // connected-but-unsigned leniency is not involved.
+            allowConnectedUnverified: true
+        ) ?? signedDisplayName ?? BLEPeerSenderDisplayName.anonymousNickname(for: peerID)
     }
 }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEFragmentAssemblyBuffer.swift

@@ -201,8 +201,11 @@ struct BLEFragmentAssemblyBuffer {
     }
 
     private static func assemblyLimit(for originalType: UInt8) -> Int {
-        if originalType == MessageType.fileTransfer.rawValue {
+        if originalType == MessageType.fileTransfer.rawValue
+            || originalType == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue {
             // Allow headroom for TLV metadata and binary framing overhead.
+            // A large noiseEncrypted packet can be an E2E-encrypted private
+            // file; its authenticated plaintext is validated after decrypt.
             return FileTransferLimits.maxFramedFileBytes
         }
 

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEIncomingFileStore.swift

@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ struct PanicRecoveryOperations {
     }
 }
 
-struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
+struct BLEIncomingFileStore: @unchecked Sendable {
     enum PanicRecoveryError: Error {
         case externalMarkerCommitFailed
         case markerWriteFailed(Error)
@@ -103,7 +103,17 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         )
     }
 
-    private static let quotaBytes: Int64 = 100 * 1024 * 1024
+    struct PrivateMediaDeletionReservation: Sendable {
+        fileprivate let id: UUID
+    }
+
+    private final class PayloadCoordination: @unchecked Sendable {
+        let lock = NSLock()
+        var pendingDeliveryPaths: Set<String> = []
+        var deletionReservations: [UUID: Set<String>] = [:]
+    }
+
+    private static let defaultQuotaBytes: Int64 = 100 * 1024 * 1024
     /// Kept outside `files/` so deleting the media tree cannot erase the
     /// fail-closed startup decision before the full panic has committed.
     private static let panicRecoveryPendingMarkerFileName =
@@ -120,7 +130,6 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         "files/incoming",
         "files/outgoing"
     ]
-
     /// Name prefix of in-flight live voice captures (progressively written by
     /// `ChatLiveVoiceCoordinator`). Quota eviction skips them by pattern —
     /// deleting one mid-stream unlinks the inode under an open `FileHandle`
@@ -134,6 +143,9 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
     private let baseDirectory: URL?
     private let dateProvider: () -> Date
     private let panicMarkerWriter: (Data, URL) throws -> Void
+    private let quotaBytes: Int64
+    private let privateMediaReceipts: BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore
+    private let payloadCoordination: PayloadCoordination
 
     init(
         fileManager: FileManager = .default,
@@ -141,12 +153,20 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         dateProvider: @escaping () -> Date = Date.init,
         panicMarkerWriter: @escaping (Data, URL) throws -> Void = {
             try $0.write(to: $1, options: .atomic)
-        }
+        },
+        quotaBytes: Int64 = Self.defaultQuotaBytes
     ) {
         self.fileManager = fileManager
         self.baseDirectory = baseDirectory
         self.dateProvider = dateProvider
         self.panicMarkerWriter = panicMarkerWriter
+        self.quotaBytes = max(0, quotaBytes)
+        self.privateMediaReceipts = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            fileManager: fileManager,
+            baseDirectory: baseDirectory,
+            now: dateProvider
+        )
+        self.payloadCoordination = PayloadCoordination()
     }
 
     /// Panic-wipe every managed incoming and outgoing media artifact before
@@ -159,6 +179,22 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
     func panicWipe(
         hasDurablePendingMarker: Bool = false
     ) throws {
+        // The receipt index caches tombstones as well as accepted payloads,
+        // while payload coordination retains save/delete reservations. Always
+        // invalidate both on return, including partial-failure paths, so no
+        // pre-panic receiver decision survives after identity reset.
+        defer {
+            privateMediaReceipts.resetForPanic()
+            payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+            payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths.removeAll(
+                keepingCapacity: false
+            )
+            payloadCoordination.deletionReservations.removeAll(
+                keepingCapacity: false
+            )
+            payloadCoordination.lock.unlock()
+        }
+
         let markerError: Error?
         do {
             try markPanicRecoveryPending()
@@ -240,6 +276,9 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         fallbackExtension: String?,
         defaultPrefix: String
     ) -> URL? {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer { payloadCoordination.lock.unlock() }
+
         do {
             let base = try filesDirectory().appendingPathComponent(subdirectory, isDirectory: true)
             try fileManager.createDirectory(at: base, withIntermediateDirectories: true, attributes: nil)
@@ -248,8 +287,26 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
                 defaultName: "\(defaultPrefix)_\(Self.timestampString(from: dateProvider()))",
                 fallbackExtension: fallbackExtension
             )
-            let destination = uniqueFileURL(in: base, fileName: sanitized)
+            let reservedPaths = privateMediaReceipts.reservedPayloadPaths()
+            let deletionPaths = payloadCoordination
+                .deletionReservations.values.reduce(into: Set<String>()) {
+                    $0.formUnion($1)
+                }
+            let allocationReservations = deletionPaths.union(
+                payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths
+            )
+            let destination = uniqueFileURL(
+                in: base,
+                fileName: sanitized,
+                reservedPaths: (reservedPaths ?? []).union(
+                    allocationReservations
+                ),
+                forceRandomizedName: reservedPaths == nil
+            )
             try data.write(to: destination, options: .atomic)
+            payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths.insert(
+                destination.standardizedFileURL.path
+            )
             return destination
         } catch {
             SecureLogger.error("❌ Failed to persist incoming media: \(error)", category: .session)
@@ -257,12 +314,111 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         }
     }
 
+    func privateMediaReceiptState(
+        messageID: String
+    ) -> BLEPrivateMediaReceiptState {
+        privateMediaReceipts.state(for: messageID)
+    }
+
+    func commitPrivateMediaFile(
+        messageID: String,
+        storedURL: URL
+    ) -> Bool {
+        privateMediaReceipts.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: storedURL
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Reserves every receipt/UI path before the asynchronous deletion
+    /// barrier. Allocation and reservation share one lock, so either an
+    /// in-flight raw arrival is observed and deletion fails closed, or the
+    /// arrival is forced onto a different filename.
+    func reservePrivateMediaDeletion(
+        messageIDs: [String],
+        payloadRelativePaths: [String: String]
+    ) -> PrivateMediaDeletionReservation? {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer { payloadCoordination.lock.unlock() }
+
+        guard let paths = privateMediaReceipts
+            .prospectiveDeletionPayloadPaths(
+                messageIDs: messageIDs,
+                payloadRelativePaths: payloadRelativePaths
+            ),
+        paths.isDisjoint(
+            with: payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths
+        ) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+
+        let reservation = PrivateMediaDeletionReservation(id: UUID())
+        payloadCoordination.deletionReservations[reservation.id] = paths
+        return reservation
+    }
+
+    func commitPrivateMediaDeletion(
+        reservation: PrivateMediaDeletionReservation,
+        messageIDs: [String],
+        payloadRelativePaths: [String: String],
+        protectedPayloadRelativePaths: Set<String>
+    ) -> Bool {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer {
+            payloadCoordination.deletionReservations.removeValue(
+                forKey: reservation.id
+            )
+            payloadCoordination.lock.unlock()
+        }
+        guard payloadCoordination.deletionReservations[reservation.id] != nil
+        else {
+            return false
+        }
+        return privateMediaReceipts.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: messageIDs,
+            payloadRelativePaths: payloadRelativePaths,
+            protectedPayloadRelativePaths: protectedPayloadRelativePaths
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Releases the short window between disk save and synchronous
+    /// conversation insertion. Before this callback, a deletion transaction
+    /// may not infer ownership from a stale bubble that names the same path.
+    func finishIncomingFileDelivery(at storedURL: URL) {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer { payloadCoordination.lock.unlock() }
+        payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths.remove(
+            storedURL.standardizedFileURL.path
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Best-effort rollback for a payload whose durable receipt commit failed.
+    func removeIncomingFile(at storedURL: URL) {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer { payloadCoordination.lock.unlock() }
+        payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths.remove(
+            storedURL.standardizedFileURL.path
+        )
+        guard isURLInsideFilesDirectory(storedURL) else { return }
+        do {
+            try fileManager.removeItem(at: storedURL)
+        } catch {
+            SecureLogger.warning(
+                "⚠️ Failed to roll back uncommitted incoming media: \(error)",
+                category: .session
+            )
+        }
+    }
+
     /// Frees least-recently-modified incoming files until `reservingBytes`
     /// fits under the quota. Files named `voice_live_*` (in-flight live
     /// captures) are never evicted regardless of who triggers enforcement —
     /// a finalized transfer can arrive at quota while a burst is still
     /// streaming — but they still count toward usage.
     func enforceQuota(reservingBytes: Int) {
+        payloadCoordination.lock.lock()
+        defer { payloadCoordination.lock.unlock() }
+
         do {
             let base = try filesDirectory()
             let incomingDirs = [
@@ -288,14 +444,26 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
             }
 
             let currentUsage = allFiles.reduce(0) { $0 + $1.size }
-            let targetUsage = Self.quotaBytes - Int64(reservingBytes)
+            let targetUsage = quotaBytes - Int64(reservingBytes)
             guard currentUsage > targetUsage else { return }
 
             let needToFree = currentUsage - targetUsage
+            let activeDeletionPaths = payloadCoordination
+                .deletionReservations.values.reduce(into: Set<String>()) {
+                    $0.formUnion($1)
+                }
+            let protectedPaths = activeDeletionPaths.union(
+                payloadCoordination.pendingDeliveryPaths
+            )
             var freedSpace: Int64 = 0
             for file in allFiles.sorted(by: { $0.modified < $1.modified }) {
                 guard freedSpace < needToFree else { break }
                 guard !file.url.lastPathComponent.hasPrefix(Self.liveCapturePrefix) else { continue }
+                guard !protectedPaths.contains(
+                    file.url.standardizedFileURL.path
+                ) else {
+                    continue
+                }
                 do {
                     try fileManager.removeItem(at: file.url)
                     freedSpace += file.size
@@ -349,6 +517,13 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         ]
     }
 
+    private func isURLInsideFilesDirectory(_ url: URL) -> Bool {
+        guard let filesDirectory = try? filesDirectory().standardizedFileURL else {
+            return false
+        }
+        return url.standardizedFileURL.path.hasPrefix(filesDirectory.path + "/")
+    }
+
     private func sanitizedFileName(_ name: String?, defaultName: String, fallbackExtension: String?) -> String {
         var candidate = (name ?? "")
             .replacingOccurrences(of: "\0", with: "")
@@ -376,11 +551,20 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
         return candidate.isEmpty ? defaultName : candidate
     }
 
-    private func uniqueFileURL(in directory: URL, fileName: String) -> URL {
+    private func uniqueFileURL(
+        in directory: URL,
+        fileName: String,
+        reservedPaths: Set<String>,
+        forceRandomizedName: Bool
+    ) -> URL {
         let directoryPath = directory.standardizedFileURL.path
         func isInsideDirectory(_ url: URL) -> Bool {
             url.standardizedFileURL.path.hasPrefix(directoryPath + "/")
         }
+        func isAvailable(_ url: URL) -> Bool {
+            !reservedPaths.contains(url.standardizedFileURL.path)
+                && !fileManager.fileExists(atPath: url.path)
+        }
 
         var candidate = directory.appendingPathComponent(fileName)
         guard isInsideDirectory(candidate) else {
@@ -388,19 +572,27 @@ struct BLEIncomingFileStore {
             return directory.appendingPathComponent("blocked_\(UUID().uuidString)")
         }
 
-        if !fileManager.fileExists(atPath: candidate.path) {
+        let baseName = (fileName as NSString).deletingPathExtension
+        let ext = (fileName as NSString).pathExtension
+        if forceRandomizedName {
+            let suffix = UUID().uuidString
+            let randomizedName = ext.isEmpty
+                ? "\(baseName)_\(suffix)"
+                : "\(baseName)_\(suffix).\(ext)"
+            return directory.appendingPathComponent(randomizedName)
+        }
+
+        if isAvailable(candidate) {
             return candidate
         }
 
-        let baseName = (fileName as NSString).deletingPathExtension
-        let ext = (fileName as NSString).pathExtension
         for counter in 1..<100 {
             let newName = ext.isEmpty ? "\(baseName) (\(counter))" : "\(baseName) (\(counter)).\(ext)"
             candidate = directory.appendingPathComponent(newName)
             guard isInsideDirectory(candidate) else {
                 return directory.appendingPathComponent("blocked_\(UUID().uuidString)")
             }
-            if !fileManager.fileExists(atPath: candidate.path) {
+            if isAvailable(candidate) {
                 return candidate
             }
         }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLENoisePacketHandler.swift

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import BitFoundation
 import BitLogger
+import CryptoKit
 import Foundation
 
 struct BLENoiseHandshakeHandlingResult {
@@ -7,6 +8,11 @@ struct BLENoiseHandshakeHandlingResult {
     let didEstablishAuthenticatedSession: Bool
 }
 
+struct BLENoiseDecryptionResult {
+    let plaintext: Data
+    let sessionGeneration: UUID
+}
+
 /// Narrow environment for `BLENoisePacketHandler`.
 ///
 /// All queue hops (collections barrier writes, main-actor UI notification)
@@ -28,6 +34,8 @@ struct BLENoisePacketHandlerEnvironment {
             -> NoiseHandshakeProcessingResult
     /// Whether any Noise session (established or pending) exists for the peer (crypto).
     let hasNoiseSession: (PeerID) -> Bool
+    /// Whether an inbound ordinary XX responder is waiting for message 3.
+    let isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion: (PeerID) -> Bool
     /// Initiates a fresh Noise handshake with the peer (crypto + send).
     let initiateHandshake: (PeerID) -> Void
     /// Broadcasts a packet on the mesh (caller is already on the message queue).
@@ -35,9 +43,16 @@ struct BLENoisePacketHandlerEnvironment {
     /// Updates the registry last-seen timestamp for the peer (async barrier write).
     let updatePeerLastSeen: (PeerID) -> Void
     /// Decrypts an encrypted payload from the peer (crypto).
-    let decrypt: (_ payload: Data, _ peerID: PeerID) throws -> Data
+    let decrypt: (_ payload: Data, _ peerID: PeerID) throws -> BLENoiseDecryptionResult
     /// Clears the peer's Noise session after an unrecoverable decrypt failure (crypto).
     let clearSession: (PeerID) -> Void
+    /// Consumes session-authenticated protocol state inside the transport. It
+    /// must never escape to UI or Nostr payload dispatch.
+    let handleAuthenticatedPeerState: (
+        _ peerID: PeerID,
+        _ payload: Data,
+        _ sessionGeneration: UUID
+    ) -> Void
     /// Delivers `.noisePayloadReceived` to the UI as one main-actor hop.
     let deliverNoisePayload: (
         _ peerID: PeerID,
@@ -51,15 +66,36 @@ struct BLENoisePacketHandlerEnvironment {
 /// processing (with response), encrypted payload decryption and dispatch,
 /// and session recovery on decrypt failure.
 final class BLENoisePacketHandler {
+    private struct DeferredCiphertext {
+        let packet: BitchatPacket
+        let receivedAt: Date
+    }
+
+    /// Early post-handshake packets are normally tiny control messages or
+    /// queued DMs. Keep the recovery surface deliberately small so an
+    /// unauthenticated half-handshake cannot create an unbounded memory queue.
+    private static let maxDeferredPacketsPerPeer = 4
+    private static let maxDeferredPacketsGlobal = 32
+    /// One legacy sender can immediately follow message 3 with the largest
+    /// valid private-file ciphertext and has no application-level retry. Keep
+    /// room for that packet plus a small control-message budget.
+    private static let maxDeferredBytes =
+        NoiseSecurityConstants.maxPrivateFileCiphertextSize + 256 * 1024
+    private static let deferredLifetime =
+        NoiseSecurityConstants.ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout
+
     private let environment: BLENoisePacketHandlerEnvironment
+    private let deferredLock = NSLock()
+    private var deferredCiphertexts: [PeerID: [DeferredCiphertext]] = [:]
+    private var deferredCiphertextBytes = 0
 
     init(environment: BLENoisePacketHandlerEnvironment) {
         self.environment = environment
     }
 
     /// Returns true when the handshake message was processed successfully.
-    /// Callers use this to distinguish an authenticated replacement completion
-    /// from a rejected candidate while an older session remains established.
+    /// Callers use this to distinguish an authenticated reconnect completion
+    /// from a rejected ordinary responder while rollback state is restored.
     @discardableResult
     func handleHandshake(_ packet: BitchatPacket, from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
         handleHandshakeWithResult(packet, from: peerID).processed
@@ -93,15 +129,23 @@ final class BLENoisePacketHandler {
                     env.broadcastPacket(responsePacket)
                 }
 
-                // Session establishment will trigger onPeerAuthenticated callback
-                // which will send any pending messages at the right time
+                // The serialized authentication callback installs transport
+                // state before it drains any bounded early ciphertext.
                 return BLENoiseHandshakeHandlingResult(
                     processed: true,
                     didEstablishAuthenticatedSession:
                         result.didEstablishAuthenticatedSession
                 )
+            } catch let managedFailure as NoiseManagedHandshakeFailure {
+                SecureLogger.error(
+                    "Failed to process handshake; manager owns recovery: \(managedFailure.underlying)"
+                )
+                return BLENoiseHandshakeHandlingResult(
+                    processed: false,
+                    didEstablishAuthenticatedSession: false
+                )
             } catch NoiseSessionError.peerIdentityMismatch {
-                // The candidate was already discarded by the session manager.
+                // The responder was already discarded by the session manager.
                 // Do not let a spoofed claimed ID trigger a fresh outbound
                 // handshake or recreate state for the attacker-selected ID.
                 SecureLogger.warning(
@@ -131,6 +175,30 @@ final class BLENoisePacketHandler {
     }
 
     func handleEncrypted(_ packet: BitchatPacket, from peerID: PeerID) {
+        handleEncrypted(packet, from: peerID, isDeferredRetry: false)
+    }
+
+    /// Called by the transport's serialized authentication callback after it
+    /// has installed state for the promoted or restored session generation.
+    func handleSessionAuthenticated(_ peerID: PeerID) {
+        drainDeferredCiphertextsIfReady(for: peerID)
+    }
+
+    /// Synchronously discards ciphertext retained for a pre-panic Noise
+    /// generation. The handler survives the service's identity replacement,
+    /// so keeping this queue would replay old bytes after post-panic auth.
+    func resetForPanic() {
+        deferredLock.lock()
+        deferredCiphertexts.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+        deferredCiphertextBytes = 0
+        deferredLock.unlock()
+    }
+
+    private func handleEncrypted(
+        _ packet: BitchatPacket,
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        isDeferredRetry: Bool
+    ) {
         let env = environment
         guard let recipientID = PeerID(hexData: packet.recipientID) else {
             SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ Encrypted message has no recipient ID", category: .session)
@@ -146,35 +214,231 @@ final class BLENoisePacketHandler {
         env.updatePeerLastSeen(peerID)
 
         do {
-            let decrypted = try env.decrypt(packet.payload, peerID)
+            let decryption = try env.decrypt(packet.payload, peerID)
+            let decrypted = decryption.plaintext
             guard decrypted.count > 0 else { return }
 
             // First byte indicates the payload type
             let payloadType = decrypted[0]
             let payloadData = decrypted.dropFirst()
 
-            guard let noisePayloadType = NoisePayloadType(rawValue: payloadType) else {
+            guard let noisePayloadType = NoisePayloadType.decoded(rawValue: payloadType) else {
                 SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ Unknown noise payload type: \(payloadType)")
                 return
             }
 
             SecureLogger.debug("🔐 Decrypted noise payload type \(noisePayloadType.description) from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
 
+            if noisePayloadType == .authenticatedPeerState {
+                env.handleAuthenticatedPeerState(
+                    peerID,
+                    Data(payloadData),
+                    decryption.sessionGeneration
+                )
+                return
+            }
+
             let ts = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: Double(packet.timestamp) / 1000)
             env.deliverNoisePayload(peerID, noisePayloadType, Data(payloadData), ts)
+        } catch NoiseEncryptionError.transportGenerationNotReady {
+            if isDeferredRetry {
+                SecureLogger.warning(
+                    "Dropping deferred Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… because its authenticated transport generation changed again",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return
+            }
+            // The manager promoted or restored keys before BLE's serialized
+            // callback installed generation-bound transport state. The
+            // manager rejected this before decrypting, so replay is safe.
+            deferCiphertext(packet, from: peerID)
         } catch NoiseEncryptionError.sessionNotEstablished {
+            if isDeferredRetry {
+                SecureLogger.warning(
+                    "Dropping deferred Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… because the authenticated session is unavailable",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return
+            }
             // We received an encrypted message before establishing a session with this peer.
-            // Trigger a handshake so future messages can be decrypted.
+            // An initiator may already have sent message 3 followed by this
+            // ciphertext, with BLE delivering the ciphertext first.
+            if env.isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion(peerID) {
+                deferCiphertext(packet, from: peerID)
+                return
+            }
+            // Otherwise trigger a handshake so future messages can decrypt.
             SecureLogger.debug("🔑 Encrypted message from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… without session; initiating handshake")
             if !env.hasNoiseSession(peerID) {
                 env.initiateHandshake(peerID)
             }
         } catch {
+            if isDeferredRetry {
+                // An early packet cannot tear down the authenticated session
+                // merely because its single bounded retry still fails.
+                SecureLogger.warning(
+                    "Dropping deferred Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… after retry failed: \(error)",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                return
+            }
+            // A responder may retain an older transport as receive-only
+            // rollback state while ordinary XX waits for message 3. New-key
+            // ciphertext can fail against those retained receive keys first.
+            if env.isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion(peerID) {
+                if isDeferrableEarlyHandshakeFailure(error) {
+                    deferCiphertext(packet, from: peerID)
+                } else {
+                    SecureLogger.warning(
+                        "Dropping invalid Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… while responder handshake is completing: \(error)",
+                        category: .session
+                    )
+                }
+                return
+            }
+            if isDropOnlyCiphertextFailure(error) {
+                // The packet is attacker-controlled and did not prove a
+                // transport-state failure. Never let malformed, replayed,
+                // forged, oversized, or rate-limited bytes evict working keys.
+                SecureLogger.warning(
+                    "Dropping rejected Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… without clearing its session: \(error)",
+                    category: .security
+                )
+                return
+            }
             // Decryption failed - clear the corrupted session and re-initiate handshake
-            // This handles cases where session state got out of sync (nonce mismatch, etc.)
+            // Only local/session lifecycle failures reach this path.
             SecureLogger.error("❌ Failed to decrypt message from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…: \(error) - clearing session and re-initiating handshake")
             env.clearSession(peerID)
             env.initiateHandshake(peerID)
         }
     }
+
+    private func isDeferrableEarlyHandshakeFailure(_ error: Error) -> Bool {
+        if let noiseError = error as? NoiseError {
+            switch noiseError {
+            case .authenticationFailure, .replayDetected:
+                return true
+            default:
+                return false
+            }
+        }
+        if let cryptoError = error as? CryptoKitError,
+           case .authenticationFailure = cryptoError {
+            return true
+        }
+        return false
+    }
+
+    private func isDropOnlyCiphertextFailure(_ error: Error) -> Bool {
+        if let securityError = error as? NoiseSecurityError {
+            switch securityError {
+            case .messageTooLarge, .rateLimitExceeded, .invalidPeerID:
+                return true
+            case .sessionExpired, .sessionExhausted:
+                return false
+            }
+        }
+        if let noiseError = error as? NoiseError {
+            switch noiseError {
+            case .invalidCiphertext, .authenticationFailure, .replayDetected:
+                return true
+            case .uninitializedCipher, .handshakeComplete,
+                    .handshakeNotComplete, .missingLocalStaticKey,
+                    .missingKeys, .invalidMessage, .invalidPublicKey,
+                    .nonceExceeded:
+                return false
+            }
+        }
+        return error is CryptoKitError
+    }
+
+    private func deferCiphertext(_ packet: BitchatPacket, from peerID: PeerID) {
+        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileCiphertextSize(
+            packet.payload
+        ) else {
+            SecureLogger.warning(
+                "Dropping oversized early Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…",
+                category: .security
+            )
+            return
+        }
+
+        let now = environment.now()
+        deferredLock.lock()
+        defer { deferredLock.unlock() }
+        purgeExpiredCiphertextsLocked(now: now)
+
+        let peerCount = deferredCiphertexts[peerID]?.count ?? 0
+        let globalCount = deferredCiphertexts.values.reduce(0) {
+            $0 + $1.count
+        }
+        guard peerCount < Self.maxDeferredPacketsPerPeer,
+              globalCount < Self.maxDeferredPacketsGlobal,
+              deferredCiphertextBytes + packet.payload.count
+                <= Self.maxDeferredBytes else {
+            SecureLogger.warning(
+                "Dropping early Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… because the handshake buffer is full",
+                category: .security
+            )
+            return
+        }
+
+        deferredCiphertexts[peerID, default: []].append(
+            DeferredCiphertext(packet: packet, receivedAt: now)
+        )
+        deferredCiphertextBytes += packet.payload.count
+        SecureLogger.debug(
+            "Deferring early Noise ciphertext from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… until responder handshake completion",
+            category: .session
+        )
+    }
+
+    private func drainDeferredCiphertextsIfReady(for peerID: PeerID) {
+        let env = environment
+        guard !env.isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion(peerID),
+              env.hasNoiseSession(peerID) else {
+            return
+        }
+
+        let now = env.now()
+        deferredLock.lock()
+        purgeExpiredCiphertextsLocked(now: now)
+        let deferred = deferredCiphertexts.removeValue(forKey: peerID) ?? []
+        deferredCiphertextBytes -= deferred.reduce(0) {
+            $0 + $1.packet.payload.count
+        }
+        deferredLock.unlock()
+
+        guard !deferred.isEmpty else { return }
+        SecureLogger.debug(
+            "Retrying \(deferred.count) early Noise ciphertext packet(s) from \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… after handshake completion",
+            category: .session
+        )
+        for item in deferred {
+            handleEncrypted(item.packet, from: peerID, isDeferredRetry: true)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func purgeExpiredCiphertextsLocked(now: Date) {
+        for peerID in Array(deferredCiphertexts.keys) {
+            guard let items = deferredCiphertexts[peerID] else { continue }
+            let retained = items.filter {
+                now.timeIntervalSince($0.receivedAt) <= Self.deferredLifetime
+            }
+            guard retained.count != items.count else { continue }
+
+            deferredCiphertextBytes -= items.reduce(0) {
+                $0 + $1.packet.payload.count
+            }
+            deferredCiphertextBytes += retained.reduce(0) {
+                $0 + $1.packet.payload.count
+            }
+            if retained.isEmpty {
+                deferredCiphertexts.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+            } else {
+                deferredCiphertexts[peerID] = retained
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLENoisePayloadFactory.swift

@@ -17,6 +17,16 @@ enum BLENoisePayloadFactory {
         typedPayload(.delivered, payload: Data(messageID.utf8))
     }
 
+    static func privateFile(_ filePacket: BitchatFilePacket) -> Data? {
+        guard let payload = filePacket.encode() else { return nil }
+        return typedPayload(.privateFile, payload: payload)
+    }
+
+    static func authenticatedPeerState(_ state: AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket) -> Data? {
+        guard let payload = state.encode() else { return nil }
+        return typedPayload(.authenticatedPeerState, payload: payload)
+    }
+
     static func typedPayload(_ type: NoisePayloadType, payload: Data) -> Data {
         var typed = Data([type.rawValue])
         typed.append(payload)

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLENoiseReconnectPolicy.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Bounds ordinary Noise revalidation to one attempt per physical-link epoch.
+/// A live epoch may retry after the cooldown so a lost handshake cannot leave
+/// the link permanently unauthenticated.
+struct BLENoiseReconnectPolicy {
+    static let minimumRetryInterval: TimeInterval = 60
+
+    private var lastAttemptAt: [BLEIngressLinkID: Date] = [:]
+
+    mutating func shouldRevalidate(
+        on link: BLEIngressLinkID,
+        hasEstablishedSession: Bool,
+        isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: Bool,
+        hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: Bool,
+        now: Date
+    ) -> Bool {
+        guard hasEstablishedSession,
+              !isNoiseAuthenticatedLink,
+              !hasAuthenticatedPeerLink else {
+            return false
+        }
+        if let previous = lastAttemptAt[link],
+           now.timeIntervalSince(previous) < Self.minimumRetryInterval {
+            return false
+        }
+        lastAttemptAt[link] = now
+        return true
+    }
+
+    /// Link identifiers can be stable across CoreBluetooth reconnects, so a
+    /// disconnect explicitly starts a new epoch and permits one fresh attempt.
+    mutating func endLinkEpoch(_ link: BLEIngressLinkID) {
+        lastAttemptAt.removeValue(forKey: link)
+    }
+
+    mutating func removeAll() {
+        lastAttemptAt.removeAll()
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLENoiseSessionQueues.swift

@@ -6,9 +6,16 @@ struct BLEPendingPrivateMessage: Equatable {
     let messageID: String
 }
 
+struct BLEPendingTypedPayload: Equatable {
+    let payload: Data
+    /// Present for app-initiated media so handshake queuing preserves the
+    /// fragment scheduler's progress/cancellation identity.
+    let transferId: String?
+}
+
 struct BLENoiseSessionQueues {
     private var privateMessagesByPeerID: [PeerID: [BLEPendingPrivateMessage]] = [:]
-    private var typedPayloadsByPeerID: [PeerID: [Data]] = [:]
+    private var typedPayloadsByPeerID: [PeerID: [BLEPendingTypedPayload]] = [:]
 
     var isEmpty: Bool {
         privateMessagesByPeerID.isEmpty && typedPayloadsByPeerID.isEmpty
@@ -34,13 +41,35 @@ struct BLENoiseSessionQueues {
         privateMessagesByPeerID[peerID, default: []].insert(contentsOf: messages, at: 0)
     }
 
-    mutating func appendTypedPayload(_ payload: Data, for peerID: PeerID) {
-        typedPayloadsByPeerID[peerID, default: []].append(payload)
+    mutating func appendTypedPayload(_ payload: Data, transferId: String? = nil, for peerID: PeerID) {
+        typedPayloadsByPeerID[peerID, default: []].append(
+            BLEPendingTypedPayload(payload: payload, transferId: transferId)
+        )
     }
 
-    mutating func takeTypedPayloads(for peerID: PeerID) -> [Data] {
+    mutating func takeTypedPayloads(for peerID: PeerID) -> [BLEPendingTypedPayload] {
         let payloads = typedPayloadsByPeerID[peerID] ?? []
         typedPayloadsByPeerID.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
         return payloads
     }
+
+    func containsTypedPayload(transferId: String) -> Bool {
+        typedPayloadsByPeerID.values.contains { payloads in
+            payloads.contains { $0.transferId == transferId }
+        }
+    }
+
+    @discardableResult
+    mutating func removeTypedPayload(transferId: String) -> Bool {
+        for peerID in Array(typedPayloadsByPeerID.keys) {
+            guard var payloads = typedPayloadsByPeerID[peerID],
+                  let index = payloads.firstIndex(where: { $0.transferId == transferId }) else {
+                continue
+            }
+            payloads.remove(at: index)
+            typedPayloadsByPeerID[peerID] = payloads.isEmpty ? nil : payloads
+            return true
+        }
+        return false
+    }
 }

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner.swift

@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ struct BLEOutboundFragmentPlan {
 }
 
 enum BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner {
+    /// Current Android receivers reject fragment sets above 256. Private
+    /// media v1 treats that deployed ceiling as a cross-platform contract.
+    static let privateMediaV1MaxFragments = 256
     private static let minimumChunkSize = 64
     private static let fragmentIDLength = 8
 
@@ -71,6 +74,10 @@ enum BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner {
         )
     }
 
+    static func isPrivateMediaV1Compatible(_ plan: BLEOutboundFragmentPlan) -> Bool {
+        plan.totalFragments <= privateMediaV1MaxFragments
+    }
+
     private static func sizingPolicy(
         for packet: BitchatPacket,
         requestedMaxChunk: Int?,

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEOutboundFragmentTransferScheduler.swift

@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ struct BLEOutboundFragmentTransferRequest {
     }
 
     var resolvedTransferId: String? {
+        if let transferId { return transferId }
         guard packet.type == MessageType.fileTransfer.rawValue else { return nil }
-        return transferId ?? packet.payload.sha256Hex()
+        return packet.payload.sha256Hex()
     }
 
     /// Content identity independent of the caller-chosen transfer ID: the

bitchat/Services/BLE/BLEPeerRegistry.swift

@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ struct BLEPeerInfo: Equatable {
     var isVerifiedNickname: Bool
     var lastSeen: Date
     var capabilities: PeerCapabilities = []
+    /// Distinguishes an old client that omitted the capabilities TLV from a
+    /// modern client that explicitly advertised a set without a given bit.
+    var capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised: Bool = false
     /// Rendezvous cell from the peer's announce when it advertises `.bridge`.
     var bridgeGeohash: String?
 }
@@ -114,6 +117,10 @@ struct BLEPeerRegistry {
         peers[peerID.toShort()]?.capabilities ?? []
     }
 
+    func capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised(for peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        peers[peerID.toShort()]?.capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised == true
+    }
+
     /// Peers whose last verified announce advertised the given capability.
     func peers(advertising capability: PeerCapabilities) -> [PeerID] {
         peers.values.filter { $0.capabilities.contains(capability) }.map(\.peerID)
@@ -174,6 +181,14 @@ struct BLEPeerRegistry {
         peers[peerID] = peer
     }
 
+    /// Replaces the announcement signing key only after the surrounding Noise
+    /// session proved possession of this peer's static key.
+    mutating func bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(_ key: Data, for peerID: PeerID) {
+        guard var peer = peers[peerID.toShort()] else { return }
+        peer.signingPublicKey = key
+        peers[peer.peerID] = peer
+    }
+
     mutating func upsertVerifiedAnnounce(
         peerID: PeerID,
         nickname: String,
@@ -181,7 +196,7 @@ struct BLEPeerRegistry {
         signingPublicKey: Data?,
         isConnected: Bool,
         now: Date,
-        capabilities: PeerCapabilities = [],
+        capabilities: PeerCapabilities? = nil,
         bridgeGeohash: String? = nil
     ) -> BLEPeerAnnounceUpdate {
         let existing = peers[peerID]
@@ -199,7 +214,8 @@ struct BLEPeerRegistry {
             signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey,
             isVerifiedNickname: true,
             lastSeen: now,
-            capabilities: capabilities,
+            capabilities: capabilities ?? [],
+            capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised: capabilities != nil,
             bridgeGeohash: bridgeGeohash
         )
 

bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift

@@ -165,7 +165,6 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
     // Peer fingerprints (SHA256 hash of static public key)
     private var peerFingerprints: [PeerID: String] = [:]
     private var fingerprintToPeerID: [String: PeerID] = [:]
-    
     // Thread safety
     private let serviceQueue = DispatchQueue(label: "chat.bitchat.noise.service", attributes: .concurrent)
     
@@ -183,12 +182,24 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
     
     // Callbacks
     private var onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers: [((PeerID, String) -> Void)] = [] // Array of handlers for peer authentication
+    private var onPeerAuthenticatedWithGenerationHandlers: [((PeerID, String, UUID) -> Void)] = []
     var onHandshakeRequired: ((PeerID) -> Void)? // peerID needs handshake
+    /// Automatic rekey prepared XX message 1. The transport must claim the
+    /// exact attempt at its actual BLE handoff; a crossed inbound initiation
+    /// can invalidate the token before that point.
+    var onRekeyHandshakeReady:
+        ((_ peerID: PeerID, _ initiation: NoiseHandshakeInitiation) -> Void)?
+    var onHandshakeRecoveryRequired:
+        ((_ request: NoiseHandshakeRecoveryRequest) -> Void)?
+    /// An unauthenticated reconnect attempt failed or timed out and the
+    /// receive-only rollback session became the active transport again.
+    /// Transport queues must be drained for this exact restored generation.
+    var onSessionRestoredWithGeneration: ((_ peerID: PeerID, _ generation: UUID) -> Void)?
     
     // Add a handler for peer authentication
     func addOnPeerAuthenticatedHandler(_ handler: @escaping (PeerID, String) -> Void) {
-        serviceQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
-            self?.onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers.append(handler)
+        serviceQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers.append(handler)
         }
     }
     
@@ -201,8 +212,30 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
             }
         }
     }
+
+    /// Generation-aware authentication notifications are used by protocols
+    /// whose state must be bound to one exact Noise transport session.
+    var onPeerAuthenticatedWithGeneration: ((PeerID, String, UUID) -> Void)? {
+        get { nil }
+        set {
+            guard let handler = newValue else { return }
+            serviceQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+                onPeerAuthenticatedWithGenerationHandlers.append(handler)
+            }
+        }
+    }
     
-    init(keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol) {
+    init(
+        keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol,
+        ordinaryHandshakeTimeout: TimeInterval =
+            NoiseSecurityConstants.ordinaryHandshakeTimeout,
+        ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: TimeInterval =
+            NoiseSecurityConstants.ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout,
+        recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: TimeInterval =
+            NoiseSecurityConstants.recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod,
+        ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown: TimeInterval =
+            NoiseSecurityConstants.ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown
+    ) {
         self.keychain = keychain
         self.localPrekeys = LocalPrekeyStore(keychain: keychain)
 
@@ -292,11 +325,31 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         self.signingPublicKey = signingKey.publicKey
 
         // Initialize session manager
-        self.sessionManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: staticIdentityKey, keychain: keychain)
+        self.sessionManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: staticIdentityKey,
+            keychain: keychain,
+            ordinaryHandshakeTimeout: ordinaryHandshakeTimeout,
+            ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout:
+                ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod:
+                recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod,
+            ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown:
+                ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown
+        )
 
         // Set up session callbacks
-        sessionManager.onSessionEstablished = { [weak self] peerID, remoteStaticKey in
-            self?.handleSessionEstablished(peerID: peerID, remoteStaticKey: remoteStaticKey)
+        sessionManager.onSessionEstablished = { [weak self] peerID, remoteStaticKey, generation in
+            self?.handleSessionEstablished(
+                peerID: peerID,
+                remoteStaticKey: remoteStaticKey,
+                sessionGeneration: generation
+            )
+        }
+        sessionManager.onSessionRestored = { [weak self] peerID, generation in
+            self?.onSessionRestoredWithGeneration?(peerID, generation)
+        }
+        sessionManager.onHandshakeRecoveryRequired = { [weak self] request in
+            self?.onHandshakeRecoveryRequired?(request)
         }
 
         // Start session maintenance timer
@@ -661,6 +714,90 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         let handshakeData = try sessionManager.initiateHandshake(with: peerID)
         return handshakeData
     }
+
+    /// Atomically admits and prepares one initial ordinary handshake. Returns
+    /// nil when another discovery callback already created a session.
+    func initiateHandshakeIfNeeded(
+        with peerID: PeerID,
+        retryOnTimeout: Bool = false
+    ) throws -> NoiseHandshakeInitiation? {
+        guard peerID.isValid else {
+            SecureLogger.warning(.authenticationFailed(peerID: peerID.id))
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.invalidPeerID
+        }
+
+        guard let initiation = try sessionManager.initiateHandshakeIfAbsent(
+            with: peerID,
+            notifyOnTimeout: retryOnTimeout,
+            authorize: { [rateLimiter] in
+                guard rateLimiter.allowHandshake(from: peerID) else {
+                    SecureLogger.warning(
+                        .authenticationFailed(peerID: "Rate limited: \(peerID)")
+                    )
+                    throw NoiseSecurityError.rateLimitExceeded
+                }
+            }
+        ) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        SecureLogger.info(.handshakeStarted(peerID: peerID.id))
+        return initiation
+    }
+
+    /// Atomically prepares an ordinary reconnect for a peer whose cached
+    /// transport belongs to an earlier physical link. Failed authorization or
+    /// handshake setup preserves the established session.
+    func initiateReconnectHandshake(
+        with peerID: PeerID,
+        retryOnTimeout: Bool = false
+    ) throws -> NoiseHandshakeInitiation {
+        guard peerID.isValid else {
+            SecureLogger.warning(.authenticationFailed(peerID: peerID.id))
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.invalidPeerID
+        }
+
+        return try sessionManager.initiateReconnectHandshake(
+            with: peerID,
+            notifyOnTimeout: retryOnTimeout,
+            authorize: { [rateLimiter] in
+                guard rateLimiter.allowHandshake(from: peerID) else {
+                    SecureLogger.warning(
+                        .authenticationFailed(peerID: "Rate limited: \(peerID)")
+                    )
+                    throw NoiseSecurityError.rateLimitExceeded
+                }
+            }
+        )
+    }
+
+    func prepareHandshakeRecovery(
+        _ request: NoiseHandshakeRecoveryRequest
+    ) throws -> NoiseHandshakeRecoveryPreparation? {
+        try sessionManager.prepareHandshakeRecovery(
+            request,
+            authorizeAttempt: { [rateLimiter] in
+                guard rateLimiter.allowHandshake(from: request.peerID) else {
+                    SecureLogger.warning(
+                        .authenticationFailed(
+                            peerID: "Rate limited: \(request.peerID)"
+                        )
+                    )
+                    throw NoiseSecurityError.rateLimitExceeded
+                }
+            }
+        )
+    }
+
+    func cancelHandshakeRecovery(_ request: NoiseHandshakeRecoveryRequest) {
+        sessionManager.cancelHandshakeRecovery(request)
+    }
+
+    func claimHandshakeInitiation(
+        _ initiation: NoiseHandshakeInitiation,
+        for peerID: PeerID
+    ) -> Data? {
+        sessionManager.claimHandshakeInitiation(initiation, for: peerID)
+    }
     
     /// Process an incoming handshake message
     func processHandshakeMessage(from peerID: PeerID, message: Data) throws -> Data? {
@@ -716,6 +853,13 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
     func hasSession(with peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
         return sessionManager.getSession(for: peerID) != nil
     }
+
+    /// True while an inbound ordinary XX responder is waiting for message 3.
+    /// A small amount of immediately-following ciphertext may arrive first
+    /// over BLE and must be retried only after responder promotion.
+    func isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion(with peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        sessionManager.isAwaitingResponderHandshakeCompletion(for: peerID)
+    }
     
     // MARK: - Encryption/Decryption
     
@@ -740,25 +884,87 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         
         return try sessionManager.encrypt(data, for: peerID)
     }
-    
-    /// Decrypt data from a specific peer
-    func decrypt(_ data: Data, from peerID: PeerID) throws -> Data {
-        // Validate message size
-        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(data) else {
+
+    /// Encrypts a finalized private-media packet. Ordinary Noise application
+    /// messages retain the 64 KiB ceiling; this purpose-specific path permits
+    /// the bounded `BitchatFilePacket` envelope and refuses every other typed
+    /// payload so the larger allocation budget cannot become a generic bypass.
+    func encryptPrivateFilePayload(
+        _ data: Data,
+        for peerID: PeerID,
+        sessionGeneration: UUID? = nil
+    ) throws -> Data {
+        guard NoisePayloadType.isPrivateFile(rawValue: data.first),
+              NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileMessageSize(data) else {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
         }
-        
-        // Check rate limit
+
         guard rateLimiter.allowMessage(from: peerID) else {
             throw NoiseSecurityError.rateLimitExceeded
         }
-        
-        // Check if we have an established session
+
         guard hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) else {
+            onHandshakeRequired?(peerID)
+            throw NoiseEncryptionError.handshakeRequired
+        }
+
+        // `maxPrivateFilePlaintextSize` already subtracts the cipher's fixed
+        // nonce/tag overhead, so the result is bounded without a second copy.
+        if let sessionGeneration {
+            return try sessionManager.encrypt(
+                data,
+                for: peerID,
+                expectedSessionGeneration: sessionGeneration
+            )
+        }
+        return try sessionManager.encrypt(data, for: peerID)
+    }
+    
+    /// Decrypt data from a specific peer
+    func decrypt(_ data: Data, from peerID: PeerID) throws -> Data {
+        try decryptWithSessionGeneration(data, from: peerID).plaintext
+    }
+
+    func decryptWithSessionGeneration(
+        _ data: Data,
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        establishedGenerationIsReady: (UUID) -> Bool = { _ in true }
+    ) throws -> (plaintext: Data, sessionGeneration: UUID) {
+        // Standard transport ciphertext has 20 bytes of nonce/tag overhead.
+        // A larger ciphertext is admitted only up to the framed-file ceiling;
+        // after authenticated decryption it must prove it is `.privateFile`.
+        let isStandardCiphertext = NoiseSecurityValidator.validateCiphertextSize(data)
+        let isAdmittedCiphertext = isStandardCiphertext
+            || NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileCiphertextSize(data)
+        
+        // A quarantined transport is deliberately unavailable for outbound
+        // state, but remains receive-only until the responder proves identity
+        // or the bounded rollback restores it.
+        guard sessionManager.hasReceiveSession(for: peerID) else {
             throw NoiseEncryptionError.sessionNotEstablished
         }
         
-        return try sessionManager.decrypt(data, from: peerID)
+        let result = try sessionManager.decryptWithSessionGeneration(
+            data,
+            from: peerID,
+            establishedGenerationIsReady:
+                establishedGenerationIsReady,
+            authorizeDecrypt: { [rateLimiter] in
+                guard isAdmittedCiphertext else {
+                    throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
+                }
+                guard rateLimiter.allowMessage(from: peerID) else {
+                    throw NoiseSecurityError.rateLimitExceeded
+                }
+            }
+        )
+        if !isStandardCiphertext {
+            guard NoisePayloadType.isPrivateFile(rawValue: result.plaintext.first),
+                  NoiseSecurityValidator.validatePrivateFileMessageSize(result.plaintext) else {
+                throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
+            }
+        }
+        return result
     }
     
     // MARK: - Peer Management
@@ -770,6 +976,25 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         }
     }
 
+    func sessionGeneration(for peerID: PeerID) -> UUID? {
+        sessionManager.sessionGeneration(for: peerID)
+    }
+
+    /// Runs `body` while holding a read lease on the exact session generation.
+    /// Session insertion, replacement, and removal use the same manager
+    /// barrier, so they cannot interleave with an authenticated-state commit.
+    func withCurrentSessionGeneration<Result>(
+        for peerID: PeerID,
+        expected: UUID,
+        _ body: () -> Result
+    ) -> Result? {
+        sessionManager.withCurrentSessionGeneration(
+            for: peerID,
+            expected: expected,
+            body
+        )
+    }
+
     func clearEphemeralStateForPanic() {
         sessionManager.removeAllSessions()
         serviceQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
@@ -792,24 +1017,36 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
     
     // MARK: - Private Helpers
     
-    private func handleSessionEstablished(peerID: PeerID, remoteStaticKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey) {
+    private func handleSessionEstablished(
+        peerID: PeerID,
+        remoteStaticKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey,
+        sessionGeneration: UUID
+    ) {
         // Calculate fingerprint
         let fingerprint = remoteStaticKey.rawRepresentation.sha256Fingerprint()
         
-        // Store fingerprint mapping
-        serviceQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+        // Registering handlers is synchronous, and this barrier snapshots them
+        // with the fingerprint update. Invoke the snapshot outside the queue:
+        // parallel Swift Testing workers must not block behind queued callback
+        // registration or allow a handler to re-enter serviceQueue.
+        let handlers: (
+            generationAware: [(PeerID, String, UUID) -> Void],
+            legacy: [(PeerID, String) -> Void]
+        ) = serviceQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
             peerFingerprints[peerID] = fingerprint
             fingerprintToPeerID[fingerprint] = peerID
+            return (onPeerAuthenticatedWithGenerationHandlers, onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers)
         }
         
         // Log security event
         SecureLogger.info(.handshakeCompleted(peerID: peerID.id))
         
-        // Notify all handlers about authentication
-        serviceQueue.async { [weak self] in
-            self?.onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers.forEach { handler in
-                handler(peerID, fingerprint)
-            }
+        // Notify all handlers about authentication.
+        handlers.generationAware.forEach { handler in
+            handler(peerID, fingerprint, sessionGeneration)
+        }
+        handlers.legacy.forEach { handler in
+            handler(peerID, fingerprint)
         }
     }
         
@@ -830,19 +1067,26 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         let sessionsNeedingRekey = sessionManager.getSessionsNeedingRekey()
         
         for (peerID, needsRekey) in sessionsNeedingRekey where needsRekey {
-            
-            // Attempt to rekey the session
             do {
-                try sessionManager.initiateRekey(for: peerID)
-                SecureLogger.debug("Key rotation initiated for peer: \(peerID)", category: .security)
-                
-                // Signal that handshake is needed
-                onHandshakeRequired?(peerID)
+                try initiateAutomaticRekey(for: peerID)
             } catch {
                 SecureLogger.error(error, context: "Failed to initiate rekey for peer: \(peerID)", category: .session)
             }
         }
     }
+
+    private func initiateAutomaticRekey(for peerID: PeerID) throws {
+        let initiation = try sessionManager.initiateRekey(for: peerID)
+        SecureLogger.debug("Key rotation initiated for peer: \(peerID)", category: .security)
+        onRekeyHandshakeReady?(peerID, initiation)
+        onHandshakeRequired?(peerID)
+    }
+
+    #if DEBUG
+    func _test_initiateAutomaticRekey(for peerID: PeerID) throws {
+        try initiateAutomaticRekey(for: peerID)
+    }
+    #endif
     
     deinit {
         stopRekeyTimer()
@@ -930,6 +1174,9 @@ struct NoiseMessage: Codable {
 enum NoiseEncryptionError: Error {
     case handshakeRequired
     case sessionNotEstablished
+    /// Manager keys are established or restored, but BLE has not installed
+    /// generation-bound transport state. No receive nonce was consumed.
+    case transportGenerationNotReady
     /// Envelope references a prekey ID we don't hold (never ours, already
     /// deleted after its grace window, or wiped in a panic).
     case unknownPrekey

bitchat/Services/TransferProgressManager.swift

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ final class TransferProgressManager {
         case updated(id: String, sentFragments: Int, totalFragments: Int)
         case completed(id: String, totalFragments: Int)
         case cancelled(id: String, sentFragments: Int, totalFragments: Int)
+        case rejected(id: String, reason: String)
     }
 
     private let subject = PassthroughSubject<Event, Never>()
@@ -49,6 +50,17 @@ final class TransferProgressManager {
         }
     }
 
+    /// Fails a preflight check while keeping the outgoing placeholder visible
+    /// with an actionable reason instead of treating policy/size rejection as
+    /// a user cancellation.
+    func rejectBeforeStart(id: String, reason: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.states.removeValue(forKey: id)
+            self.subject.send(.rejected(id: id, reason: reason))
+        }
+    }
+
     func snapshot(id: String) -> (sent: Int, total: Int)? {
         var result: (sent: Int, total: Int)?
         queue.sync {

bitchat/Services/Transport.swift

@@ -83,10 +83,44 @@ enum TransportEvent: @unchecked Sendable {
     case bluetoothStateUpdated(CBManagerState)
 }
 
+/// Downgrade-safe decision for a private-media recipient. Callers ask before
+/// prompting, and BLEService checks again when it consumes any one-shot
+/// legacy consent.
+enum PrivateMediaSendPolicy: Equatable {
+    case encrypted
+    /// A public announce hinted at encrypted media (or a prior authenticated
+    /// pin exists), but this exact Noise session has not yet supplied its
+    /// authenticated peer-state proof. Callers wait boundedly; they must not
+    /// pre-queue encrypted bytes or silently select the legacy path.
+    case awaitingCapabilityProof
+    case legacyRequiresConsent
+    case blockedDowngrade
+}
+
+/// Receiver-only persistence surface for explicit private-media deletion.
+/// Kept separate from `Transport` so sender retry branches can rebase without
+/// inheriting or implementing receiver storage concerns.
+protocol PrivateMediaDeletionPersisting: AnyObject {
+    @MainActor
+    func persistDeletedPrivateMedia(
+        messageIDs: [String],
+        payloadRelativePaths: [String: String],
+        protectedPayloadRelativePaths: Set<String>,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (Bool) -> Void
+    )
+}
+
 protocol TransportEventDelegate: AnyObject {
     @MainActor func didReceiveTransportEvent(_ event: TransportEvent)
 }
 
+/// Optional typed-event contract for sinks that can synchronously decide
+/// whether an inbound message was accepted.
+protocol SynchronousMessageTransportEventDelegate: TransportEventDelegate {
+    @MainActor
+    func didReceiveTransportMessageSynchronously(_ message: BitchatMessage) -> Bool
+}
+
 protocol Transport: AnyObject {
     // Event sink
     var delegate: BitchatDelegate? { get set }
@@ -163,6 +197,20 @@ protocol Transport: AnyObject {
     func sendDeliveryAck(for messageID: String, to peerID: PeerID)
     func sendFileBroadcast(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, transferId: String)
     func sendFilePrivate(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, to peerID: PeerID, transferId: String)
+    func sendFilePrivate(
+        _ packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String,
+        allowLegacyFallback: Bool
+    )
+    /// Automatic whole-file retry is admitted only while this exact Noise
+    /// generation authenticates bit 9. It must never queue across a session
+    /// replacement or enter the signed raw legacy path.
+    func sendFilePrivateReceiptRetry(
+        _ packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String
+    )
     func cancelTransfer(_ transferId: String)
 
     // Live voice / push-to-talk (mesh transports only): one encoded
@@ -208,6 +256,16 @@ protocol Transport: AnyObject {
     /// Capabilities the peer advertised in its last verified announce;
     /// empty for peers that predate the capabilities TLV.
     func peerCapabilities(_ peerID: PeerID) -> PeerCapabilities
+    func privateMediaSendPolicy(to peerID: PeerID) -> PrivateMediaSendPolicy
+    /// The exact current Noise generation that authenticated both encrypted
+    /// private media (bit 8) and durable receipts/retry (bit 9).
+    func authenticatedPrivateMediaReceiptSessionGeneration(
+        to peerID: PeerID
+    ) -> UUID?
+    func resolvePrivateMediaSendPolicy(
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (PrivateMediaSendPolicy) -> Void
+    )
     /// Sends an encoded vouch-attestation batch inside the Noise session.
     func sendVouchAttestations(_ payload: Data, to peerID: PeerID)
     /// Appends a peer-authenticated observer. Unlike
@@ -278,6 +336,21 @@ extension Transport {
     func sendGroupKeyUpdate(_ statePayload: Data, to peerID: PeerID) {}
     func broadcastGroupMessage(_ envelope: Data) {}
     func peerCapabilities(_ peerID: PeerID) -> PeerCapabilities { [] }
+    func privateMediaSendPolicy(to peerID: PeerID) -> PrivateMediaSendPolicy { .blockedDowngrade }
+    func authenticatedPrivateMediaReceiptSessionGeneration(
+        to peerID: PeerID
+    ) -> UUID? {
+        nil
+    }
+    func resolvePrivateMediaSendPolicy(
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (PrivateMediaSendPolicy) -> Void
+    ) {
+        let policy = privateMediaSendPolicy(to: peerID)
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            completion(policy == .awaitingCapabilityProof ? .blockedDowngrade : policy)
+        }
+    }
     func sendVouchAttestations(_ payload: Data, to peerID: PeerID) {}
     func addPeerAuthenticatedObserver(_ handler: @escaping (PeerID, String) -> Void) {}
     func sendCourierMessage(_ content: String, messageID: String, recipientNoiseKey: Data, via couriers: [PeerID]) -> Bool { false }
@@ -294,6 +367,20 @@ extension Transport {
     func currentMeshTopology() -> MeshTopologySnapshot? { nil }
     func sendFileBroadcast(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, transferId: String) {}
     func sendFilePrivate(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, to peerID: PeerID, transferId: String) {}
+    func sendFilePrivate(
+        _ packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String,
+        allowLegacyFallback: Bool
+    ) {
+        guard !allowLegacyFallback else { return }
+        sendFilePrivate(packet, to: peerID, transferId: transferId)
+    }
+    func sendFilePrivateReceiptRetry(
+        _ packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String
+    ) {}
     func cancelTransfer(_ transferId: String) {}
 
     func sendMessage(_ content: String, mentions: [String], messageID: String, timestamp: Date) {

bitchat/Services/TransportConfig.swift

@@ -9,6 +9,19 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let bleMaxInFlightAssemblies: Int = 128          // Cap concurrent fragment assemblies
     static let bleHighDegreeThreshold: Int = 6              // For adaptive TTL/probabilistic relays
     static let bleMaxConcurrentTransfers: Int = 2           // Limit simultaneous large media sends
+    // Bounded wait for the session-authenticated capability proof used by
+    // private-media migration. Expiry never auto-sends clear bytes; it only
+    // resolves to the existing one-shot consent or downgrade-blocked path.
+    static let privateMediaCapabilityProofTimeoutSeconds: TimeInterval = 5
+    static let privateMediaCapabilityProofPendingPeerCap: Int = 64
+    static let privateMediaCapabilityProofWaitersPerPeerCap: Int = 16
+    /// Accepted private-media receipts and explicit-deletion tombstones each
+    /// receive this independent capacity.
+    static let privateMediaReceivedLedgerCapacity: Int = 4_096
+    /// A bounded retry horizon prevents stable receipt state from growing into
+    /// permanent application history.
+    static let privateMediaReceivedLedgerTTLSeconds: TimeInterval =
+        7 * 24 * 60 * 60
     static let bleFragmentRelayMinDelayMs: Int = 8          // Faster forwarding for media fragments
     static let bleFragmentRelayMaxDelayMs: Int = 25         // Upper jitter bound for fragment relays
     // Fragment relay TTL in sparse graphs; matches messageTTLDefault so media

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatDeliveryCoordinator.swift

@@ -55,6 +55,9 @@ extension ChatViewModel: ChatDeliveryContext {
 
     func markMessageDelivered(_ messageID: String) {
         messageRouter.markDelivered(messageID)
+        mediaTransferCoordinator.confirmPrivateMediaDelivery(
+            messageID: messageID
+        )
     }
 }
 

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatLiveVoiceCoordinator.swift

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import Foundation
 @MainActor
 protocol ChatLiveVoiceContext: AnyObject {
     var nickname: String { get }
+    var myPeerID: PeerID { get }
     var selectedPrivateChatPeer: PeerID? { get }
     /// Whether the public mesh timeline is what's on screen (autoplay gate
     /// for public bursts).
@@ -30,6 +31,12 @@ protocol ChatLiveVoiceContext: AnyObject {
     func upsertPublicMeshMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage)
     @discardableResult
     func removePrivateMessage(withID messageID: String) -> BitchatMessage?
+    /// Records and sends the finalized note's read receipt after a live
+    /// bubble adopts its wire-derivable message ID.
+    func hasSentReadReceipt(_ messageID: String) -> Bool
+    @discardableResult
+    func markReadReceiptSent(_ messageID: String) -> Bool
+    func sendMeshReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: PeerID)
     /// Removes a message from whichever conversation holds it.
     func removeMessage(withID messageID: String, cleanupFile: Bool)
     /// Publishes who is currently talking live in the public mesh channel
@@ -272,8 +279,16 @@ final class ChatLiveVoiceCoordinator {
         guard let entry = finishedBursts.first(where: { matches($0.key) }) else { return false }
         let finished = entry.value
 
+        // A DM live bubble starts before the finalized file exists and
+        // therefore has a receiver-local random ID. Adopt the finalized
+        // message's deterministic ID so delivery/read ACKs address the same
+        // row as the sender's media placeholder. Public notes retain their
+        // live-bubble ID because public transfers have no private receipts.
+        let replacementID = finished.scope == .directMessage
+            ? message.id
+            : finished.messageID
         let replacement = BitchatMessage(
-            id: finished.messageID,
+            id: replacementID,
             sender: message.sender,
             content: message.content,
             timestamp: finished.messageTimestamp,
@@ -287,7 +302,31 @@ final class ChatLiveVoiceCoordinator {
         )
         switch finished.scope {
         case .directMessage:
+            // Capture read state before rekeying. The user may have read the
+            // live bubble and navigated away before the finalized .m4a lands.
+            let shouldSendAdoptedReadReceipt =
+                context.hasSentReadReceipt(finished.messageID)
+                || context.selectedPrivateChatPeer == finished.peerID
+
+            // Insert first so replacing the only row in a DM never
+            // transiently deletes its conversation, unread state, or current
+            // selection. Then remove the receiver-local live-bubble alias.
             context.upsertPrivateMessage(replacement, in: finished.peerID)
+            if replacementID != finished.messageID {
+                context.removePrivateMessage(withID: finished.messageID)
+            }
+            // The live bubble may already have emitted a receiver-local READ
+            // before the sender created its finalized media row. Re-emit once
+            // for the adopted stable ID now that the file has arrived.
+            if shouldSendAdoptedReadReceipt,
+               context.markReadReceiptSent(replacementID) {
+                let receipt = ReadReceipt(
+                    originalMessageID: replacementID,
+                    readerID: context.myPeerID,
+                    readerNickname: context.nickname
+                )
+                context.sendMeshReadReceipt(receipt, to: finished.peerID)
+            }
         case .publicMesh:
             context.upsertPublicMeshMessage(replacement)
         }

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatPeerListCoordinator.swift

@@ -100,9 +100,14 @@ final class ChatPeerListCoordinator: @unchecked Sendable {
 
     func didUpdatePeerList(_ peers: [PeerID]) {
         Task { @MainActor [weak self] in
-            self?.handlePeerListUpdate(peers)
+            self?.didUpdatePeerListSynchronously(peers)
         }
     }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func didUpdatePeerListSynchronously(_ peers: [PeerID]) {
+        handlePeerListUpdate(peers)
+    }
 }
 
 private extension ChatPeerListCoordinator {

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatTransportEventCoordinator.swift

@@ -163,21 +163,20 @@ final class ChatTransportEventCoordinator {
     }
 
     func didReceiveMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage) {
-        runOnMain { context in
-            guard !context.isMessageBlocked(message) else { return }
-            guard !message.content.trimmed.isEmpty || message.isPrivate else { return }
-
-            if message.isPrivate {
-                context.handlePrivateMessage(message)
-            } else {
-                context.handlePublicMessage(message)
-            }
-
-            context.checkForMentions(message)
-            context.sendHapticFeedback(for: message)
+        runOnMain { [self] context in
+            handleReceivedMessage(message, in: context)
         }
     }
 
+    /// Typed transport events already arrive on the main actor. Handle them
+    /// synchronously so observers see the ConversationStore mutation before
+    /// the transport completes delivery.
+    @MainActor
+    @discardableResult
+    func didReceiveMessageSynchronously(_ message: BitchatMessage) -> Bool {
+        handleReceivedMessage(message, in: context)
+    }
+
     func didReceivePublicMessage(
         from peerID: PeerID,
         nickname: String,
@@ -185,28 +184,36 @@ final class ChatTransportEventCoordinator {
         timestamp: Date,
         messageID: String?
     ) {
-        runOnMain { context in
-            let normalized = content.trimmed
-            let mentions = context.parseMentions(from: normalized)
-            let message = BitchatMessage(
-                id: messageID,
-                sender: nickname,
-                content: normalized,
+        runOnMain { [self] context in
+            handlePublicMessage(
+                from: peerID,
+                nickname: nickname,
+                content: content,
                 timestamp: timestamp,
-                isRelay: false,
-                originalSender: nil,
-                isPrivate: false,
-                recipientNickname: nil,
-                senderPeerID: peerID,
-                mentions: mentions.isEmpty ? nil : mentions
+                messageID: messageID,
+                in: context
             )
-
-            context.handlePublicMessage(message)
-            context.checkForMentions(message)
-            context.sendHapticFeedback(for: message)
         }
     }
 
+    @MainActor
+    func didReceivePublicMessageSynchronously(
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        nickname: String,
+        content: String,
+        timestamp: Date,
+        messageID: String?
+    ) {
+        handlePublicMessage(
+            from: peerID,
+            nickname: nickname,
+            content: content,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            messageID: messageID,
+            in: context
+        )
+    }
+
     func didReceiveNoisePayload(
         from peerID: PeerID,
         type: NoisePayloadType,
@@ -224,59 +231,134 @@ final class ChatTransportEventCoordinator {
         }
     }
 
+    @MainActor
+    func didReceiveNoisePayloadSynchronously(
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        type: NoisePayloadType,
+        payload: Data,
+        timestamp: Date
+    ) {
+        handleNoisePayload(
+            from: peerID,
+            type: type,
+            payload: payload,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            in: context
+        )
+    }
+
     func didConnectToPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
-        SecureLogger.debug("🤝 Peer connected: \(peerID)", category: .session)
-
-        runOnMain { context in
-            context.isConnected = true
-            context.registerEphemeralSession(peerID: peerID)
-            context.notifyUIChanged()
-
-            if let peer = context.unifiedPeer(for: peerID) {
-                let stablePeerID = PeerID(hexData: peer.noisePublicKey)
-                context.cacheStablePeerID(stablePeerID, for: peerID)
-            }
-
-            context.flushRouterOutbox(for: peerID)
-            context.retryCourierDeposits(via: peerID)
+        runOnMain { [weak self] _ in
+            self?.didConnectToPeerSynchronously(peerID)
         }
     }
 
+    @MainActor
+    func didConnectToPeerSynchronously(_ peerID: PeerID) {
+        SecureLogger.debug("🤝 Peer connected: \(peerID)", category: .session)
+
+        context.isConnected = true
+        context.registerEphemeralSession(peerID: peerID)
+        context.notifyUIChanged()
+
+        if let peer = context.unifiedPeer(for: peerID) {
+            let stablePeerID = PeerID(hexData: peer.noisePublicKey)
+            context.cacheStablePeerID(stablePeerID, for: peerID)
+        }
+
+        context.flushRouterOutbox(for: peerID)
+        context.retryCourierDeposits(via: peerID)
+    }
+
     func didDisconnectFromPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
+        runOnMain { [weak self] _ in
+            self?.didDisconnectFromPeerSynchronously(peerID)
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func didDisconnectFromPeerSynchronously(_ peerID: PeerID) {
         SecureLogger.debug("👋 Peer disconnected: \(peerID)", category: .session)
 
-        runOnMain { context in
-            context.removeEphemeralSession(peerID: peerID)
+        context.removeEphemeralSession(peerID: peerID)
 
-            var stablePeerID = context.cachedStablePeerID(for: peerID)
-            if stablePeerID == nil,
-               let key = context.noiseSessionPublicKeyData(for: peerID) {
-                let derivedPeerID = PeerID(hexData: key)
-                context.cacheStablePeerID(derivedPeerID, for: peerID)
-                stablePeerID = derivedPeerID
-            }
-
-            if let currentPeerID = context.selectedPrivateChatPeer,
-               currentPeerID == peerID,
-               let stablePeerID {
-                self.migrateSelectedConversationIfNeeded(
-                    from: peerID,
-                    to: stablePeerID,
-                    in: context
-                )
-            }
-
-            let receiptIDs = context.privateMessages(for: peerID)
-                .filter { $0.senderPeerID == peerID }
-                .map(\.id)
-            context.unmarkReadReceiptsSent(receiptIDs)
-
-            context.notifyUIChanged()
+        var stablePeerID = context.cachedStablePeerID(for: peerID)
+        if stablePeerID == nil,
+           let key = context.noiseSessionPublicKeyData(for: peerID) {
+            let derivedPeerID = PeerID(hexData: key)
+            context.cacheStablePeerID(derivedPeerID, for: peerID)
+            stablePeerID = derivedPeerID
         }
+
+        if let currentPeerID = context.selectedPrivateChatPeer,
+           currentPeerID == peerID,
+           let stablePeerID {
+            migrateSelectedConversationIfNeeded(
+                from: peerID,
+                to: stablePeerID,
+                in: context
+            )
+        }
+
+        let receiptIDs = context.privateMessages(for: peerID)
+            .filter { $0.senderPeerID == peerID }
+            .map(\.id)
+        context.unmarkReadReceiptsSent(receiptIDs)
+
+        context.notifyUIChanged()
     }
 }
 
 private extension ChatTransportEventCoordinator {
+    @MainActor
+    func handlePublicMessage(
+        from peerID: PeerID,
+        nickname: String,
+        content: String,
+        timestamp: Date,
+        messageID: String?,
+        in context: any ChatTransportEventContext
+    ) {
+        let normalized = content.trimmed
+        let mentions = context.parseMentions(from: normalized)
+        let message = BitchatMessage(
+            id: messageID,
+            sender: nickname,
+            content: normalized,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            isRelay: false,
+            originalSender: nil,
+            isPrivate: false,
+            recipientNickname: nil,
+            senderPeerID: peerID,
+            mentions: mentions.isEmpty ? nil : mentions
+        )
+
+        context.handlePublicMessage(message)
+        context.checkForMentions(message)
+        context.sendHapticFeedback(for: message)
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    @discardableResult
+    func handleReceivedMessage(
+        _ message: BitchatMessage,
+        in context: any ChatTransportEventContext
+    ) -> Bool {
+        guard !context.isMessageBlocked(message) else { return false }
+        guard !message.content.trimmed.isEmpty || message.isPrivate else { return false }
+
+        if message.isPrivate {
+            context.handlePrivateMessage(message)
+        } else {
+            context.handlePublicMessage(message)
+        }
+
+        context.checkForMentions(message)
+        context.sendHapticFeedback(for: message)
+        return true
+    }
+
     func runOnMain(_ action: @escaping @MainActor (any ChatTransportEventContext) -> Void) {
         Task { @MainActor [weak context = self.context] in
             guard let context else { return }
@@ -407,6 +489,13 @@ private extension ChatTransportEventCoordinator {
 
         case .voiceFrame:
             context.handleVoiceFramePayload(from: peerID, payload: payload, timestamp: timestamp)
+
+        case .privateFile, .authenticatedPeerState:
+            // BLEService validates and persists decrypted private files before
+            // emitting a normal `.messageReceived` event, and consumes peer
+            // state inside the transport. Neither payload crosses this
+            // UI-facing typed-payload fallback.
+            break
         }
     }
 

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatVerificationCoordinator.swift

@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ protocol ChatVerificationContext: AnyObject {
     func noiseStaticPublicKeyData() -> Data
     func hasEstablishedNoiseSession(with peerID: PeerID) -> Bool
     func triggerHandshake(with peerID: PeerID)
+    func privateMediaPeerDidAuthenticate(_ peerID: PeerID)
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)
     func sendVerifyResponse(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)
 
@@ -116,6 +117,10 @@ extension ChatViewModel: ChatVerificationContext {
         meshService.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()
     }
 
+    func privateMediaPeerDidAuthenticate(_ peerID: PeerID) {
+        mediaTransferCoordinator.peerDidAuthenticate(peerID.toShort())
+    }
+
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data) {
         meshService.sendVerifyChallenge(to: peerID, noiseKeyHex: noiseKeyHex, nonceA: nonceA)
     }
@@ -129,6 +134,10 @@ extension ChatViewModel: ChatVerificationContext {
     }
 }
 
+extension ChatVerificationContext {
+    func privateMediaPeerDidAuthenticate(_ peerID: PeerID) {}
+}
+
 @MainActor
 final class ChatVerificationCoordinator {
     struct PendingVerification {
@@ -197,6 +206,7 @@ final class ChatVerificationCoordinator {
                     guard let self else { return }
 
                     SecureLogger.debug("🔐 Authenticated: \(peerID)", category: .security)
+                    self.context.privateMediaPeerDidAuthenticate(peerID)
 
                     if self.context.isVerifiedFingerprint(fingerprint) {
                         self.context.setEncryptionStatus(.noiseVerified, for: peerID)

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift

@@ -109,10 +109,20 @@ struct PanicNetworkLifecycle {
     }
 }
 
+private struct PendingPrivateChatClear {
+    let peerID: PeerID
+    let sourceConversationID: ConversationID
+    let messages: [BitchatMessage]
+    let otherMessageIDs: Set<String>
+    let localPeerID: PeerID
+    let nickname: String
+    let outgoingMedia: [BitchatMessage]
+}
+
 /// Manages the application state and business logic for BitChat.
 /// Acts as the primary coordinator between UI components and backend services,
 /// implementing the BitchatDelegate protocol to handle network events.
-final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDelegate, CommandContextProvider, GeohashParticipantContext, MessageFormattingContext {
+final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, SynchronousMessageTransportEventDelegate, CommandContextProvider, GeohashParticipantContext, MessageFormattingContext {
     // Use MessageFormattingEngine.Patterns for regex matching (shared, precompiled)
     typealias Patterns = MessageFormattingEngine.Patterns
 
@@ -375,6 +385,13 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
     @Published var showBluetoothAlert = false
     @Published var bluetoothAlertMessage = ""
     @Published var bluetoothState: CBManagerState = .unknown
+    @Published private(set) var legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest: LegacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?
+    @MainActor private var queuedPrivateChatClears: [
+        PendingPrivateChatClear
+    ] = []
+    @MainActor private var privateChatClearInFlight = false
+    @MainActor private var privateChatClearGeneration: UInt64 = 0
+    private var pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents: [PendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsent] = []
 
     private func performDeliveryUpdate(_ update: @escaping @MainActor (ChatDeliveryCoordinator) -> Void) {
         if Thread.isMainThread {
@@ -493,6 +510,12 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
         }
     }
 
+    /// Whether a read receipt has already been recorded for `messageID`.
+    @MainActor
+    func hasSentReadReceipt(_ messageID: String) -> Bool {
+        sentReadReceipts.contains(messageID)
+    }
+
     /// Records that a read receipt is being sent for `messageID`.
     /// Returns `false` when one was already recorded — the caller must skip sending.
     @MainActor
@@ -635,7 +658,271 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
     /// Empties the peer's chat but keeps the conversation alive (`/clear`).
     @MainActor
     func clearPrivateChat(_ peerID: PeerID) {
-        conversations.clear(.directPeer(peerID))
+        let sourceConversationID = ConversationID.directPeer(peerID)
+        // An active live-voice row owns an open FileHandle and may be
+        // republished as frames/final media arrive. Treat it like an in-flight
+        // arrival rather than unlinking its capture or removing its bubble.
+        let messages = privateMessages(for: peerID).filter {
+            !liveVoiceCoordinator.isLiveVoiceMessage($0)
+        }
+        let localPeerID = meshService.myPeerID.toShort()
+        let currentNickname = nickname
+        let mediaPrefixes = [
+            MimeType.Category.audio.messagePrefix,
+            MimeType.Category.image.messagePrefix,
+            MimeType.Category.file.messagePrefix
+        ]
+        let outgoingMedia = messages.filter { message in
+            guard mediaPrefixes.contains(where: {
+                message.content.hasPrefix($0)
+            }) else {
+                return false
+            }
+            if let senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID {
+                return senderPeerID.toShort() == localPeerID
+            }
+            return message.sender == currentNickname
+                || message.sender.hasPrefix(currentNickname + "#")
+        }
+
+        // Send ownership is canceled at command time even when another clear
+        // transaction is ahead in the queue. UI and files remain untouched
+        // until this request's receiver journal commit succeeds.
+        for message in outgoingMedia {
+            mediaTransferCoordinator
+                .cancelMediaTransferForConversationClear(
+                    messageID: message.id
+                )
+        }
+
+        queuedPrivateChatClears.append(PendingPrivateChatClear(
+            peerID: peerID,
+            sourceConversationID: sourceConversationID,
+            messages: messages,
+            otherMessageIDs: Set(
+                privateChats
+                    .filter { $0.key != peerID }
+                    .flatMap { $0.value.map(\.id) }
+            ),
+            localPeerID: localPeerID,
+            nickname: currentNickname,
+            outgoingMedia: outgoingMedia
+        ))
+        startNextPrivateChatClearIfNeeded()
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func startNextPrivateChatClearIfNeeded() {
+        guard !privateChatClearInFlight,
+              !queuedPrivateChatClears.isEmpty else {
+            return
+        }
+        privateChatClearInFlight = true
+        let request = queuedPrivateChatClears.removeFirst()
+        let generation = privateChatClearGeneration
+        performPrivateChatClear(
+            request,
+            generation: generation
+        ) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self,
+                  self.privateChatClearGeneration == generation else {
+                return
+            }
+            self.privateChatClearInFlight = false
+            self.startNextPrivateChatClearIfNeeded()
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func performPrivateChatClear(
+        _ request: PendingPrivateChatClear,
+        generation: UInt64,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor () -> Void
+    ) {
+        guard privateChatClearGeneration == generation else {
+            completion()
+            return
+        }
+        let peerID = request.peerID
+        let selectedConversationID = request.sourceConversationID
+        let messagesToClear = request.messages
+        guard !messagesToClear.isEmpty else {
+            completion()
+            return
+        }
+
+        // Capture the transaction's exact UI set before any off-main receipt
+        // I/O. Messages arriving while the journal is written are not part of
+        // this command and must remain visible.
+        let capturedMessageIDs = Set(messagesToClear.map(\.id))
+        let survivingMessageIDs = request.otherMessageIDs
+        let mediaPrefixes = [
+            MimeType.Category.audio.messagePrefix,
+            MimeType.Category.image.messagePrefix,
+            MimeType.Category.file.messagePrefix
+        ]
+        let localPeerID = request.localPeerID
+        let isMedia: (BitchatMessage) -> Bool = { message in
+            mediaPrefixes.contains(where: message.content.hasPrefix)
+        }
+        let isFromMe: (BitchatMessage) -> Bool = { [nickname = request.nickname] message in
+            if let senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID {
+                return senderPeerID.toShort() == localPeerID
+            }
+            return message.sender == nickname
+                || message.sender.hasPrefix(nickname + "#")
+        }
+
+        let outgoingMedia = request.outgoingMedia
+        let outgoingMediaIDs = Set(outgoingMedia.map(\.id))
+
+        let capturedExclusiveIDs =
+            capturedMessageIDs.subtracting(survivingMessageIDs)
+        let capturedIncomingMedia = messagesToClear.filter {
+            isMedia($0) && !isFromMe($0)
+        }
+        let capturedStableMediaIDs = Set(
+            capturedIncomingMedia.compactMap { message in
+                PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.isStableID(message.id)
+                    ? message.id
+                    : nil
+            }
+        )
+
+        func currentRemovalPlan() -> [ConversationID: Set<String>] {
+            // Identity handoff removes the source conversation and inserts its
+            // rows elsewhere. The old source may then be recreated by a new
+            // arrival before journal I/O finishes, so always scan all direct
+            // conversations. Only IDs exclusive at command time may follow a
+            // migration; shared aliases remain outside the source.
+            var plan: [ConversationID: Set<String>] = [:]
+            for (conversationID, conversation) in
+                conversations.conversationsByID {
+                guard case .direct = conversationID else { continue }
+                let eligibleIDs = conversationID == selectedConversationID
+                    ? capturedMessageIDs
+                    : capturedExclusiveIDs
+                let matchingIDs = Set(conversation.messages.map(\.id))
+                    .intersection(eligibleIDs)
+                if !matchingIDs.isEmpty {
+                    plan[conversationID] = matchingIDs
+                }
+            }
+            return plan
+        }
+
+        func hasRemainingCopy(
+            of messageID: String,
+            after plan: [ConversationID: Set<String>]
+        ) -> Bool {
+            conversations.conversationsByID.contains { conversationID, conversation in
+                guard case .direct = conversationID else { return false }
+                return conversation.messages.contains { message in
+                    message.id == messageID
+                        && plan[conversationID]?.contains(messageID) != true
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        @MainActor
+        func continueClear(
+            persisted: Bool,
+            durableStableIDs: Set<String>
+        ) {
+            guard privateChatClearGeneration == generation else {
+                completion()
+                return
+            }
+            guard persisted else {
+                SecureLogger.error(
+                    "Refusing to clear private chat without durable media tombstones peer=\(peerID.id.prefix(8))…",
+                    category: .session
+                )
+                completion()
+                return
+            }
+
+            let plan = currentRemovalPlan()
+            let newlyLastStableIDs = Set(
+                capturedStableMediaIDs.filter {
+                    !durableStableIDs.contains($0)
+                        && !hasRemainingCopy(of: $0, after: plan)
+                }
+            )
+            if !newlyLastStableIDs.isEmpty {
+                persistDeletedPrivateMedia(
+                    messageIDs: Array(newlyLastStableIDs).sorted()
+                ) { persisted in
+                    continueClear(
+                        persisted: persisted,
+                        durableStableIDs:
+                            durableStableIDs.union(newlyLastStableIDs)
+                    )
+                }
+                return
+            }
+
+            // A stable receiver tombstone is global for that message ID.
+            // Remove any alias that arrived while journal I/O was in flight.
+            if !durableStableIDs.isEmpty {
+                let directConversationIDs = conversations
+                    .conversationsByID.keys.filter {
+                        if case .direct = $0 { return true }
+                        return false
+                    }
+                for conversationID in directConversationIDs {
+                    conversations.removeMessages(from: conversationID) {
+                        durableStableIDs.contains($0.id)
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            for message in outgoingMedia {
+                mediaTransferCoordinator.cleanupOutgoingLocalFile(
+                    forMessage: message
+                )
+            }
+            if !outgoingMediaIDs.isEmpty {
+                let directConversationIDs = conversations
+                    .conversationsByID.keys.filter {
+                        if case .direct = $0 { return true }
+                        return false
+                    }
+                for conversationID in directConversationIDs {
+                    conversations.removeMessages(from: conversationID) {
+                        outgoingMediaIDs.contains($0.id)
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Stable payload cleanup belongs entirely to the durable receiver
+            // journal. Legacy/raw incoming payloads have no durable identity,
+            // so their basenames may already belong to a pending new arrival;
+            // leave those files for bounded quota cleanup.
+            let finalPlan = currentRemovalPlan()
+
+            for (conversationID, messageIDs) in finalPlan {
+                conversations.removeMessages(from: conversationID) {
+                    messageIDs.contains($0.id)
+                }
+            }
+            completion()
+        }
+
+        let initialPlan = currentRemovalPlan()
+        let initialStableIDs = Set(
+            capturedStableMediaIDs.filter {
+                !hasRemainingCopy(of: $0, after: initialPlan)
+            }
+        )
+        persistDeletedPrivateMedia(
+            messageIDs: Array(initialStableIDs).sorted()
+        ) { persisted in
+            continueClear(
+                persisted: persisted,
+                durableStableIDs: initialStableIDs
+            )
+        }
     }
 
     /// Removes the peer's chat entirely, including unread state.
@@ -1267,6 +1554,13 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
         // handles before clearing state or removing the media directory.
         mediaTransferCoordinator.resetForPanic()
         liveVoiceCoordinator.resetForPanic()
+        privateChatClearGeneration &+= 1
+        queuedPrivateChatClears.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+        privateChatClearInFlight = false
+
+        // Deny and release any clear-media confirmations before identities,
+        // message state, and local files are wiped.
+        cancelAllLegacyPrivateMediaConsents()
 
         // Clear all messages (public timelines and private chats live in the
         // single-writer ConversationStore; the derived `messages` view and
@@ -1695,7 +1989,82 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
 
     @MainActor
     func didReceiveTransportEvent(_ event: TransportEvent) {
-        receiveTransportEvent(event)
+        switch event {
+        case .messageReceived(let message):
+            _ = didReceiveTransportMessageSynchronously(message)
+
+        case let .publicMessageReceived(
+            peerID,
+            nickname,
+            content,
+            timestamp,
+            messageID
+        ):
+            transportEventCoordinator.didReceivePublicMessageSynchronously(
+                from: peerID,
+                nickname: nickname,
+                content: content,
+                timestamp: timestamp,
+                messageID: messageID
+            )
+
+        case let .noisePayloadReceived(peerID, type, payload, timestamp):
+            transportEventCoordinator.didReceiveNoisePayloadSynchronously(
+                from: peerID,
+                type: type,
+                payload: payload,
+                timestamp: timestamp
+            )
+
+        case let .groupMessageReceived(payload, timestamp):
+            groupCoordinator.handleGroupMessagePayload(
+                payload,
+                timestamp: timestamp
+            )
+
+        case let .publicVoiceFrameReceived(
+            peerID,
+            nickname,
+            payload,
+            timestamp
+        ):
+            liveVoiceCoordinator.handlePublicVoiceFramePayload(
+                from: peerID,
+                nickname: nickname,
+                payload: payload,
+                timestamp: timestamp
+            )
+
+        case .peerConnected(let peerID):
+            transportEventCoordinator.didConnectToPeerSynchronously(peerID)
+            mediaTransferCoordinator.peerDidReconnect(peerID)
+
+        case .peerDisconnected(let peerID):
+            transportEventCoordinator.didDisconnectFromPeerSynchronously(peerID)
+
+        case .peerListUpdated(let peers):
+            peerListCoordinator.didUpdatePeerListSynchronously(peers)
+            // A peer-list update follows every verified announce, which is
+            // where a peer's `.vouch` capability actually arrives.
+            vouchCoordinator.peersUpdated(peers)
+
+        case .peerSnapshotsUpdated:
+            break
+
+        case let .messageDeliveryStatusUpdated(messageID, status):
+            deliveryCoordinator.didUpdateMessageDeliveryStatus(
+                messageID,
+                status: status
+            )
+
+        case .bluetoothStateUpdated(let state):
+            updateBluetoothState(state)
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func didReceiveTransportMessageSynchronously(_ message: BitchatMessage) -> Bool {
+        transportEventCoordinator.didReceiveMessageSynchronously(message)
     }
 
     func didReceiveMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage) {
@@ -1758,6 +2127,9 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
 
     func didConnectToPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
         transportEventCoordinator.didConnectToPeer(peerID)
+        Task { @MainActor [weak self] in
+            self?.mediaTransferCoordinator.peerDidReconnect(peerID)
+        }
     }
 
     func didDisconnectFromPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
@@ -1922,4 +2294,91 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, TransportEventDele
         publicConversationCoordinator.sendHapticFeedback(for: message)
     }
 }
+
+@MainActor
+extension ChatViewModel {
+    func enqueueLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+        for peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String,
+        messageID: String,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (Bool) -> Void
+    ) {
+        let request = LegacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest(
+            id: UUID(),
+            peerID: peerID,
+            peerName: nicknameForPeer(peerID),
+            transferId: transferId,
+            messageID: messageID
+        )
+        pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.append(PendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            request: request,
+            completion: completion
+        ))
+        if legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest == nil {
+            legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest = request
+        }
+    }
+
+    func resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: UUID, approved: Bool) {
+        // SwiftUI may report both the selected button and the presentation
+        // binding's dismissal. Resolve only the exact request that was shown;
+        // a duplicate callback for it must not consume the next queued send.
+        guard legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id == requestID,
+              pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.first?.request.id == requestID else {
+            return
+        }
+        let resolved = pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.removeFirst()
+        // Drive the boolean presentation state through false before showing
+        // the next queued per-send warning. Otherwise SwiftUI sees true→true,
+        // closes the first dialog, and never presents the second.
+        legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest = nil
+        resolved.completion(approved)
+        presentNextLegacyPrivateMediaConsentDeferred()
+    }
+
+    func invalidateLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(transferId: String, messageID: String) {
+        let invalidatedIDs = Set(
+            pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.compactMap { pending -> UUID? in
+                let request = pending.request
+                return request.transferId == transferId && request.messageID == messageID
+                    ? request.id
+                    : nil
+            }
+        )
+        guard !invalidatedIDs.isEmpty else { return }
+
+        pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.removeAll {
+            invalidatedIDs.contains($0.request.id)
+        }
+        if let currentID = legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id,
+           invalidatedIDs.contains(currentID) {
+            legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest = nil
+            presentNextLegacyPrivateMediaConsentDeferred()
+        }
+    }
+
+    func cancelAllLegacyPrivateMediaConsents() {
+        let pending = pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents
+        pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.removeAll()
+        legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest = nil
+        for item in pending {
+            item.completion(false)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func presentNextLegacyPrivateMediaConsentDeferred() {
+        guard legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest == nil,
+              let nextRequestID = pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.first?.request.id else {
+            return
+        }
+        DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self,
+                  self.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest == nil,
+                  self.pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents.first?.request.id == nextRequestID else {
+                return
+            }
+            self.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest = self.pendingLegacyPrivateMediaConsents[0].request
+        }
+    }
+}
 // End of ChatViewModel class

bitchat/ViewModels/NostrInboundPipeline.swift

@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ final class NostrInboundPipeline {
         // claiming to be group traffic over Nostr is ignored.
         // Live voice is mesh-only: latency and relay cost make it
         // meaningless over Nostr.
-        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame:
+        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame, .privateFile, .authenticatedPeerState:
             break
         }
     }
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ final class NostrInboundPipeline {
         // claiming to be group traffic over Nostr is ignored.
         // Live voice is mesh-only: latency and relay cost make it
         // meaningless over Nostr.
-        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame:
+        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame, .privateFile, .authenticatedPeerState:
             break
         }
     }
@@ -449,7 +449,7 @@ final class NostrInboundPipeline {
                         // in v1; group traffic over Nostr is ignored.
                         // Live voice is mesh-only: latency and relay cost make it
                         // meaningless over Nostr.
-                        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame:
+                        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse, .groupInvite, .groupKeyUpdate, .vouch, .voiceFrame, .privateFile, .authenticatedPeerState:
                             break
                         }
                     }

bitchat/Views/ContentSheetViews.swift

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ struct ContentPeopleSheetView: View {
     #endif
 
     var body: some View {
+        let legacyConsentRequest = conversationUIModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest
         NavigationStack {
             Group {
                 if privateConversationModel.selectedPeerID != nil {
@@ -97,6 +98,63 @@ struct ContentPeopleSheetView: View {
         }
         .themedSheetBackground()
         .foregroundColor(palette.primary)
+        .confirmationDialog(
+            String(
+                localized: "content.private_media.legacy_warning.title",
+                defaultValue: "Send without end-to-end encryption?",
+                comment: "Title warning before sending private media to an older client in a clear signed envelope"
+            ),
+            isPresented: Binding(
+                get: { legacyConsentRequest != nil },
+                set: { isPresented in
+                    if !isPresented, let requestID = legacyConsentRequest?.id {
+                        conversationUIModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+                            requestID: requestID,
+                            approved: false
+                        )
+                    }
+                }
+            ),
+            titleVisibility: .visible
+        ) {
+            Button(
+                String(
+                    localized: "content.private_media.legacy_warning.send",
+                    defaultValue: "send visible file",
+                    comment: "Destructive confirmation action for one legacy clear private-media send"
+                ),
+                role: .destructive
+            ) {
+                if let requestID = legacyConsentRequest?.id {
+                    conversationUIModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+                        requestID: requestID,
+                        approved: true
+                    )
+                }
+            }
+            Button("common.cancel", role: .cancel) {
+                if let requestID = legacyConsentRequest?.id {
+                    conversationUIModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+                        requestID: requestID,
+                        approved: false
+                    )
+                }
+            }
+        } message: {
+            if let request = legacyConsentRequest {
+                Text(
+                    String(
+                        format: String(
+                            localized: "content.private_media.legacy_warning.message",
+                            defaultValue: "%@'s client does not advertise encrypted private media. This file will be signed but not end-to-end encrypted, so mesh relays can see it. Send this file anyway?",
+                            comment: "Warning explaining the confidentiality loss for one legacy private-media send; parameter is the peer name"
+                        ),
+                        locale: .current,
+                        request.peerName
+                    )
+                )
+            }
+        }
         #if os(macOS)
         .frame(minWidth: 420, minHeight: 520)
         #endif

bitchatTests/BLEServiceCoreTests.swift

@@ -502,14 +502,26 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
         )
         let replay = try #require(victim.signPacket(unsigned), "Failed to sign replayed announce")
         #expect(ble._test_recordIngressIfNew(packet: replay, linkID: attackerLink))
+        let rebindGate = VerifiedDirectRebindGate()
+        ble._test_afterVerifiedDirectRebindEnqueued = rebindGate.pause
+        defer {
+            rebindGate.release()
+            ble._test_afterVerifiedDirectRebindEnqueued = nil
+        }
         ble._test_handlePacket(replay, fromPeerID: victimPeerID, preseedPeer: false)
 
-        let rebound = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
-            { ble._test_centralBinding(attackerLink) == victimPeerID },
+        let announcePaused = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
+            { rebindGate.hasPaused },
             timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
-        #expect(rebound)
-        #expect(ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: victimPeerID))
+        try #require(announcePaused)
+
+        // Rebind and ordinary reconnect preparation are one bleQueue
+        // critical section. Once the binding is visible, stale sending keys
+        // must already be unavailable.
+        #expect(ble._test_centralBinding(attackerLink) == victimPeerID)
+        #expect(!ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: victimPeerID))
+        rebindGate.release()
 
         let outbound = OutboundPacketTap()
         ble._test_onOutboundPacket = { outbound.record($0) }
@@ -537,20 +549,26 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
 
         // Preserve a working victim session while an unauthenticated
         // replacement candidate arrives on a newly bound physical link.
-        let message1 = try ble._test_noiseInitiateHandshake(with: victimPeerID)
+        // Establish BLE as responder so the replacement candidate below is
+        // not coalesced by the initiator-completion grace path.
+        let message1 = try victim.initiateHandshake(with: ble.myPeerID)
         let message2 = try #require(
-            try victim.processHandshakeMessage(from: ble.myPeerID, message: message1)
-        )
-        let message3 = try #require(
             try ble._test_noiseProcessHandshakeMessage(
                 from: victimPeerID,
+                message: message1
+            )
+        )
+        let message3 = try #require(
+            try victim.processHandshakeMessage(
+                from: ble.myPeerID,
                 message: message2
             )
         )
-        _ = try victim.processHandshakeMessage(
-            from: ble.myPeerID,
+        _ = try ble._test_noiseProcessHandshakeMessage(
+            from: victimPeerID,
             message: message3
         )
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
         #expect(ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: victimPeerID))
 
         let centralUUID = "central-replacement-xx-message-one"
@@ -614,7 +632,168 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
                 for: victimPeerID
             )
         )
-        #expect(ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: victimPeerID))
+        // Ordinary reconnect hardening quarantines the cached transport while
+        // this candidate proves the claimed identity. It must be unavailable
+        // for sending as well as unable to authenticate this ingress link.
+        #expect(!ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: victimPeerID))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func failedInboundReconnectRestoresAndDrainsWaitingWorkOnce() async throws {
+        let ble = makeService()
+        let alice = NoiseEncryptionService(keychain: MockKeychain())
+        let mallory = NoiseEncryptionService(keychain: MockKeychain())
+        let alicePeerID = PeerID(publicKey: alice.getStaticPublicKeyData())
+
+        // Establish BLE as responder so the following inbound reconnect is
+        // not intentionally coalesced by the initiator-completion grace path.
+        let message1 = try alice.initiateHandshake(with: ble.myPeerID)
+        let message2 = try #require(
+            try ble._test_noiseProcessHandshakeMessage(
+                from: alicePeerID,
+                message: message1
+            )
+        )
+        let message3 = try #require(
+            try alice.processHandshakeMessage(
+                from: ble.myPeerID,
+                message: message2
+            )
+        )
+        _ = try ble._test_noiseProcessHandshakeMessage(
+            from: alicePeerID,
+            message: message3
+        )
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
+        #expect(ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: alicePeerID))
+
+        let outbound = OutboundPacketTap()
+        ble._test_onOutboundPacket = outbound.record
+        let forgedMessage1 = try mallory.initiateHandshake(with: ble.myPeerID)
+        let firstPacket = BitchatPacket(
+            type: MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue,
+            senderID: Data(hexString: alicePeerID.id) ?? Data(),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: ble.myPeerID.id),
+            timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1_000),
+            payload: forgedMessage1,
+            signature: nil,
+            ttl: 7
+        )
+        ble._test_handlePacket(firstPacket, fromPeerID: alicePeerID)
+
+        let responseReady = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
+            {
+                outbound.snapshot().contains {
+                    $0.type == MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue
+                        && PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == ble.myPeerID
+                        && $0.payload.count
+                            != NoiseSecurityConstants.xxInitialMessageSize
+                }
+            },
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
+        )
+        try #require(responseReady)
+        let forgedMessage2 = try #require(
+            outbound.snapshot().first {
+                $0.type == MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue
+                    && PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == ble.myPeerID
+                    && $0.payload.count
+                        != NoiseSecurityConstants.xxInitialMessageSize
+            }?.payload
+        )
+        #expect(!ble.canDeliverSecurely(to: alicePeerID))
+
+        // Typed control traffic must queue behind the ordinary responder,
+        // rather than attempting encryption and disappearing.
+        let privateMessageID = "quarantine-pm-\(UUID().uuidString)"
+        ble.sendPrivateMessage(
+            "queued private message",
+            to: alicePeerID,
+            recipientNickname: "Alice",
+            messageID: privateMessageID
+        )
+        ble.sendGroupInvite(Data("queued-during-quarantine".utf8), to: alicePeerID)
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
+        #expect(outbound.count(ofType: .noiseEncrypted) == 0)
+
+        let forgedMessage3 = try #require(
+            try mallory.processHandshakeMessage(
+                from: ble.myPeerID,
+                message: forgedMessage2
+            )
+        )
+        let forgedEarlyPayload = try #require(
+            BLENoisePayloadFactory.privateMessage(
+                content: "forged early message",
+                messageID: "forged-early"
+            )
+        )
+        try #require(
+            mallory.hasEstablishedSession(with: ble.myPeerID),
+            "forged initiator did not establish after producing message three"
+        )
+        let forgedEarlyCiphertext = try mallory.encrypt(
+            forgedEarlyPayload,
+            for: ble.myPeerID
+        )
+        let earlyPacket = BitchatPacket(
+            type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+            senderID: Data(hexString: alicePeerID.id) ?? Data(),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: ble.myPeerID.id),
+            timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1_000) + 1,
+            payload: forgedEarlyCiphertext,
+            signature: nil,
+            ttl: 7
+        )
+        ble._test_handlePacket(earlyPacket, fromPeerID: alicePeerID)
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
+
+        let thirdPacket = BitchatPacket(
+            type: MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue,
+            senderID: Data(hexString: alicePeerID.id) ?? Data(),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: ble.myPeerID.id),
+            timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1_000) + 2,
+            payload: forgedMessage3,
+            signature: nil,
+            ttl: 7
+        )
+        ble._test_handlePacket(thirdPacket, fromPeerID: alicePeerID)
+
+        // Rollback restores the same generation. It retries the bounded early
+        // ciphertext and drains both outbound queues, but must not repeat a
+        // new-generation capability proof or forced announce.
+        let drained = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
+            { outbound.count(ofType: .noiseEncrypted) >= 2 },
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
+        )
+        try #require(drained)
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
+        let plaintexts = try outbound.snapshot()
+            .filter { $0.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue }
+            .map { try alice.decrypt($0.payload, from: ble.myPeerID) }
+        #expect(plaintexts.count == 2)
+        #expect(
+            plaintexts.filter {
+                $0.first == NoisePayloadType.authenticatedPeerState.rawValue
+            }.isEmpty
+        )
+        #expect(
+            plaintexts.filter {
+                $0.first == NoisePayloadType.privateMessage.rawValue
+            }.count == 1
+        )
+        #expect(
+            plaintexts.filter {
+                $0.first == NoisePayloadType.groupInvite.rawValue
+            }.count == 1
+        )
+        #expect(outbound.count(ofType: .announce) == 0)
+
+        // A duplicate ready callback cannot replay either buffer.
+        ble._test_reconcileCurrentNoiseSession(for: alicePeerID)
+        await ble._test_drainNoiseMessagePipeline()
+        #expect(outbound.count(ofType: .noiseEncrypted) == 2)
+        #expect(outbound.count(ofType: .announce) == 0)
     }
 
     /// A legitimate rotation announce necessarily arrives on a link still
@@ -851,6 +1030,44 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
         ))
     }
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func panicSuspension_finalizesStaleTransportEventsAsRejected() async {
+        let ble = makeService()
+        let delegate = TransportEventCaptureDelegate()
+        ble.eventDelegate = delegate
+        let message = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "pre-panic-finalization",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "must be rejected",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: "Me",
+            senderPeerID: PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
+        )
+        var completions = 0
+        var outcomes: [TransportEventDeliveryOutcome] = []
+
+        ble._test_emitTransportEvent(
+            .messageReceived(message),
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { outcomes.append($0) }
+        )
+        ble.suspendForPanicReset()
+        ble._test_emitTransportEvent(
+            .messageReceived(message),
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { outcomes.append($0) }
+        )
+        for _ in 0..<4 {
+            await Task.yield()
+        }
+
+        #expect(delegate.messageIDs.isEmpty)
+        #expect(completions == 0)
+        #expect(outcomes == [.rejected, .rejected])
+    }
+
     @Test
     func modifiedServices_rediscoverWhenBitChatServiceIsInvalidated() async throws {
         let otherService = CBUUID(string: "0000180F-0000-1000-8000-00805F9B34FB")
@@ -943,6 +1160,40 @@ private final class OutboundPacketTap {
         lock.lock(); defer { lock.unlock() }
         return packets.filter { $0.type == type.rawValue }.count
     }
+
+    func snapshot() -> [BitchatPacket] {
+        lock.lock(); defer { lock.unlock() }
+        return packets
+    }
+}
+
+private final class VerifiedDirectRebindGate: @unchecked Sendable {
+    private let condition = NSCondition()
+    private var paused = false
+    private var released = false
+
+    var hasPaused: Bool {
+        condition.lock()
+        defer { condition.unlock() }
+        return paused
+    }
+
+    func pause() {
+        condition.lock()
+        paused = true
+        condition.broadcast()
+        while !released {
+            condition.wait()
+        }
+        condition.unlock()
+    }
+
+    func release() {
+        condition.lock()
+        released = true
+        condition.broadcast()
+        condition.unlock()
+    }
 }
 
 private final class ReceivePacketHandoffGate: @unchecked Sendable {
@@ -1076,6 +1327,7 @@ private final class PublicCaptureDelegate: BitchatDelegate {
         defer { lock.unlock() }
         return publicMessages
     }
+
 }
 
 @MainActor

bitchatTests/ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests.swift

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import BitFoundation
 @MainActor
 private final class MockChatLiveVoiceContext: ChatLiveVoiceContext {
     var nickname = "me"
+    var myPeerID = PeerID(str: "0102030405060708")
     var selectedPrivateChatPeer: PeerID?
     var isViewingPublicMeshTimeline = false
     var blockedPeers: Set<PeerID> = []
@@ -23,7 +24,10 @@ private final class MockChatLiveVoiceContext: ChatLiveVoiceContext {
     private(set) var upsertedMessages: [(message: BitchatMessage, peerID: PeerID)] = []
     private(set) var upsertedPublicMessages: [BitchatMessage] = []
     private(set) var removedMessageIDs: [String] = []
+    private(set) var sentReadReceipts: [(receipt: ReadReceipt, peerID: PeerID)] = []
     private(set) var talkerUpdates: [String?] = []
+    private(set) var privateMutationLog: [String] = []
+    private var readReceiptMessageIDs: Set<String> = []
 
     func isPeerBlocked(_ peerID: PeerID) -> Bool { blockedPeers.contains(peerID) }
     func resolveNickname(for peerID: PeerID) -> String { "alice" }
@@ -31,6 +35,7 @@ private final class MockChatLiveVoiceContext: ChatLiveVoiceContext {
     func appendPublicMeshMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage) { appendedPublicMessages.append(message) }
     func upsertPrivateMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage, in peerID: PeerID) {
         upsertedMessages.append((message, peerID))
+        privateMutationLog.append("upsert:\(message.id)")
     }
     func upsertPublicMeshMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage) {
         upsertedPublicMessages.append(message)
@@ -38,8 +43,18 @@ private final class MockChatLiveVoiceContext: ChatLiveVoiceContext {
     @discardableResult
     func removePrivateMessage(withID messageID: String) -> BitchatMessage? {
         removedMessageIDs.append(messageID)
+        privateMutationLog.append("remove:\(messageID)")
         return nil
     }
+    func hasSentReadReceipt(_ messageID: String) -> Bool {
+        readReceiptMessageIDs.contains(messageID)
+    }
+    func markReadReceiptSent(_ messageID: String) -> Bool {
+        readReceiptMessageIDs.insert(messageID).inserted
+    }
+    func sendMeshReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: PeerID) {
+        sentReadReceipts.append((receipt, peerID))
+    }
     func removeMessage(withID messageID: String, cleanupFile: Bool) {
         removedMessageIDs.append(messageID)
     }
@@ -151,17 +166,29 @@ struct ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests {
 
     @Test func absorbsFinalizedNoteIntoLiveBubble() throws {
         let context = MockChatLiveVoiceContext()
+        context.selectedPrivateChatPeer = peer
         let coordinator = ChatLiveVoiceCoordinator(context: context, sweepsOnInit: false)
         let burstID = makeBurstID(0xB2)
         let hex = burstID.hexEncodedString()
+        let fileName = "voice_\(hex).m4a"
+        let stableMessageID = try #require(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: peer,
+            recipientPeerID: context.myPeerID,
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
 
         send(try #require(VoiceBurstPacket(burstID: burstID, seq: 1, kind: .frames([Data(repeating: 7, count: 50)]))), to: coordinator, from: peer)
         send(try #require(VoiceBurstPacket(burstID: burstID, seq: 2, kind: .end(totalDataPackets: 1, durationMs: 64))), to: coordinator, from: peer)
         let bubble = try #require(context.handledPrivateMessages.first)
+        // The user read the live bubble, then left before the finalized file
+        // arrived. Stable-ID adoption must preserve that read state.
+        #expect(context.markReadReceiptSent(bubble.id))
+        context.selectedPrivateChatPeer = nil
 
         let note = BitchatMessage(
+            id: stableMessageID,
             sender: "alice",
-            content: "[voice] voice_\(hex).m4a",
+            content: "[voice] \(fileName)",
             timestamp: Date(),
             isRelay: false,
             isPrivate: true,
@@ -170,12 +197,21 @@ struct ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests {
         )
         #expect(coordinator.absorbFinalizedVoiceNote(note))
 
-        // The note replaced the live bubble in place: same message ID, new
-        // content, partial capture deleted.
+        // The finalized note adopts the sender-correlatable ID, removes the
+        // receiver-local live ID, and emits a fresh READ now that the sender
+        // has created its finalized media row.
         let replacement = try #require(context.upsertedMessages.last)
-        #expect(replacement.message.id == bubble.id)
+        #expect(replacement.message.id == stableMessageID)
         #expect(replacement.message.content == note.content)
         #expect(replacement.peerID == peer)
+        #expect(context.removedMessageIDs.contains(bubble.id))
+        #expect(Array(context.privateMutationLog.suffix(2)) == [
+            "upsert:\(stableMessageID)",
+            "remove:\(bubble.id)"
+        ])
+        #expect(context.sentReadReceipts.count == 1)
+        #expect(context.sentReadReceipts.first?.receipt.originalMessageID == stableMessageID)
+        #expect(context.sentReadReceipts.first?.peerID == peer)
         // The promoted partial capture is deleted in favor of the note.
         let url = try #require(fallbackFileURL(burstID: burstID, peerID: peer))
         #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: url.path))
@@ -449,7 +485,8 @@ struct ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests {
             isRelay: false, isPrivate: true, recipientNickname: "me", senderPeerID: peer
         )
         #expect(coordinator.absorbFinalizedVoiceNote(dmNote))
-        #expect(try #require(context.upsertedMessages.last).message.id == dmBubble.id)
+        #expect(try #require(context.upsertedMessages.last).message.id == dmNote.id)
+        #expect(context.removedMessageIDs.contains(dmBubble.id))
     }
 
     @Test func finalizedNoteBindsToItsAuthenticatedSender() throws {
@@ -479,8 +516,9 @@ struct ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests {
         )
         #expect(coordinator.absorbFinalizedVoiceNote(note))
         let replacement = try #require(context.upsertedMessages.last)
-        #expect(replacement.message.id == victimBubble.id)
+        #expect(replacement.message.id == note.id)
         #expect(replacement.peerID == peer)
+        #expect(context.removedMessageIDs.contains(victimBubble.id))
 
         // The attacker's note can only ever claim the attacker's own bubble.
         let attackerNote = BitchatMessage(
@@ -489,8 +527,9 @@ struct ChatLiveVoiceCoordinatorTests {
         )
         #expect(coordinator.absorbFinalizedVoiceNote(attackerNote))
         let attackerReplacement = try #require(context.upsertedMessages.last)
-        #expect(attackerReplacement.message.id == attackerBubble.id)
+        #expect(attackerReplacement.message.id == attackerNote.id)
         #expect(attackerReplacement.peerID == attacker)
+        #expect(context.removedMessageIDs.contains(attackerBubble.id))
 
         // Both registry entries are consumed — nothing left to hijack.
         #expect(!coordinator.absorbFinalizedVoiceNote(note))

bitchatTests/ChatPeerListCoordinatorContextTests.swift

@@ -104,6 +104,20 @@ private func makeMessage(id: String, senderPeerID: PeerID? = nil) -> BitchatMess
 /// no `ChatViewModel`.
 struct ChatPeerListCoordinatorContextTests {
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func synchronousPeerListUpdate_appliesBeforeReturning() {
+        let context = MockChatPeerListContext()
+        let coordinator = ChatPeerListCoordinator(context: context)
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+
+        coordinator.didUpdatePeerListSynchronously([peerID])
+
+        #expect(context.isConnected)
+        #expect(context.registeredEphemeralSessions == [peerID])
+        #expect(context.updateEncryptionStatusForPeersCount == 1)
+        #expect(context.cleanupOldReadReceiptsCount == 1)
+    }
+
     @Test @MainActor
     func didUpdatePeerList_updatesConnectionSessionsAndEncryptionStatus() async {
         let context = MockChatPeerListContext()

bitchatTests/ChatTransportEventCoordinatorContextTests.swift

@@ -220,26 +220,85 @@ struct ChatTransportEventCoordinatorContextTests {
     func didReceiveMessage_routesPrivateAndPublic_skipsBlockedAndEmpty() async {
         let context = MockChatTransportEventContext()
         let coordinator = ChatTransportEventCoordinator(context: context)
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
 
         // Blocked messages are dropped before any handling.
-        context.blockedMessageIDs = ["blocked"]
+        context.blockedMessageIDs = ["blocked", "blocked-private"]
         coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(id: "blocked"))
+        coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(
+            id: "blocked-private",
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        ))
         // Empty public content is dropped too.
         coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(id: "empty", content: "   "))
         await drainMainActorTasks()
         #expect(context.handledPublicMessages.isEmpty)
         #expect(context.handledPrivateMessages.isEmpty)
         #expect(context.mentionCheckedMessageIDs.isEmpty)
+        #expect(context.meshDeliveryAcks.isEmpty)
 
         // Private goes to the private handler, public to the public handler;
-        // both get mention checks and haptics.
-        coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(id: "pm", isPrivate: true))
+        // both get mention checks and haptics. Stable-media ACK authorization
+        // belongs to BLEFileTransferHandler after its durable commit and this
+        // synchronous acceptance result, not to the generic UI coordinator.
+        let stableMediaID = "media-\(String(repeating: "a", count: 32))"
+        coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(
+            id: stableMediaID,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        ))
+        coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(
+            id: "legacy-media",
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        ))
+        coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(id: "pm-missing-sender", isPrivate: true))
         coordinator.didReceiveMessage(makeMessage(id: "pub"))
         await drainMainActorTasks()
-        #expect(context.handledPrivateMessages.map(\.id) == ["pm"])
+        #expect(context.handledPrivateMessages.map(\.id) == [
+            stableMediaID,
+            "legacy-media",
+            "pm-missing-sender"
+        ])
         #expect(context.handledPublicMessages.map(\.id) == ["pub"])
-        #expect(context.mentionCheckedMessageIDs == ["pm", "pub"])
-        #expect(context.hapticMessageIDs == ["pm", "pub"])
+        #expect(context.mentionCheckedMessageIDs == [
+            stableMediaID,
+            "legacy-media",
+            "pm-missing-sender",
+            "pub"
+        ])
+        #expect(context.hapticMessageIDs == [
+            stableMediaID,
+            "legacy-media",
+            "pm-missing-sender",
+            "pub"
+        ])
+        #expect(context.meshDeliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func synchronousMessageDeliveryReportsAcceptanceForAckGating() {
+        let context = MockChatTransportEventContext()
+        let coordinator = ChatTransportEventCoordinator(context: context)
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
+        let blocked = makeMessage(
+            id: "blocked-private-media",
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        context.blockedMessageIDs = [blocked.id]
+
+        #expect(coordinator.didReceiveMessageSynchronously(blocked) == false)
+        #expect(context.handledPrivateMessages.isEmpty)
+
+        let accepted = makeMessage(
+            id: "accepted-private-media",
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        #expect(coordinator.didReceiveMessageSynchronously(accepted) == true)
+        #expect(context.handledPrivateMessages.map(\.id) == [accepted.id])
     }
 
     @Test @MainActor
@@ -295,6 +354,32 @@ struct ChatTransportEventCoordinatorContextTests {
         #expect(context.notifyUIChangedCount == 2)
     }
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func synchronousConnectAndDisconnect_applyBeforeReturning() {
+        let context = MockChatTransportEventContext()
+        let coordinator = ChatTransportEventCoordinator(context: context)
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "2233445566778899")
+        let incoming = makeMessage(
+            id: "incoming-receipt",
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        context.privateChats[peerID] = [incoming]
+
+        coordinator.didConnectToPeerSynchronously(peerID)
+
+        #expect(context.isConnected)
+        #expect(context.registeredEphemeralSessions == [peerID])
+        #expect(context.flushedOutboxPeerIDs == [peerID])
+        #expect(context.courierRetryPeerIDs == [peerID])
+
+        coordinator.didDisconnectFromPeerSynchronously(peerID)
+
+        #expect(context.removedEphemeralSessions == [peerID])
+        #expect(context.unmarkedReadReceiptBatches == [[incoming.id]])
+        #expect(context.notifyUIChangedCount == 2)
+    }
+
     @Test @MainActor
     func didDisconnect_whileViewingChat_migratesConversationToStablePeerID() async {
         let context = MockChatTransportEventContext()

bitchatTests/ChatVerificationCoordinatorContextTests.swift

@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ private final class MockChatVerificationContext: ChatVerificationContext {
     var noiseSessionKeysByPeerID: [PeerID: Data] = [:]
     private(set) var installedCallbacks: (onPeerAuthenticated: (PeerID, String) -> Void, onHandshakeRequired: (PeerID) -> Void)?
     private(set) var triggeredHandshakes: [PeerID] = []
+    private(set) var privateMediaAuthenticatedPeers: [PeerID] = []
     private(set) var sentChallenges: [(peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)] = []
     private(set) var sentResponses: [(peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)] = []
 
@@ -113,6 +114,9 @@ private final class MockChatVerificationContext: ChatVerificationContext {
         establishedNoiseSessions.contains(peerID)
     }
     func triggerHandshake(with peerID: PeerID) { triggeredHandshakes.append(peerID) }
+    func privateMediaPeerDidAuthenticate(_ peerID: PeerID) {
+        privateMediaAuthenticatedPeers.append(peerID)
+    }
 
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data) {
         sentChallenges.append((peerID, noiseKeyHex, nonceA))
@@ -277,6 +281,7 @@ struct ChatVerificationCoordinatorContextTests {
         #expect(context.encryptionStatuses[peerID] == .noiseVerified)
         #expect(context.stablePeerIDCache[peerID] == PeerID(hexData: noiseKey))
         #expect(context.invalidatedEncryptionCachePeers.contains(peerID))
+        #expect(context.privateMediaAuthenticatedPeers == [peerID])
 
         // Handshake required -> handshaking status.
         callbacks?.onHandshakeRequired(peerID)

bitchatTests/ChatViewModelExtensionsTests.swift

@@ -1048,6 +1048,89 @@ struct ChatViewModelMediaTransferTests {
         #expect(viewModel.transferIdToMessageIDs.count == 1)
     }
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequestsArePerSendAndQueued() async throws {
+        let (viewModel, _) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let firstPeer = PeerID(str: "1111111111111111")
+        let secondPeer = PeerID(str: "2222222222222222")
+        var decisions: [Bool] = []
+
+        viewModel.enqueueLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            for: firstPeer,
+            transferId: "transfer-1",
+            messageID: "message-1"
+        ) { decisions.append($0) }
+        viewModel.enqueueLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            for: secondPeer,
+            transferId: "transfer-2",
+            messageID: "message-2"
+        ) { decisions.append($0) }
+
+        #expect(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.peerID == firstPeer)
+        let firstRequestID = try #require(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id)
+        viewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: firstRequestID, approved: true)
+        let showedSecond = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
+            { viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.peerID == secondPeer },
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
+        )
+        #expect(showedSecond)
+        let secondRequestID = try #require(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id)
+
+        // A button action and the dialog binding may both resolve the first
+        // ID. The stale second callback must not consume the queued request.
+        viewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: firstRequestID, approved: false)
+        #expect(decisions == [true])
+        #expect(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id == secondRequestID)
+
+        viewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: secondRequestID, approved: false)
+
+        #expect(decisions == [true, false])
+        #expect(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest == nil)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func invalidatingPresentedLegacyConsentAdvancesQueueAndStaleResolutionNoops() async throws {
+        let (viewModel, _) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let firstPeer = PeerID(str: "3333333333333333")
+        let secondPeer = PeerID(str: "4444444444444444")
+        var decisions: [String] = []
+
+        viewModel.enqueueLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            for: firstPeer,
+            transferId: "transfer-cancelled",
+            messageID: "message-cancelled"
+        ) { decisions.append("first:\($0)") }
+        viewModel.enqueueLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            for: secondPeer,
+            transferId: "transfer-kept",
+            messageID: "message-kept"
+        ) { decisions.append("second:\($0)") }
+
+        let cancelledRequestID = try #require(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id)
+        viewModel.invalidateLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            transferId: "transfer-cancelled",
+            messageID: "message-cancelled"
+        )
+        let advanced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
+            { viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.peerID == secondPeer },
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
+        )
+        #expect(advanced)
+        #expect(decisions.isEmpty, "Invalidation drops the request rather than resolving its send")
+
+        viewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(
+            requestID: cancelledRequestID,
+            approved: true
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.peerID == secondPeer)
+        #expect(decisions.isEmpty)
+
+        let keptRequestID = try #require(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest?.id)
+        viewModel.resolveLegacyPrivateMediaConsent(requestID: keptRequestID, approved: true)
+        #expect(decisions == ["second:true"])
+        #expect(viewModel.legacyPrivateMediaConsentRequest == nil)
+    }
+
     @Test @MainActor
     func sendVoiceNote_oversizedFileFailsAndDeletesTempFile() async throws {
         let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()

bitchatTests/ChatViewModelTests.swift

@@ -864,6 +864,80 @@ struct ChatViewModelPublicConversationTests {
 
 struct ChatViewModelPeerTests {
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func typedPeerLifecycleEvents_applyBeforeReturning() {
+        let (viewModel, _) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
+        let incoming = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "typed-peer-incoming",
+            sender: "Alice",
+            content: "Hello",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([incoming], for: peerID)
+        viewModel.sentReadReceipts.insert(incoming.id)
+
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(.peerConnected(peerID))
+
+        #expect(viewModel.isConnected)
+
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(.peerDisconnected(peerID))
+
+        #expect(!viewModel.sentReadReceipts.contains(incoming.id))
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func typedPeerListDeliveryAndBluetoothEvents_applyBeforeReturning() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let stalePeer = PeerID(str: "00000000000000a2")
+        let deliveryPeer = PeerID(str: "0102030405060708")
+        let messageID = "typed-delivery-status"
+        let delivered = DeliveryStatus.delivered(
+            to: "Alice",
+            at: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        )
+        let outgoing = BitchatMessage(
+            id: messageID,
+            sender: viewModel.nickname,
+            content: "On the way",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: "Alice",
+            senderPeerID: transport.myPeerID,
+            deliveryStatus: .sent
+        )
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatUnread(stalePeer)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([outgoing], for: deliveryPeer)
+
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(.peerListUpdated([]))
+        #expect(!viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.contains(stalePeer))
+
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(
+            .messageDeliveryStatusUpdated(
+                messageID: messageID,
+                status: delivered
+            )
+        )
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateMessages(for: deliveryPeer).first?.deliveryStatus
+                == delivered
+        )
+
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(.bluetoothStateUpdated(.poweredOff))
+        #expect(viewModel.bluetoothState == .poweredOff)
+        #expect(viewModel.showBluetoothAlert)
+
+        // Snapshot events belong to TransportPeerEventsDelegate and are
+        // intentionally ignored at this typed sink.
+        viewModel.didReceiveTransportEvent(.peerSnapshotsUpdated([]))
+        #expect(viewModel.bluetoothState == .poweredOff)
+    }
+
     @Test @MainActor
     func didConnectToPeer_notifiesDelegate() async {
         let (_, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
@@ -1120,6 +1194,759 @@ struct ChatViewModelBluetoothTests {
     }
 }
 
+// MARK: - Private Media Deletion Tests
+
+struct ChatViewModelPrivateMediaDeletionTests {
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func deleteMediaMessageTombstonesIncomingButNotOutgoingStableMedia() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "8", count: 64))
+        let incomingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "e", count: 32))"
+        let outgoingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "f", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: incomingID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "incoming.jpg"
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: outgoingID,
+                sender: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: transport.myPeerID,
+                recipient: "Peer",
+                filename: "outgoing.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+
+        viewModel.deleteMediaMessage(messageID: outgoingID)
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.isEmpty)
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id) == [incomingID])
+
+        viewModel.deleteMediaMessage(messageID: incomingID)
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[incomingID]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths
+                == [[incomingID: "images/incoming/incoming.jpg"]]
+        )
+        #expect((viewModel.privateChats[peerID] ?? []).isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func stableDeleteProtectsPathSharedWithLegacyBubble() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult = false
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "6", count: 64))
+        let stableID = "media-\(String(repeating: "5", count: 32))"
+        let legacyID = UUID().uuidString
+        let filename = "shared-migration.jpg"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: stableID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: filename
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: legacyID,
+                sender: "Old client",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: filename
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+
+        viewModel.deleteMediaMessage(messageID: stableID)
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[stableID]]
+        )
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths == [[:]])
+        #expect(
+            transport.protectedPrivateMediaRelativePaths == [[
+                "images/incoming/\(filename)"
+            ]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == [stableID, legacyID]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func legacyIncomingDeleteLeavesAmbiguousPayloadForQuota() throws {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "3", count: 64))
+        let incoming = try FileManager.default.url(
+            for: .applicationSupportDirectory,
+            in: .userDomainMask,
+            appropriateFor: nil,
+            create: true
+        )
+        .appendingPathComponent(
+            "files/images/incoming",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: incoming,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let payload = incoming.appendingPathComponent(
+            "legacy-delete-\(UUID().uuidString).jpg"
+        )
+        try Data([0x01]).write(to: payload)
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: payload) }
+        let legacyID = UUID().uuidString
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: legacyID,
+                sender: "Old client",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: payload.lastPathComponent
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+
+        viewModel.deleteMediaMessage(messageID: legacyID)
+
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.isEmpty)
+        #expect((viewModel.privateChats[peerID] ?? []).isEmpty)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatTombstonesIncomingAndCancelsOutgoingBeforeClear() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "1", count: 64))
+        let incomingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "a", count: 32))"
+        let outgoingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "b", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: incomingID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "incoming.jpg"
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: outgoingID,
+                sender: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: transport.myPeerID,
+                recipient: "Peer",
+                filename: "outgoing.jpg"
+            ),
+            BitchatMessage(
+                id: "ordinary-message",
+                sender: "Peer",
+                content: "hello",
+                timestamp: Date(),
+                isRelay: false,
+                isPrivate: true,
+                recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: peerID
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+        viewModel.registerTransfer(
+            transferId: "outgoing-clear-transfer",
+            messageID: outgoingID
+        )
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(peerID)
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[incomingID]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths
+                == [[incomingID: "images/incoming/incoming.jpg"]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            transport.cancelledTransfers == ["outgoing-clear-transfer"]
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.messageIDToTransferId[outgoingID] == nil)
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.isEmpty == true)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatPreservesCapturedMessagesWhenTombstoneFails() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult = false
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "2", count: 64))
+        let incomingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "c", count: 32))"
+        let outgoingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "7", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: incomingID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "incoming.jpg"
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: outgoingID,
+                sender: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: transport.myPeerID,
+                recipient: "Peer",
+                filename: "outgoing.jpg"
+            ),
+            BitchatMessage(
+                id: "ordinary-message",
+                sender: "Peer",
+                content: "keep me on failure",
+                timestamp: Date(),
+                isRelay: false,
+                isPrivate: true,
+                recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: peerID
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+        viewModel.registerTransfer(
+            transferId: "failed-clear-outgoing",
+            messageID: outgoingID
+        )
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(peerID)
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[incomingID]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == [incomingID, outgoingID, "ordinary-message"]
+        )
+        #expect(transport.cancelledTransfers == ["failed-clear-outgoing"])
+        #expect(viewModel.messageIDToTransferId[outgoingID] == nil)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearFailurePreservesSameNameIncomingPayload() throws {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult = false
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "7", count: 64))
+        let incomingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "8", count: 32))"
+        let outgoingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "9", count: 32))"
+        let filename = "clear-collision-\(UUID().uuidString).jpg"
+        let filesDirectory = try FileManager.default.url(
+            for: .applicationSupportDirectory,
+            in: .userDomainMask,
+            appropriateFor: nil,
+            create: true
+        )
+        .appendingPathComponent("files/images", isDirectory: true)
+        let incomingDirectory = filesDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "incoming",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        let outgoingDirectory = filesDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "outgoing",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: incomingDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: outgoingDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let incomingURL = incomingDirectory.appendingPathComponent(filename)
+        let outgoingURL = outgoingDirectory.appendingPathComponent(filename)
+        try Data("incoming".utf8).write(to: incomingURL, options: .atomic)
+        try Data("outgoing".utf8).write(to: outgoingURL, options: .atomic)
+        defer {
+            try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: incomingURL)
+            try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: outgoingURL)
+        }
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: incomingID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: filename
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: outgoingID,
+                sender: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: transport.myPeerID,
+                recipient: "Peer",
+                filename: filename
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(peerID)
+
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: incomingURL.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: outgoingURL.path))
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths
+                == [[incomingID: "images/incoming/\(filename)"]]
+        )
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == [incomingID, outgoingID]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatPreservesArrivalDuringTombstoneIO() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = true
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "3", count: 64))
+        let incomingID = "media-\(String(repeating: "d", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: incomingID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "incoming.jpg"
+            ),
+            BitchatMessage(
+                id: "captured-text",
+                sender: "Peer",
+                content: "old",
+                timestamp: Date(),
+                isRelay: false,
+                isPrivate: true,
+                recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: peerID
+            )
+        ], for: peerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(peerID)
+        let arrival = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "concurrent-arrival",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "new",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(arrival, to: peerID))
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == ["concurrent-arrival"]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatPreservesActiveLiveVoiceAssembly() throws {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "7", count: 64))
+        viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer = peerID
+        let burstID = Data(
+            repeating: 0xE1,
+            count: VoiceBurstPacket.burstIDSize
+        )
+        let start = try #require(VoiceBurstPacket(
+            burstID: burstID,
+            seq: 0,
+            kind: .start(codec: .aacLC16kMono)
+        ))
+        let cancel = try #require(VoiceBurstPacket(
+            burstID: burstID,
+            seq: 1,
+            kind: .canceled
+        ))
+        let coordinator = viewModel.liveVoiceCoordinator
+        defer {
+            coordinator.handleVoiceFramePayload(
+                from: peerID,
+                payload: cancel.encode(),
+                timestamp: Date()
+            )
+        }
+        coordinator.handleVoiceFramePayload(
+            from: peerID,
+            payload: start.encode(),
+            timestamp: Date()
+        )
+        let liveMessage = try #require(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.first
+        )
+        #expect(coordinator.isLiveVoiceMessage(liveMessage))
+        let ordinary = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "clear-around-live-voice",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "old text",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(ordinary, to: peerID))
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(peerID)
+
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.isEmpty)
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == [liveMessage.id]
+        )
+        #expect(coordinator.isLiveVoiceMessage(liveMessage))
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func overlappingClearsTombstoneTheLastMirroredStableAlias() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = true
+        let firstPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "b", count: 64))
+        let secondPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "c", count: 64))
+        let sharedID = "media-\(String(repeating: "1", count: 32))"
+        let firstUniqueID = "media-\(String(repeating: "2", count: 32))"
+        let secondUniqueID = "media-\(String(repeating: "3", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: sharedID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "shared.jpg"
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: firstUniqueID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "first.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: sharedID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: secondPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "shared.jpg"
+            ),
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: secondUniqueID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: secondPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "second.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: secondPeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(secondPeerID)
+        let queuedArrival = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "arrival-after-queued-clear",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "new",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: secondPeerID
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(
+            queuedArrival,
+            to: secondPeerID
+        ))
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches
+                == [[firstUniqueID]]
+        )
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [
+                [firstUniqueID],
+                [secondUniqueID, sharedID].sorted()
+            ]
+        )
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect((viewModel.privateChats[firstPeerID] ?? []).isEmpty)
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[secondPeerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == ["arrival-after-queued-clear"]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearFollowsCapturedRowsAcrossPeerIdentityMigration() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = true
+        let sourcePeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "d", count: 64))
+        let destinationPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "e", count: 64))
+        let thirdPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "f", count: 64))
+        let stableID = "media-\(String(repeating: "4", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer = sourcePeerID
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: stableID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: sourcePeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "migrated.jpg"
+            ),
+            BitchatMessage(
+                id: "captured-before-migration",
+                sender: "Peer",
+                content: "old",
+                timestamp: Date(),
+                isRelay: false,
+                isPrivate: true,
+                recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: sourcePeerID
+            )
+        ], for: sourcePeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(sourcePeerID)
+        viewModel.migratePrivateChat(
+            from: sourcePeerID,
+            to: destinationPeerID
+        )
+        viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer = thirdPeerID
+        let arrival = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "arrival-after-migration",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "new",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: destinationPeerID
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(
+            arrival,
+            to: destinationPeerID
+        ))
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[destinationPeerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == ["arrival-after-migration"]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearFollowsMigrationWhenOldSourceIsRecreated() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = true
+        let sourcePeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "1", count: 64))
+        let destinationPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "2", count: 64))
+        let stableID = "media-\(String(repeating: "6", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: stableID,
+                sender: "Peer",
+                senderPeerID: sourcePeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "migrated-recreated.jpg"
+            ),
+            BitchatMessage(
+                id: "captured-before-recreation",
+                sender: "Peer",
+                content: "old",
+                timestamp: Date(),
+                isRelay: false,
+                isPrivate: true,
+                recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+                senderPeerID: sourcePeerID
+            )
+        ], for: sourcePeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(sourcePeerID)
+        viewModel.migratePrivateChat(
+            from: sourcePeerID,
+            to: destinationPeerID
+        )
+        let recreatedArrival = BitchatMessage(
+            id: "arrival-recreating-source",
+            sender: "Peer",
+            content: "new",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: viewModel.nickname,
+            senderPeerID: sourcePeerID
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(
+            recreatedArrival,
+            to: sourcePeerID
+        ))
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect(
+            (viewModel.privateChats[destinationPeerID] ?? []).isEmpty
+        )
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[sourcePeerID]?.map(\.id)
+                == ["arrival-recreating-source"]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatKeepsMediaReferencedByAnotherConversation() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let firstPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "4", count: 64))
+        let aliasPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "5", count: 64))
+        let messageID = "media-\(String(repeating: "6", count: 32))"
+        let message = privateMediaMessage(
+            id: messageID,
+            sender: "Peer",
+            senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+            recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+            filename: "mirrored.jpg"
+        )
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([message], for: firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([message], for: aliasPeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(firstPeerID)
+
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.isEmpty)
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[firstPeerID]?.isEmpty == true)
+        #expect(
+            viewModel.privateChats[aliasPeerID]?.map(\.id) == [messageID]
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func clearPrivateChatLeavesAmbiguousLegacyFileForQuotaCleanup()
+        throws {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        let firstPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "9", count: 64))
+        let aliasPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "a", count: 64))
+        let incomingDirectory = try FileManager.default.url(
+            for: .applicationSupportDirectory,
+            in: .userDomainMask,
+            appropriateFor: nil,
+            create: true
+        )
+        .appendingPathComponent("files/images/incoming", isDirectory: true)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: incomingDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let fileURL = incomingDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "legacy-clear-\(UUID().uuidString).jpg"
+        )
+        try Data("legacy-image".utf8).write(to: fileURL, options: .atomic)
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: fileURL) }
+        let message = privateMediaMessage(
+            id: UUID().uuidString,
+            sender: "Old client",
+            senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+            recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+            filename: fileURL.lastPathComponent
+        )
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([message], for: firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([message], for: aliasPeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(firstPeerID)
+
+        #expect(transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.isEmpty)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: fileURL.path))
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[aliasPeerID]?.map(\.id) == [message.id])
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(aliasPeerID)
+
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: fileURL.path))
+        #expect((viewModel.privateChats[aliasPeerID] ?? []).isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func panicInvalidatesActiveAndQueuedPrivateChatClears() {
+        let (viewModel, transport) = makeTestableViewModel()
+        transport.deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = true
+        let firstPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "4", count: 64))
+        let secondPeerID = PeerID(str: String(repeating: "5", count: 64))
+        let firstID = "media-\(String(repeating: "6", count: 32))"
+        let secondID = "media-\(String(repeating: "7", count: 32))"
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: firstID,
+                sender: "First",
+                senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "first-pre-panic.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: secondID,
+                sender: "Second",
+                senderPeerID: secondPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "second-pre-panic.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: secondPeerID)
+
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.clearPrivateChat(secondPeerID)
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[firstID]]
+        )
+
+        _ = viewModel.panicClearAllData(restartServices: false)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: firstID,
+                sender: "First",
+                senderPeerID: firstPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "first-post-panic.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: firstPeerID)
+        viewModel.seedPrivateChat([
+            privateMediaMessage(
+                id: secondID,
+                sender: "Second",
+                senderPeerID: secondPeerID,
+                recipient: viewModel.nickname,
+                filename: "second-post-panic.jpg"
+            )
+        ], for: secondPeerID)
+
+        transport.resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(true)
+
+        #expect(
+            transport.deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches == [[firstID]]
+        )
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[firstPeerID]?.map(\.id) == [firstID])
+        #expect(viewModel.privateChats[secondPeerID]?.map(\.id) == [secondID])
+    }
+
+    private func privateMediaMessage(
+        id: String,
+        sender: String,
+        senderPeerID: PeerID,
+        recipient: String,
+        filename: String
+    ) -> BitchatMessage {
+        BitchatMessage(
+            id: id,
+            sender: sender,
+            content: "\(MimeType.Category.image.messagePrefix)\(filename)",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: recipient,
+            senderPeerID: senderPeerID
+        )
+    }
+}
+
 // MARK: - Panic Clear Tests
 
 struct ChatViewModelPanicTests {

bitchatTests/Integration/IntegrationTests.swift

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import Testing
 @testable import BitFoundation // to avoid unnecessary public's
 @testable import bitchat
 
+@Suite("Integration Tests", .serialized)
 struct IntegrationTests {
     
     private var helper = TestNetworkHelper()
@@ -272,8 +273,18 @@ struct IntegrationTests {
         // Re-establish Noise handshake explicitly via managers
         do {
             let m1 = try helper.noiseManagers["Bob"]!.initiateHandshake(with: helper.nodes["Alice"]!.peerID)
-            let m2 = try helper.noiseManagers["Alice"]!.handleIncomingHandshake(from: helper.nodes["Bob"]!.peerID, message: m1)!
-            let m3 = try helper.noiseManagers["Bob"]!.handleIncomingHandshake(from: helper.nodes["Alice"]!.peerID, message: m2)!
+            let m2 = try #require(
+                try helper.noiseManagers["Alice"]!.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                    from: helper.nodes["Bob"]!.peerID,
+                    message: m1
+                )
+            )
+            let m3 = try #require(
+                try helper.noiseManagers["Bob"]!.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                    from: helper.nodes["Alice"]!.peerID,
+                    message: m2
+                )
+            )
             _ = try helper.noiseManagers["Alice"]!.handleIncomingHandshake(from: helper.nodes["Bob"]!.peerID, message: m3)
         } catch {
             Issue.record("Failed to re-establish Noise session after restart: \(error)")

bitchatTests/Integration/TestNetworkHelper.swift

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 
 import Foundation
 import CryptoKit
+import Testing
 @testable import BitFoundation // to avoid unnecessary public's
 @testable import bitchat
 
@@ -27,9 +28,14 @@ final class TestNetworkHelper {
         node.mockNickname = name
         nodes[name] = node
         
-        // Create/replace Noise manager for this node
+        // This synchronous helper directly drives all three XX messages and
+        // has no transport callback loop for delayed collision recovery.
         let key = Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey()
-        noiseManagers[name] = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: key, keychain: mockKeychain)
+        noiseManagers[name] = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: key,
+            keychain: mockKeychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0
+        )
         return node
     }
     
@@ -108,8 +114,18 @@ final class TestNetworkHelper {
               let peer2ID = nodes[node2]?.peerID else { return }
         
         let msg1 = try manager1.initiateHandshake(with: peer2ID)
-        let msg2 = try manager2.handleIncomingHandshake(from: peer1ID, message: msg1)!
-        let msg3 = try manager1.handleIncomingHandshake(from: peer2ID, message: msg2)!
+        let msg2 = try #require(
+            try manager2.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: peer1ID,
+                message: msg1
+            )
+        )
+        let msg3 = try #require(
+            try manager1.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: peer2ID,
+                message: msg2
+            )
+        )
         _ = try manager2.handleIncomingHandshake(from: peer1ID, message: msg3)
     }
 }

bitchatTests/Mocks/MockIdentityManager.swift

@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ final class MockIdentityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
     private var blockedFingerprints: Set<String> = []
     private var blockedNostrPubkeys: Set<String> = []
     private var socialIdentities: [String: SocialIdentity] = [:]
+    private var privateMediaCapableFingerprints: Set<String> = []
+    private var authenticatedSigningKeys: [String: Data] = [:]
 
     init(_: KeychainManagerProtocol) {}
     
@@ -87,7 +89,10 @@ final class MockIdentityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
     
     func registerEphemeralSession(peerID: PeerID, handshakeState: HandshakeState) {}
 
-    func clearAllIdentityData() {}
+    func clearAllIdentityData() {
+        privateMediaCapableFingerprints.removeAll()
+        authenticatedSigningKeys.removeAll()
+    }
     
     func removeEphemeralSession(peerID: PeerID) {}
     
@@ -101,6 +106,22 @@ final class MockIdentityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
         Set()
     }
 
+    func markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: String) {
+        privateMediaCapableFingerprints.insert(fingerprint)
+    }
+
+    func hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: String) -> Bool {
+        privateMediaCapableFingerprints.contains(fingerprint)
+    }
+
+    func bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(_ signingPublicKey: Data, fingerprint: String) {
+        authenticatedSigningKeys[fingerprint] = signingPublicKey
+    }
+
+    func authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint fingerprint: String) -> Data? {
+        authenticatedSigningKeys[fingerprint]
+    }
+
     // MARK: Vouching (transitive verification)
 
     private var vouchesByVouchee: [String: [VouchRecord]] = [:]

bitchatTests/Mocks/MockTransport.swift

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import BitFoundation
 
 /// Mock Transport implementation for testing ChatViewModel in isolation.
 /// Records all method calls and allows test code to verify interactions.
-final class MockTransport: Transport {
+final class MockTransport: Transport, PrivateMediaDeletionPersisting {
 
     // MARK: - Protocol Properties
 
@@ -36,7 +36,13 @@ final class MockTransport: Transport {
     private(set) var sentFavoriteNotifications: [(peerID: PeerID, isFavorite: Bool)] = []
     private(set) var sentBroadcastFiles: [(packet: BitchatFilePacket, transferID: String)] = []
     private(set) var sentPrivateFiles: [(packet: BitchatFilePacket, peerID: PeerID, transferID: String)] = []
+    private(set) var sentPrivateFileLegacyAllowances: [Bool] = []
     private(set) var cancelledTransfers: [String] = []
+    private(set) var deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches: [[String]] = []
+    private(set) var deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths: [
+        [String: String]
+    ] = []
+    private(set) var protectedPrivateMediaRelativePaths: [Set<String>] = []
     private(set) var sentVerifyChallenges: [(peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)] = []
     private(set) var sentVerifyResponses: [(peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)] = []
     private(set) var sentCourierMessages: [(content: String, messageID: String, recipientNoiseKey: Data, couriers: [PeerID])] = []
@@ -58,6 +64,12 @@ final class MockTransport: Transport {
     var peerNicknames: [PeerID: String] = [:]
     var peerFingerprints: [PeerID: String] = [:]
     var peerNoiseStates: [PeerID: LazyHandshakeState] = [:]
+    var privateMediaPolicies: [PeerID: PrivateMediaSendPolicy] = [:]
+    var persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult = true
+    var deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence = false
+    private var pendingDeletedPrivateMediaCompletions: [
+        @MainActor (Bool) -> Void
+    ] = []
     private let mockKeychain = MockKeychain()
 
     // MARK: - Transport Protocol Implementation
@@ -186,12 +198,63 @@ final class MockTransport: Transport {
 
     func sendFilePrivate(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, to peerID: PeerID, transferId: String) {
         sentPrivateFiles.append((packet, peerID, transferId))
+        sentPrivateFileLegacyAllowances.append(false)
+    }
+
+    func sendFilePrivate(
+        _ packet: BitchatFilePacket,
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        transferId: String,
+        allowLegacyFallback: Bool
+    ) {
+        sentPrivateFiles.append((packet, peerID, transferId))
+        sentPrivateFileLegacyAllowances.append(allowLegacyFallback)
+    }
+
+    func privateMediaSendPolicy(to peerID: PeerID) -> PrivateMediaSendPolicy {
+        privateMediaPolicies[peerID] ?? .encrypted
+    }
+
+    func resolvePrivateMediaSendPolicy(
+        to peerID: PeerID,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (PrivateMediaSendPolicy) -> Void
+    ) {
+        let policy = privateMediaPolicies[peerID] ?? .encrypted
+        Task { @MainActor in completion(policy) }
     }
 
     func cancelTransfer(_ transferId: String) {
         cancelledTransfers.append(transferId)
     }
 
+    @MainActor
+    func persistDeletedPrivateMedia(
+        messageIDs: [String],
+        payloadRelativePaths: [String: String],
+        protectedPayloadRelativePaths: Set<String>,
+        completion: @escaping @MainActor (Bool) -> Void
+    ) {
+        deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.append(messageIDs)
+        deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths.append(payloadRelativePaths)
+        protectedPrivateMediaRelativePaths.append(
+            protectedPayloadRelativePaths
+        )
+        if deferDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence {
+            pendingDeletedPrivateMediaCompletions.append(completion)
+        } else {
+            completion(persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult)
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func resolveNextDeletedPrivateMediaPersistence(
+        _ result: Bool? = nil
+    ) {
+        guard !pendingDeletedPrivateMediaCompletions.isEmpty else { return }
+        let completion = pendingDeletedPrivateMediaCompletions.removeFirst()
+        completion(result ?? persistDeletedPrivateMediaResult)
+    }
+
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data) {
         sentVerifyChallenges.append((peerID, noiseKeyHex, nonceA))
     }
@@ -239,6 +302,9 @@ final class MockTransport: Transport {
         sentBroadcastFiles.removeAll()
         sentPrivateFiles.removeAll()
         cancelledTransfers.removeAll()
+        deletedPrivateMediaMessageIDBatches.removeAll()
+        deletedPrivateMediaRelativePaths.removeAll()
+        protectedPrivateMediaRelativePaths.removeAll()
         sentVerifyChallenges.removeAll()
         sentVerifyResponses.removeAll()
         startServicesCallCount = 0

bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseCoverageTests.swift

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import BitFoundation
 
 @testable import bitchat
 
-@Suite("Noise Coverage Tests")
+@Suite("Noise Coverage Tests", .serialized)
 struct NoiseCoverageTests {
     private let keychain = MockKeychain()
     private let aliceStaticKey = Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey()
@@ -542,8 +542,12 @@ struct NoiseCoverageTests {
         let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: aliceStaticKey, keychain: keychain)
         let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: bobStaticKey, keychain: keychain)
 
-        aliceManager.onSessionEstablished = establishedRecorder.recordEstablished(peerID:remoteKey:)
-        bobManager.onSessionEstablished = establishedRecorder.recordEstablished(peerID:remoteKey:)
+        aliceManager.onSessionEstablished = establishedRecorder.recordEstablished(
+            peerID:remoteKey:sessionGeneration:
+        )
+        bobManager.onSessionEstablished = establishedRecorder.recordEstablished(
+            peerID:remoteKey:sessionGeneration:
+        )
 
         try establishManagerSessions(aliceManager: aliceManager, bobManager: bobManager)
 
@@ -629,8 +633,16 @@ struct NoiseCoverageTests {
         )
         let replacementSession = try #require(manager.getSession(for: alicePeerID))
 
-        #expect(replacementResponse != nil)
-        #expect(replacementSession !== restartedSession)
+        let localPeerID = PeerID(
+            publicKey: aliceStaticKey.publicKey.rawRepresentation
+        )
+        if localPeerID < alicePeerID {
+            #expect(replacementResponse == nil)
+            #expect(replacementSession === restartedSession)
+        } else {
+            #expect(replacementResponse != nil)
+            #expect(replacementSession !== restartedSession)
+        }
 
         let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: aliceStaticKey, keychain: keychain)
         let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: bobStaticKey, keychain: keychain)
@@ -650,13 +662,128 @@ struct NoiseCoverageTests {
             try aliceManager.initiateHandshake(with: alicePeerID)
         }
 
-        try aliceManager.initiateRekey(for: alicePeerID)
+        let rekeyInitiation = try aliceManager.initiateRekey(for: alicePeerID)
+        let rekeyHandshake = try #require(
+            aliceManager.claimHandshakeInitiation(
+                rekeyInitiation,
+                for: alicePeerID
+            )
+        )
+        #expect(!rekeyHandshake.isEmpty)
         let rekeyedSession = try #require(aliceManager.getSession(for: alicePeerID))
 
         #expect(rekeyedSession !== establishedSession)
         #expect(rekeyedSession.getState() == .handshaking)
     }
 
+    @Test("A stale decrypt generation cannot commit across session promotion")
+    func staleDecryptGenerationCannotCommitAcrossPromotion() throws {
+        let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: aliceStaticKey,
+            keychain: keychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0,
+            sessionFactory: { peerID, role in
+                BlockingDecryptNoiseSession(
+                    peerID: peerID,
+                    role: role,
+                    keychain: self.keychain,
+                    localStaticKey: self.aliceStaticKey
+                )
+            }
+        )
+        let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: bobStaticKey, keychain: keychain)
+        try establishManagerSessions(aliceManager: aliceManager, bobManager: bobManager)
+
+        let oldSession = try #require(
+            aliceManager.getSession(for: alicePeerID) as? BlockingDecryptNoiseSession
+        )
+        let oldGeneration = try #require(aliceManager.sessionGeneration(for: alicePeerID))
+
+        // Prepare a fully authenticated responder candidate without promoting
+        // it yet. Its final XX message is the exact operation that replaces
+        // the old `sessions[peerID]` entry.
+        let replacementInitiator = NoiseSession(
+            peerID: bobPeerID,
+            role: .initiator,
+            keychain: keychain,
+            localStaticKey: bobStaticKey
+        )
+        let message1 = try replacementInitiator.startHandshake()
+        let message2 = try #require(
+            try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(from: alicePeerID, message: message1)
+        )
+        let message3 = try #require(try replacementInitiator.processHandshakeMessage(message2))
+
+        let ciphertext = try bobManager.encrypt(Data("old session".utf8), for: bobPeerID)
+        oldSession.pauseNextDecrypt()
+
+        let decryptResult = ConcurrentTestResult<(plaintext: Data, sessionGeneration: UUID)>()
+        var promotionResultForCleanup: ConcurrentTestResult<Data?>?
+        defer {
+            // A failed startup requirement must not strand a late thread in
+            // the blocking test double after the test has returned.
+            oldSession.resumeDecrypt()
+            _ = decryptResult.wait(timeout: 5)
+            if let promotionResultForCleanup {
+                _ = promotionResultForCleanup.wait(timeout: 5)
+            }
+        }
+
+        let decryptThread = Thread {
+            decryptResult.capture {
+                try aliceManager.decryptWithSessionGeneration(ciphertext, from: self.alicePeerID)
+            }
+        }
+        decryptThread.name = "NoiseCoverageTests.staleDecrypt.decrypt"
+        decryptThread.qualityOfService = .userInitiated
+        decryptThread.start()
+        try #require(oldSession.waitForDecryptStart(timeout: 5))
+
+        let promotionStarted = DispatchSemaphore(value: 0)
+        let promotionResult = ConcurrentTestResult<Data?>()
+        promotionResultForCleanup = promotionResult
+        let promotionThread = Thread {
+            promotionStarted.signal()
+            promotionResult.capture {
+                try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(from: self.alicePeerID, message: message3)
+            }
+        }
+        promotionThread.name = "NoiseCoverageTests.staleDecrypt.promote"
+        promotionThread.qualityOfService = .userInitiated
+        promotionThread.start()
+        try #require(promotionStarted.wait(timeout: .now() + 5) == .success)
+        #expect(
+            promotionResult.wait(timeout: 0.05) == nil,
+            "Promotion must wait for the exact decrypting-session lease"
+        )
+
+        oldSession.resumeDecrypt()
+        let decrypted = try #require(decryptResult.wait(timeout: 5)).get()
+        _ = try #require(promotionResult.wait(timeout: 5)).get()
+
+        #expect(decrypted.plaintext == Data("old session".utf8))
+        #expect(decrypted.sessionGeneration == oldGeneration)
+        #expect(aliceManager.sessionGeneration(for: alicePeerID) != oldGeneration)
+        #expect(throws: NoiseEncryptionError.sessionNotEstablished) {
+            try aliceManager.encrypt(
+                Data("stale send".utf8),
+                for: alicePeerID,
+                expectedSessionGeneration: oldGeneration
+            )
+        }
+
+        var staleCommitRan = false
+        let staleCommit = aliceManager.withCurrentSessionGeneration(
+            for: alicePeerID,
+            expected: decrypted.sessionGeneration
+        ) {
+            staleCommitRan = true
+            return true
+        }
+        #expect(staleCommit == nil)
+        #expect(!staleCommitRan)
+    }
+
     @Test("Secure noise sessions enforce limits and renegotiation thresholds")
     func secureNoiseSessionsEnforceLimitsAndThresholds() throws {
         let initiator = SecureNoiseSession(
@@ -851,7 +978,11 @@ private final class SessionCallbackRecorder: @unchecked Sendable {
         return establishedEntries.map(\.0)
     }
 
-    func recordEstablished(peerID: PeerID, remoteKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey) {
+    func recordEstablished(
+        peerID: PeerID,
+        remoteKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey,
+        sessionGeneration _: UUID
+    ) {
         lock.lock()
         establishedEntries.append((peerID, remoteKey.rawRepresentation))
         lock.unlock()
@@ -873,3 +1004,62 @@ private final class FailingNoiseSession: NoiseSession {
         throw Error.synthetic
     }
 }
+
+private final class BlockingDecryptNoiseSession: NoiseSession, @unchecked Sendable {
+    private let controlLock = NSLock()
+    private var shouldPauseNextDecrypt = false
+    private let decryptStarted = DispatchSemaphore(value: 0)
+    private let resumeDecryptSemaphore = DispatchSemaphore(value: 0)
+
+    func pauseNextDecrypt() {
+        controlLock.lock()
+        shouldPauseNextDecrypt = true
+        controlLock.unlock()
+    }
+
+    func waitForDecryptStart(timeout: TimeInterval) -> Bool {
+        decryptStarted.wait(timeout: .now() + timeout) == .success
+    }
+
+    func resumeDecrypt() {
+        resumeDecryptSemaphore.signal()
+    }
+
+    override func decrypt(_ ciphertext: Data) throws -> Data {
+        controlLock.lock()
+        let shouldPause = shouldPauseNextDecrypt
+        shouldPauseNextDecrypt = false
+        controlLock.unlock()
+
+        if shouldPause {
+            decryptStarted.signal()
+            resumeDecryptSemaphore.wait()
+        }
+        return try super.decrypt(ciphertext)
+    }
+}
+
+private final class ConcurrentTestResult<Value>: @unchecked Sendable {
+    private let lock = NSLock()
+    private let completed = DispatchGroup()
+    private var storedResult: Result<Value, Error>?
+
+    init() {
+        completed.enter()
+    }
+
+    func capture(_ operation: () throws -> Value) {
+        let result = Result(catching: operation)
+        lock.lock()
+        storedResult = result
+        lock.unlock()
+        completed.leave()
+    }
+
+    func wait(timeout: TimeInterval) -> Result<Value, Error>? {
+        guard completed.wait(timeout: .now() + timeout) == .success else { return nil }
+        lock.lock()
+        defer { lock.unlock() }
+        return storedResult
+    }
+}

bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseProtocolTests.swift

@@ -357,8 +357,18 @@ struct NoiseProtocolTests {
     
     @Test func peerRestartDetection() throws {
         // Establish initial sessions
-        let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: aliceKey, keychain: mockKeychain)
-        let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: bobKey, keychain: mockKeychain)
+        // This test explicitly drives the three synchronous XX messages and
+        // does not exercise the transport's delayed collision recovery.
+        let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: aliceKey,
+            keychain: mockKeychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0
+        )
+        let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: bobKey,
+            keychain: mockKeychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0
+        )
         
         try establishManagerSessions(aliceManager: aliceManager, bobManager: bobManager)
         
@@ -377,15 +387,24 @@ struct NoiseProtocolTests {
         let newHandshake1 = try bobManagerRestarted.initiateHandshake(with: bobPeerID)
         
         // Alice should accept the new handshake (clearing old session)
-        let newHandshake2 = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
-            from: alicePeerID, message: newHandshake1)
-        #expect(newHandshake2 != nil)
+        let newHandshake2 = try #require(
+            try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: alicePeerID,
+                message: newHandshake1
+            )
+        )
         
         // Complete the new handshake
-        let newHandshake3 = try bobManagerRestarted.handleIncomingHandshake(
-            from: bobPeerID, message: newHandshake2!)
-        #expect(newHandshake3 != nil)
-        _ = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(from: alicePeerID, message: newHandshake3!)
+        let newHandshake3 = try #require(
+            try bobManagerRestarted.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: bobPeerID,
+                message: newHandshake2
+            )
+        )
+        _ = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
+            from: alicePeerID,
+            message: newHandshake3
+        )
         
         // Should be able to exchange messages with new sessions
         let testMessage = Data("After restart".utf8)
@@ -543,8 +562,18 @@ struct NoiseProtocolTests {
     
     @Test func nonceDesynchronizationCausesRehandshake() throws {
         // Test that nonce desynchronization leads to proper re-handshake
-        let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: aliceKey, keychain: mockKeychain)
-        let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(localStaticKey: bobKey, keychain: mockKeychain)
+        // This test explicitly drives the three synchronous XX messages and
+        // does not exercise the transport's delayed collision recovery.
+        let aliceManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: aliceKey,
+            keychain: mockKeychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0
+        )
+        let bobManager = NoiseSessionManager(
+            localStaticKey: bobKey,
+            keychain: mockKeychain,
+            recentInitiatorCompletionGracePeriod: 0
+        )
         
         // Establish sessions
         try establishManagerSessions(aliceManager: aliceManager, bobManager: bobManager)
@@ -572,15 +601,25 @@ struct NoiseProtocolTests {
         let rehandshake1 = try bobManager.initiateHandshake(with: bobPeerID)
         
         // Alice should accept despite having a "valid" (but desynced) session
-        let rehandshake2 = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
-            from: alicePeerID, message: rehandshake1)
-        #expect(rehandshake2 != nil, "Alice should accept handshake to fix desync")
+        let rehandshake2 = try #require(
+            try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: alicePeerID,
+                message: rehandshake1
+            ),
+            "Alice should accept handshake to fix desync"
+        )
         
         // Complete handshake
-        let rehandshake3 = try bobManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
-            from: bobPeerID, message: rehandshake2!)
-        #expect(rehandshake3 != nil)
-        _ = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(from: alicePeerID, message: rehandshake3!)
+        let rehandshake3 = try #require(
+            try bobManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
+                from: bobPeerID,
+                message: rehandshake2
+            )
+        )
+        _ = try aliceManager.handleIncomingHandshake(
+            from: alicePeerID,
+            message: rehandshake3
+        )
         
         // Verify communication works again
         let testResynced = Data("Resynced".utf8)

bitchatTests/Protocols/BitchatFilePacketTests.swift

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import BitFoundation
 import XCTest
 @testable import bitchat
 
@@ -73,4 +74,85 @@ final class BitchatFilePacketTests: XCTestCase {
         XCTAssertEqual(decoded.fileSize, UInt64(content.count))
         XCTAssertEqual(decoded.content, content)
     }
+
+    func testPrivateMediaMessageIdentityConvergesAcrossPeerIDAliases() throws {
+        let senderKey = Data(repeating: 0x11, count: 32)
+        let recipientKey = Data(repeating: 0x22, count: 32)
+        let senderStable = PeerID(hexData: senderKey)
+        let recipientStable = PeerID(hexData: recipientKey)
+        let fileName = "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+
+        let senderID = try XCTUnwrap(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: senderStable.toShort(),
+            recipientPeerID: PeerID(str: "mesh:\(recipientStable.toShort().bare)"),
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+        let receiverID = try XCTUnwrap(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: senderStable,
+            recipientPeerID: recipientStable.toShort(),
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+
+        XCTAssertEqual(senderID, receiverID)
+        XCTAssertTrue(senderID.hasPrefix("media-"))
+        XCTAssertEqual(senderID.count, 38)
+        XCTAssertTrue(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.isStableID(senderID))
+        XCTAssertFalse(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.isStableID("media-\(String(repeating: "A", count: 32))"))
+        XCTAssertFalse(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.isStableID("media-\(String(repeating: "a", count: 31))"))
+        XCTAssertFalse(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.isStableID(UUID().uuidString))
+    }
+
+    func testPrivateMediaMessageIdentitySeparatesDirectionAndFilename() throws {
+        let alice = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+        let bob = PeerID(str: "8899aabbccddeeff")
+        let firstName = "voice_20260725_105708_11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111.m4a"
+        let secondName = "voice_20260725_105709_22222222-2222-2222-2222-222222222222.m4a"
+        let first = try XCTUnwrap(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: firstName
+        ))
+
+        XCTAssertNotEqual(first, PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: bob,
+            recipientPeerID: alice,
+            fileName: firstName
+        ))
+        XCTAssertNotEqual(first, PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: secondName
+        ))
+        XCTAssertNil(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: nil
+        ))
+        XCTAssertNil(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: "photo.jpg"
+        ))
+        XCTAssertNil(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: "img_11111111-1111-1111-1111-111111111111.pdf"
+        ))
+        XCTAssertNotNil(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: alice,
+            recipientPeerID: bob,
+            fileName: "voice_0011223344556677.m4a"
+        ))
+    }
+
+    func testPrivateMediaMessageIdentityMatchesVersionOneGoldenVector() {
+        XCTAssertEqual(
+            PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+                senderPeerID: PeerID(str: "0011223344556677"),
+                recipientPeerID: PeerID(str: "8899aabbccddeeff"),
+                fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+            ),
+            "media-910bd42c65060ab76bb6406f220c4516"
+        )
+    }
 }

bitchatTests/Protocols/PacketsTests.swift

@@ -145,6 +145,39 @@ struct PacketsTests {
         #expect(decoded.capabilities?.rawValue == 0x0180)
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func authenticatedPeerStateUsesVersionedCanonicalTLVs() throws {
+        let signingKey = Data(repeating: 0xA5, count: 32)
+        let packet = AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket(
+            capabilities: [.privateMedia, .vouch],
+            signingPublicKey: signingKey
+        )
+
+        var encoded = try #require(packet.encode())
+        #expect(encoded.prefix(5) == Data([0x01, 0x01, 0x02, 0x20, 0x01]))
+        // Unknown TLVs are forward-compatible and do not alter v1 state.
+        encoded.append(makeTLV(type: 0x7F, value: Data([0xCA, 0xFE])))
+
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: encoded) == packet)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func authenticatedPeerStateRejectsMalformedAmbiguousOrUnknownVersion() {
+        let key = Data(repeating: 0x44, count: 32)
+        let capabilities = makeTLV(type: 0x01, value: Data([0x00, 0x01]))
+        let signing = makeTLV(type: 0x02, value: key)
+
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x02]) + capabilities + signing) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + signing) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + capabilities + capabilities + signing) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01, 0x01, 0x00]) + signing) == nil)
+        // 0x0001 is non-minimal little endian; the canonical form is [0x01].
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + makeTLV(type: 0x01, value: Data([0x01, 0x00])) + signing) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + capabilities + makeTLV(type: 0x02, value: Data(key.dropLast()))) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + capabilities + Data(signing.dropLast())) == nil)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data([0x01]) + makeTLV(type: 0x01, value: Data(repeating: 0x01, count: 9)) + signing) == nil)
+    }
+
     @Test
     func privateMessagePacketRejectsUnknownTypeAndTruncation() {
         let unknownTLV = Data([0x7F, 0x01, 0x41])

bitchatTests/Services/BLEAnnounceHandlerTests.swift

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import Testing
 struct BLEAnnounceHandlerTests {
     private final class Recorder {
         var existingNoisePublicKey: Data?
+        var authenticatedSigningPublicKey: Data?
         var signatureValid = true
         var linkState: (hasPeripheral: Bool, hasCentral: Bool) = (false, false)
         var linkBoundToOtherPeer = false
@@ -37,6 +38,7 @@ struct BLEAnnounceHandlerTests {
             messageTTL: TransportConfig.messageTTLDefault,
             now: { now },
             existingNoisePublicKey: { _ in recorder.existingNoisePublicKey },
+            authenticatedSigningPublicKey: { _ in recorder.authenticatedSigningPublicKey },
             verifySignature: { packet, signingPublicKey in
                 recorder.verifySignatureCalls.append((packet, signingPublicKey))
                 return recorder.signatureValid

bitchatTests/Services/BLEAnnounceHandlingPolicyTests.swift

@@ -169,6 +169,23 @@ struct BLEAnnounceHandlingPolicyTests {
         #expect(decision.isVerified)
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func trustPolicyRejectsSigningKeyReplacementAfterNoiseBinding() {
+        let noiseKey = Data(repeating: 0xCC, count: 32)
+        let boundSigningKey = Data(repeating: 0x11, count: 32)
+
+        let decision = BLEAnnounceTrustPolicy.evaluate(
+            hasSignature: true,
+            signatureValid: true,
+            existingNoisePublicKey: noiseKey,
+            announcedNoisePublicKey: noiseKey,
+            authenticatedSigningPublicKey: boundSigningKey,
+            announcedSigningPublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x22, count: 32)
+        )
+
+        #expect(decision == .reject(.authenticatedSigningKeyMismatch))
+    }
+
     @Test
     func responsePolicyConnectsOnlyForDirectNewOrReconnectedPeers() {
         let directNew = BLEAnnounceResponsePolicy.plan(

bitchatTests/Services/BLEFileTransferHandlerTests.swift

@@ -13,17 +13,109 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
 
         var signatureVerifyCount = 0
         var signedNameQueries: [PeerID] = []
+        var blockedPeers: Set<PeerID> = []
         var trackedPackets: [BitchatPacket] = []
         var quotaReservations: [Int] = []
         var saveCalls: [(data: Data, preferredName: String?, subdirectory: String, fallbackExtension: String?, defaultPrefix: String)] = []
+        var receiptStates: [String: BLEPrivateMediaReceiptState] = [:]
+        var receiptCommits: [(messageID: String, storedURL: URL)] = []
+        var receiptCommitSucceeds = true
+        var removedIncomingFiles: [URL] = []
+        var finishedIncomingFileDeliveries: [URL] = []
         var lastSeenUpdates: [PeerID] = []
+        var deliveryAcks: [(messageID: String, peerID: PeerID)] = []
         var deliveredMessages: [BitchatMessage] = []
+        var shouldAcceptDelivery = true
+        var deliveryOutcome = TransportEventDeliveryOutcome.accepted
+        var saveOverride: ((
+            _ data: Data,
+            _ preferredName: String?,
+            _ subdirectory: String,
+            _ fallbackExtension: String?,
+            _ defaultPrefix: String
+        ) -> URL?)?
+        var receiptStateOverride: ((String) -> BLEPrivateMediaReceiptState)?
+        var receiptCommitOverride: ((String, URL) -> Bool)?
+        var removeIncomingFileOverride: ((URL) -> Void)?
+        var finishIncomingFileDeliveryOverride: ((URL) -> Void)?
     }
 
     private let localPeerID = PeerID(str: "0102030405060708")
     private let remotePeerID = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
     private let sampleSigningKey = Data(repeating: 0xAB, count: 32)
 
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func deliveryGateFinalizesInitialRejection() {
+        var completions = 0
+        var finalizations = 0
+
+        TransportEventDeliveryGate.attempt(
+            shouldDeliver: { false },
+            deliver: {
+                Issue.record("delivery sink must not run")
+                return .accepted
+            },
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { _ in finalizations += 1 }
+        )
+
+        #expect(completions == 0)
+        #expect(finalizations == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func deliveryGateFinalizesMissingOrRejectingSink() {
+        var completions = 0
+        var finalizations = 0
+
+        TransportEventDeliveryGate.attempt(
+            shouldDeliver: { true },
+            deliver: { .rejected },
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { _ in finalizations += 1 }
+        )
+
+        #expect(completions == 0)
+        #expect(finalizations == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func deliveryGateFinalizesPostInsertionRejection() {
+        var deliveryChecks = 0
+        var completions = 0
+        var finalizations = 0
+
+        TransportEventDeliveryGate.attempt(
+            shouldDeliver: {
+                deliveryChecks += 1
+                return deliveryChecks == 1
+            },
+            deliver: { .accepted },
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { _ in finalizations += 1 }
+        )
+
+        #expect(deliveryChecks == 2)
+        #expect(completions == 0)
+        #expect(finalizations == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor
+    func deliveryGatePreservesInvokedUnconfirmedOutcomeWithoutAck() {
+        var completions = 0
+        var outcomes: [TransportEventDeliveryOutcome] = []
+
+        TransportEventDeliveryGate.attempt(
+            shouldDeliver: { true },
+            deliver: { .invokedUnconfirmed },
+            completion: { completions += 1 },
+            finalization: { outcomes.append($0) }
+        )
+
+        #expect(completions == 0)
+        #expect(outcomes == [.invokedUnconfirmed])
+    }
+
     private func makeHandler(recorder: Recorder) -> BLEFileTransferHandler {
         let environment = BLEFileTransferHandlerEnvironment(
             localPeerID: { [localPeerID] in localPeerID },
@@ -33,6 +125,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
                 recorder.signatureVerifyCount += 1
                 return recorder.signatureVerifies
             },
+            localSigningPublicKey: { [sampleSigningKey] in sampleSigningKey },
             signedSenderDisplayName: { _, peerID in
                 recorder.signedNameQueries.append(peerID)
                 return recorder.signedName
@@ -45,13 +138,56 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
             },
             saveIncomingFile: { data, preferredName, subdirectory, fallbackExtension, defaultPrefix in
                 recorder.saveCalls.append((data, preferredName, subdirectory, fallbackExtension, defaultPrefix))
+                if let saveOverride = recorder.saveOverride {
+                    return saveOverride(data, preferredName, subdirectory, fallbackExtension, defaultPrefix)
+                }
                 return recorder.saveResult
             },
+            privateMediaReceiptState: { messageID in
+                if let receiptStateOverride = recorder.receiptStateOverride {
+                    return receiptStateOverride(messageID)
+                }
+                return recorder.receiptStates[messageID] ?? .absent
+            },
+            commitPrivateMediaFile: { messageID, storedURL in
+                recorder.receiptCommits.append((messageID, storedURL))
+                if let receiptCommitOverride = recorder.receiptCommitOverride {
+                    return receiptCommitOverride(messageID, storedURL)
+                }
+                guard recorder.receiptCommitSucceeds else { return false }
+                recorder.receiptStates[messageID] = .accepted(storedURL)
+                return true
+            },
+            removeIncomingFile: { storedURL in
+                recorder.removedIncomingFiles.append(storedURL)
+                recorder.removeIncomingFileOverride?(storedURL)
+            },
+            finishIncomingFileDelivery: { storedURL in
+                recorder.finishedIncomingFileDeliveries.append(storedURL)
+                recorder.finishIncomingFileDeliveryOverride?(storedURL)
+            },
+            isPrivateMediaSenderBlocked: { peerID in
+                recorder.blockedPeers.contains(peerID)
+            },
             updatePeerLastSeen: { peerID in
                 recorder.lastSeenUpdates.append(peerID)
             },
-            deliverMessage: { message in
+            acknowledgePrivateMedia: { messageID, peerID in
+                recorder.deliveryAcks.append((messageID, peerID))
+            },
+            deliverMessage: { message, shouldDeliver, completion, finalization in
+                var outcome = TransportEventDeliveryOutcome.rejected
+                defer { finalization(outcome) }
+                guard recorder.shouldAcceptDelivery else { return }
+                guard shouldDeliver() else { return }
                 recorder.deliveredMessages.append(message)
+                guard shouldDeliver() else { return }
+                if recorder.deliveryOutcome == .invokedUnconfirmed {
+                    outcome = .invokedUnconfirmed
+                    return
+                }
+                outcome = .accepted
+                completion()
             }
         )
         return BLEFileTransferHandler(environment: environment)
@@ -92,12 +228,11 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
     @Test
     func selfEchoIsDropped() throws {
         let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
         let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(sender: localPeerID, mimeType: "application/pdf", content: Data("%PDF-1.7".utf8), ttl: 3)
 
-        // The relay pipeline already suppresses self-originated packets, so the
-        // handler reports "relayable" rather than treating the echo as forged.
-        #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: localPeerID))
+        #expect(!handler.handle(packet, from: localPeerID))
 
         expectNoSideEffects(recorder)
     }
@@ -120,7 +255,12 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
         let recorder = Recorder()
         recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Bob", isVerified: false, isConnected: true)]
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
-        let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(sender: remotePeerID, mimeType: "application/pdf", content: Data("%PDF-1.7".utf8))
+        let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
+            sender: remotePeerID,
+            mimeType: "application/pdf",
+            content: Data("%PDF-1.7".utf8),
+            hasSignature: false
+        )
 
         // Failed sender authentication must also stop the packet from being
         // relayed to downstream nodes.
@@ -129,7 +269,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
         // Broadcast files carry an attacker-controllable senderID, so — like
         // public messages — a connected-but-unverified peer must present a valid
         // packet signature. No signing key + no signed identity means dropped.
-        #expect(recorder.signedNameQueries == [remotePeerID])
+        #expect(recorder.signedNameQueries.isEmpty)
         #expect(recorder.trackedPackets.isEmpty)
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
     }
@@ -153,12 +293,11 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
     }
 
     @Test
-    func selfBroadcastReplayIsDeliveredWithoutSignatureCheck() throws {
-        // Our own broadcast file replayed via gossip sync arrives with ttl==0
-        // (so it is not treated as a self-echo) and cannot be verified against
-        // the peer registry — it must still be accepted, matching
-        // BLEPublicMessageHandler's self exemption.
+    func signedSelfBroadcastReplayIsDelivered() throws {
+        // Our own broadcast file replayed via gossip sync arrives with ttl==0;
+        // it is verified against our local signing key before delivery.
         let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
         let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
             sender: localPeerID,
@@ -169,7 +308,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
 
         #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: localPeerID))
 
-        #expect(recorder.signatureVerifyCount == 0)
+        #expect(recorder.signatureVerifyCount == 1)
         #expect(recorder.signedNameQueries.isEmpty)
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.sender == "Me")
@@ -205,7 +344,8 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
             sender: remotePeerID,
             mimeType: "audio/mp4",
             content: m4a,
-            fileName: "voice_1122334455667788"
+            fileName: "voice_1122334455667788",
+            hasSignature: false
         )
 
         // The spoofed note must be dropped locally AND not relayed onward.
@@ -215,7 +355,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
     }
 
     @Test
-    func privateFileFromConnectedUnverifiedPeerIsAccepted() throws {
+    func rawDirectedFileWithoutVerifiableSignatureIsDroppedWithoutWriteOrRelay() throws {
         let recorder = Recorder()
         recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Bob", isVerified: false, isConnected: true)]
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
@@ -223,23 +363,25 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
             sender: remotePeerID,
             mimeType: "application/pdf",
             content: Data("%PDF-1.7".utf8),
-            recipientID: Data(hexString: localPeerID.id)
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: localPeerID.id),
+            hasSignature: false
         )
 
-        #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: remotePeerID))
+        #expect(!handler.handle(packet, from: remotePeerID))
 
-        // Directed transfers keep the lenient connected-peer path (no broadcast
-        // exposure); no signature check is required.
         #expect(recorder.signatureVerifyCount == 0)
         #expect(recorder.signedNameQueries.isEmpty)
-        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
-        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.isPrivate == true)
+        #expect(recorder.trackedPackets.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
     }
 
     @Test
     func fileDirectedToAnotherPeerIsIgnored() throws {
         let recorder = Recorder()
-        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true, signingPublicKey: sampleSigningKey)]
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
         let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
             sender: remotePeerID,
@@ -260,7 +402,8 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
     @Test
     func privateFileUpdatesLastSeenAndDeliversPrivateMessage() throws {
         let recorder = Recorder()
-        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true, signingPublicKey: sampleSigningKey)]
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
         let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
         let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
             sender: remotePeerID,
@@ -276,12 +419,539 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
         #expect(recorder.lastSeenUpdates == [remotePeerID])
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.isPrivate == true)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.id.hasPrefix("media-") == false)
         // Must be explicit: BitchatMessage defaults private messages to
         // .sending, which the media views render as an in-flight send
         // (empty reveal mask, disabled reveal tap).
         #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.deliveryStatus == .delivered(to: "Me", at: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 900)))
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func bit8EncryptedPrivateFileKeepsStableIDAndAckWithoutBit9Proof() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF]) + Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 128)
+        let fileName = "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: fileName,
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+        let timestamp = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(payload, from: remotePeerID, timestamp: timestamp))
+
+        #expect(recorder.signatureVerifyCount == 0)
+        #expect(recorder.signedNameQueries.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.trackedPackets.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations == [content.count])
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.first?.data == content)
+        #expect(recorder.lastSeenUpdates == [remotePeerID])
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.isPrivate == true)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.timestamp == timestamp)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.id == PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: remotePeerID,
+            recipientPeerID: localPeerID,
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.receiptCommits.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.first?.messageID == recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.id)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func rejectedStableDeliveryReleasesPendingPayloadOwnership() throws {
+        let root = FileManager.default.temporaryDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "private-media-handler-rejected-\(UUID().uuidString)",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let store = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true
+        )]
+        recorder.shouldAcceptDelivery = false
+        recorder.saveOverride = {
+            store.save(
+                data: $0,
+                preferredName: $1,
+                subdirectory: $2,
+                fallbackExtension: $3,
+                defaultPrefix: $4
+            )
+        }
+        recorder.receiptStateOverride = {
+            store.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID: $0)
+        }
+        recorder.receiptCommitOverride = {
+            store.commitPrivateMediaFile(messageID: $0, storedURL: $1)
+        }
+        recorder.removeIncomingFileOverride = {
+            store.removeIncomingFile(at: $0)
+        }
+        recorder.finishIncomingFileDeliveryOverride = {
+            store.finishIncomingFileDelivery(at: $0)
+        }
+
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9])
+        let fileName =
+            "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: fileName,
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+        let stableID = try #require(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: remotePeerID,
+            recipientPeerID: localPeerID,
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+
+        #expect(makeHandler(recorder: recorder).handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.finishedIncomingFileDeliveries.count == 1)
+        #expect(store.reservePrivateMediaDeletion(
+            messageIDs: [stableID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [:]
+        ) != nil)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func rawLegacyPrivateFileWithRetryShapedNameNeverUsesReceiptLedger() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true,
+            signingPublicKey: sampleSigningKey
+        )]
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9])
+        let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
+            sender: remotePeerID,
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content,
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: localPeerID.id),
+            fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+        )
+
+        #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: remotePeerID))
+        #expect(recorder.receiptCommits.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.first?.id.hasPrefix("media-") == false)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func rejectedRawDeliveryRemovesUIUnownedPayload() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true,
+            signingPublicKey: sampleSigningKey
+        )]
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
+        recorder.shouldAcceptDelivery = false
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
+            sender: remotePeerID,
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9]),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: localPeerID.id),
+            fileName: "raw-rejected.jpg"
+        )
+
+        #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: remotePeerID))
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.removedIncomingFiles.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.removedIncomingFiles.first == recorder.saveResult)
+        #expect(recorder.finishedIncomingFileDeliveries.isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func plainDelegateRawDeliveryPreservesPayloadWithoutSynchronousAck() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true,
+            signingPublicKey: sampleSigningKey
+        )]
+        recorder.signatureVerifies = true
+        recorder.deliveryOutcome = .invokedUnconfirmed
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let packet = try makeFileTransferPacket(
+            sender: remotePeerID,
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9]),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: localPeerID.id),
+            fileName: "plain-delegate.jpg"
+        )
+
+        #expect(handler.handle(packet, from: remotePeerID))
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.removedIncomingFiles.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.finishedIncomingFileDeliveries.count == 1)
+        #expect(
+            recorder.finishedIncomingFileDeliveries.first
+                == recorder.saveResult
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func repeatedLegacyPrivateImageNamesKeepDistinctRandomMessageIDs() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF]) + Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 128)
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "photo.jpg",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_235)
+        ))
+
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 2)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages[0].id != recorder.deliveredMessages[1].id)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.allSatisfy { !$0.id.hasPrefix("media-") })
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func lostCapabilityProofThenStableRetryReusesDurableIDWithoutSecondDiskWrite() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF]) + Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 128)
+        let fileName = "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: fileName,
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+        let expectedID = try #require(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: remotePeerID,
+            recipientPeerID: localPeerID,
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+
+        // First encrypted arrival may precede the sender's authenticated bit-9
+        // proof. It still uses the bit-8 stable ID/ACK contract.
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        // A later automatic retry after proof must resolve the same durable ID
+        // rather than create a legacy random-ID bubble.
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_235)
+        ))
+
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations == [content.count])
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.count == 1)
+        // The handler re-offers a durable duplicate so a relaunched UI can
+        // restore its bubble; the synchronous conversation sink deduplicates.
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 2)
+        #expect(recorder.lastSeenUpdates == [remotePeerID, remotePeerID])
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.count == 2)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.allSatisfy {
+            $0.messageID == expectedID && $0.peerID == remotePeerID
+        })
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func acceptedPrivateMediaAfterRelaunchRedeliversDurableURLBeforeAck() throws {
+        let root = FileManager.default.temporaryDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "private-media-handler-relaunch-\(UUID().uuidString)",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let store = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9])
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+
+        func configure(_ recorder: Recorder) {
+            recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+                remotePeerID,
+                nickname: "Alice",
+                isVerified: true
+            )]
+            recorder.saveOverride = { data, preferredName, subdirectory, fallbackExtension, defaultPrefix in
+                store.save(
+                    data: data,
+                    preferredName: preferredName,
+                    subdirectory: subdirectory,
+                    fallbackExtension: fallbackExtension,
+                    defaultPrefix: defaultPrefix
+                )
+            }
+            recorder.receiptStateOverride = {
+                store.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID: $0)
+            }
+            recorder.receiptCommitOverride = {
+                store.commitPrivateMediaFile(messageID: $0, storedURL: $1)
+            }
+            recorder.removeIncomingFileOverride = {
+                store.removeIncomingFile(at: $0)
+            }
+            recorder.finishIncomingFileDeliveryOverride = {
+                store.finishIncomingFileDelivery(at: $0)
+            }
+        }
+
+        let first = Recorder()
+        configure(first)
+        #expect(makeHandler(recorder: first).handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        let originalMessage = try #require(first.deliveredMessages.first)
+        #expect(first.deliveryAcks.count == 1)
+
+        // A fresh handler models process relaunch: its in-memory reservation
+        // cache is empty, so only the durable receipt can suppress disk work.
+        let relaunched = Recorder()
+        configure(relaunched)
+        #expect(makeHandler(recorder: relaunched).handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_235)
+        ))
+
+        #expect(relaunched.quotaReservations.isEmpty)
+        #expect(relaunched.saveCalls.isEmpty)
+        #expect(relaunched.receiptCommits.isEmpty)
+        #expect(relaunched.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+        #expect(relaunched.deliveredMessages.first?.id == originalMessage.id)
+        #expect(relaunched.deliveredMessages.first?.content == originalMessage.content)
+        #expect(relaunched.deliveryAcks.count == 1)
+        #expect(relaunched.deliveryAcks.first?.messageID == originalMessage.id)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func inFlightStableDuplicateIsNotAcknowledgedAndFailedSaveRemainsRetryable() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF]) + Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 128)
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+        var handler: BLEFileTransferHandler!
+        var nestedResult: Bool?
+        var failFirstSave = true
+        recorder.saveOverride = { _, _, _, _, _ in
+            if failFirstSave {
+                failFirstSave = false
+                nestedResult = handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+                    payload,
+                    from: self.remotePeerID,
+                    timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_235)
+                )
+                return nil
+            }
+            return recorder.saveResult
+        }
+        handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+
+        // The nested arrival sees the first reservation as pending. It is
+        // coalesced without an ACK; then the first durable save fails.
+        #expect(!handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        #expect(nestedResult == true)
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+
+        // Failure released the reservation, so the sender's later retry can
+        // persist and deliver normally.
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_236)
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.count == 2)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func unavailableDurableReceiptStateWithholdsDiskDeliveryAndAck() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true
+        )]
+        let fileName =
+            "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg"
+        let messageID = try #require(PrivateMediaMessageIdentity.stableID(
+            senderPeerID: remotePeerID,
+            recipientPeerID: localPeerID,
+            fileName: fileName
+        ))
+        recorder.receiptStates[messageID] = .unavailable
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9])
+        let payload = try #require(BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: fileName,
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        ).encode())
+
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.receiptCommits.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func durableReceiptCommitFailureRollsBackAndWithholdsDeliveryAck() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(
+            remotePeerID,
+            nickname: "Alice",
+            isVerified: true
+        )]
+        recorder.receiptCommitSucceeds = false
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9])
+        let payload = try #require(BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        ).encode())
+
+        #expect(!handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.receiptCommits.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.removedIncomingFiles.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.removedIncomingFiles.first == recorder.saveResult)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func blockedPrivateMediaIsDroppedBeforeQuotaDiskAndDedupState() throws {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        recorder.blockedPeers = [remotePeerID]
+        recorder.peers = [remotePeerID: makePeerInfo(remotePeerID, nickname: "Alice", isVerified: true)]
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let content = Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF]) + Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 128)
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "img_20260725_105708_1CC2760D-76AA-40C3-8013-C7FAA6C2EF99.jpg",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "image/jpeg",
+            content: content
+        )
+        let payload = try #require(file.encode())
+
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.lastSeenUpdates.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+
+        // Unblocking must allow a retry through; the blocked attempt cannot
+        // poison the stable-ID dedup reservation.
+        recorder.blockedPeers = []
+        #expect(handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_235)
+        ))
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.count == 1)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.count == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func decryptedPrivateFileOverPayloadCapIsRejectedBeforeQuotaOrDiskWrite() {
+        let recorder = Recorder()
+        let handler = makeHandler(recorder: recorder)
+        let oversizedCount = FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes + 1
+        var length = UInt32(oversizedCount).bigEndian
+        var payload = Data([0x04]) // BitchatFilePacket CONTENT TLV
+        withUnsafeBytes(of: &length) { payload.append(contentsOf: $0) }
+        payload.append(Data(repeating: 0x41, count: oversizedCount))
+
+        #expect(!handler.handlePrivatePayload(
+            payload,
+            from: remotePeerID,
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_234)
+        ))
+
+        #expect(recorder.quotaReservations.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.saveCalls.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.lastSeenUpdates.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveryAcks.isEmpty)
+        #expect(recorder.deliveredMessages.isEmpty)
+    }
+
     @Test
     func malformedPayloadIsTrackedForSyncButDropped() {
         let recorder = Recorder()
@@ -294,7 +964,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
             recipientID: nil,
             timestamp: 900_000,
             payload: Data([0x01, 0x02, 0x03]),
-            signature: nil,
+            signature: Data(repeating: 0x5A, count: 64),
             ttl: TransportConfig.messageTTLDefault
         )
 
@@ -410,6 +1080,94 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
         }
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func panicWipeClearsCachedPrivateMediaReceiptDecisions() throws {
+        let base = FileManager.default.temporaryDirectory
+            .appendingPathComponent(
+                "panic-receipt-cache-\(UUID().uuidString)",
+                isDirectory: true
+            )
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: base) }
+        let messageID = "media-00112233445566778899aabbccddeeff"
+
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: base)
+        let payload = base
+            .appendingPathComponent(
+                "files/images/incoming",
+                isDirectory: true
+            )
+            .appendingPathComponent("panic-receipt.jpg")
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: payload.deletingLastPathComponent(),
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        try Data("secret".utf8).write(to: payload, options: .atomic)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        #expect(seed.recordDeleted(messageID: messageID))
+
+        let store = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: base)
+        #expect(
+            store.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID: messageID)
+                == .tombstoned
+        )
+
+        try store.panicWipe()
+
+        #expect(
+            store.privateMediaReceiptState(messageID: messageID)
+                == .absent
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func panicWipeInvalidatesPayloadCoordinationReservations() throws {
+        let base = FileManager.default.temporaryDirectory
+            .appendingPathComponent(
+                "panic-payload-coordination-\(UUID().uuidString)",
+                isDirectory: true
+            )
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: base) }
+        let store = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: base)
+        let pendingName = "pending-before-panic.jpg"
+        let pendingURL = try #require(store.save(
+            data: Data("old".utf8),
+            preferredName: pendingName,
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        ))
+        let messageID = "media-aabbccddeeff00112233445566778899"
+        let reservation = try #require(store.reservePrivateMediaDeletion(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/delete-before-panic.jpg"
+            ]
+        ))
+
+        try store.panicWipe()
+
+        #expect(!store.commitPrivateMediaDeletion(
+            reservation: reservation,
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/delete-before-panic.jpg"
+            ],
+            protectedPayloadRelativePaths: []
+        ))
+        let postPanicURL = try #require(store.save(
+            data: Data("new".utf8),
+            preferredName: pendingName,
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        ))
+        #expect(pendingURL.lastPathComponent == pendingName)
+        #expect(postPanicURL.lastPathComponent == pendingName)
+    }
+
     @Test
     func panicWipeAttemptsDeletionWhenMarkerPersistenceFails() throws {
         enum MarkerFailure: Error { case unavailable }
@@ -529,7 +1287,8 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
         content: Data,
         ttl: UInt8 = TransportConfig.messageTTLDefault,
         recipientID: Data? = nil,
-        fileName: String = "sample"
+        fileName: String = "sample",
+        hasSignature: Bool = true
     ) throws -> BitchatPacket {
         let filePacket = BitchatFilePacket(
             fileName: fileName,
@@ -544,7 +1303,7 @@ struct BLEFileTransferHandlerTests {
             recipientID: recipientID,
             timestamp: 900_000,
             payload: payload,
-            signature: nil,
+            signature: hasSignature ? Data(repeating: 0x5A, count: 64) : nil,
             ttl: ttl
         )
     }

bitchatTests/Services/BLEFragmentAssemblyBufferTests.swift

@@ -117,6 +117,35 @@ struct BLEFragmentAssemblyBufferTests {
         }
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func encryptedPrivateFileAssemblyGetsFramedFileHeadroom() throws {
+        var buffer = BLEFragmentAssemblyBuffer()
+        let fragmentID = Data(repeating: 0x15, count: 8)
+        let first = try #require(BLEFragmentHeader(packet: makeFragmentPacket(
+            fragmentID: fragmentID,
+            index: 0,
+            total: 2,
+            originalType: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+            fragmentData: Data(repeating: 0x01, count: FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes)
+        )))
+        let second = try #require(BLEFragmentHeader(packet: makeFragmentPacket(
+            fragmentID: fragmentID,
+            index: 1,
+            total: 2,
+            originalType: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+            fragmentData: Data([0x02])
+        )))
+
+        _ = buffer.append(first, maxInFlightAssemblies: 8)
+        let result = buffer.append(second, maxInFlightAssemblies: 8)
+
+        if case let .complete(_, data, _) = result {
+            #expect(data.count == FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes + 1)
+        } else {
+            Issue.record("Expected encrypted private-file assembly to use framed-file limit")
+        }
+    }
+
     @Test
     func removeExpiredDropsOldAssemblies() throws {
         var buffer = BLEFragmentAssemblyBuffer()

bitchatTests/Services/BLENoisePayloadFactoryTests.swift

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import Foundation
 import Testing
+import BitFoundation
 @testable import bitchat
 
 struct BLENoisePayloadFactoryTests {
@@ -31,4 +32,63 @@ struct BLENoisePayloadFactoryTests {
 
         #expect(payload == Data([NoisePayloadType.verifyChallenge.rawValue, 0xCA, 0xFE]))
     }
+
+    @Test
+    func privateFilePayloadPrefixesCanonicalFilePacket() throws {
+        let content = Data("%PDF-secret".utf8)
+        let file = BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: "secret.pdf",
+            fileSize: UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: "application/pdf",
+            content: content
+        )
+
+        let payload = try #require(BLENoisePayloadFactory.privateFile(file))
+
+        #expect(payload.first == 0x20, "Encrypted files must use Android's deployed wire value")
+        let decoded = try #require(BitchatFilePacket.decode(Data(payload.dropFirst())))
+        #expect(decoded.fileName == "secret.pdf")
+        #expect(decoded.mimeType == "application/pdf")
+        #expect(decoded.content == content)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func androidB7f0b33PrivateFilePlaintextFixtureIsByteCompatible() throws {
+        // Runtime-emitted by Android commit b7f0b33d from
+        // BitchatFilePacket("a.txt", 3, "text/plain", [01, 02, 03]) and
+        // NoisePayload(type = FILE_TRANSFER, data = file.encode()).encode().
+        let fixtureHex = "20010005612e7478740200040000000303000a746578742f706c61696e0400000003010203"
+        let fixture = try #require(Data(hexString: fixtureHex))
+
+        let typed = try #require(NoisePayload.decode(fixture))
+        #expect(typed.type == .privateFile)
+        let file = try #require(BitchatFilePacket.decode(typed.data))
+        #expect(file.fileName == "a.txt")
+        #expect(file.fileSize == 3)
+        #expect(file.mimeType == "text/plain")
+        #expect(file.content == Data([0x01, 0x02, 0x03]))
+        #expect(BLENoisePayloadFactory.privateFile(file) == fixture)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func prereleasePrivateFileTypeCanonicalizesOnDecode() throws {
+        let encoded = Data([NoisePayloadType.prereleasePrivateFileRawValue, 0xCA, 0xFE])
+        let decoded = try #require(NoisePayload.decode(encoded))
+
+        #expect(decoded.type == .privateFile)
+        #expect(decoded.data == Data([0xCA, 0xFE]))
+        #expect(decoded.encode().first == 0x20)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func authenticatedPeerStateUsesPermanent0x21Type() throws {
+        let state = AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket(
+            capabilities: .privateMedia,
+            signingPublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x77, count: 32)
+        )
+        let encoded = try #require(BLENoisePayloadFactory.authenticatedPeerState(state))
+
+        #expect(encoded.first == 0x21)
+        #expect(AuthenticatedPeerStatePacket.decode(from: Data(encoded.dropFirst())) == state)
+    }
 }

bitchatTests/Services/BLENoiseReconnectPolicyTests.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
+import BitFoundation
+import Foundation
+import Testing
+@testable import bitchat
+
+@Suite("BLE Noise reconnect policy")
+struct BLENoiseReconnectPolicyTests {
+    @Test("Revalidation requires a cached session and no authenticated link")
+    func revalidationPreconditions() {
+        var policy = BLENoiseReconnectPolicy()
+        let link = BLEIngressLinkID.peripheral("peripheral-a")
+        let now = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_000)
+
+        let withoutSession = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: false,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: now
+        )
+        #expect(!withoutSession)
+        let authenticated = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: true,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: true,
+            now: now
+        )
+        #expect(!authenticated)
+        let eligible = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: now
+        )
+        #expect(eligible)
+    }
+
+    @Test("Revalidation is once per link epoch or after sixty seconds")
+    func revalidationIsBoundPerLinkEpoch() {
+        var policy = BLENoiseReconnectPolicy()
+        let link = BLEIngressLinkID.central("central-a")
+        let start = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 2_000)
+
+        let initial = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: start
+        )
+        #expect(initial)
+        let duringCooldown = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: start.addingTimeInterval(59.999)
+        )
+        #expect(!duringCooldown)
+        let afterCooldown = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: start.addingTimeInterval(60)
+        )
+        #expect(afterCooldown)
+
+        policy.endLinkEpoch(link)
+        let nextEpoch = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: start.addingTimeInterval(60.001)
+        )
+        #expect(nextEpoch)
+    }
+
+    @Test("An authenticated sibling suppresses redundant reconnect")
+    func authenticatedSiblingSuppressesReconnect() {
+        var policy = BLENoiseReconnectPolicy()
+        let link = BLEIngressLinkID.peripheral("unproven-sibling")
+        let start = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 3_000)
+
+        let suppressed = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: true,
+            now: start
+        )
+        #expect(!suppressed)
+        let eligible = policy.shouldRevalidate(
+            on: link,
+            hasEstablishedSession: true,
+            isNoiseAuthenticatedLink: false,
+            hasAuthenticatedPeerLink: false,
+            now: start
+        )
+        #expect(eligible)
+    }
+
+    @Test("Reserved replacement bit is not advertised")
+    func reservedReplacementBitIsNotAdvertised() {
+        #expect(
+            !PeerCapabilities.localSupported.contains(
+                .nonDestructiveNoiseReplacement
+            )
+        )
+        #expect(PeerCapabilities.localSupported.contains(.privateMedia))
+        #expect(
+            PeerCapabilities.localSupported.contains(.privateMediaReceipts)
+        )
+    }
+}

bitchatTests/Services/BLENoiseSessionQueuesTests.swift

@@ -48,7 +48,10 @@ struct BLENoiseSessionQueuesTests {
         queues.appendTypedPayload(Data([0x01]), for: peerID)
         queues.appendTypedPayload(Data([0x02]), for: peerID)
 
-        #expect(queues.takeTypedPayloads(for: peerID) == [Data([0x01]), Data([0x02])])
+        #expect(queues.takeTypedPayloads(for: peerID) == [
+            BLEPendingTypedPayload(payload: Data([0x01]), transferId: nil),
+            BLEPendingTypedPayload(payload: Data([0x02]), transferId: nil)
+        ])
         #expect(queues.takeTypedPayloads(for: peerID).isEmpty)
         #expect(queues.takePrivateMessages(for: peerID).map(\.messageID) == ["m1"])
     }
@@ -64,4 +67,21 @@ struct BLENoiseSessionQueuesTests {
 
         #expect(queues.isEmpty)
     }
+
+    @Test
+    func transferIDSurvivesHandshakeQueueAndCanBeCancelledBeforeDrain() {
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa")
+        var queues = BLENoiseSessionQueues()
+
+        queues.appendTypedPayload(Data([0x20, 0xAA]), transferId: "media-1", for: peerID)
+        queues.appendTypedPayload(Data([0x01, 0xBB]), for: peerID)
+
+        let removed = queues.removeTypedPayload(transferId: "media-1")
+        let removedAgain = queues.removeTypedPayload(transferId: "media-1")
+        #expect(removed)
+        #expect(!removedAgain)
+        #expect(queues.takeTypedPayloads(for: peerID) == [
+            BLEPendingTypedPayload(payload: Data([0x01, 0xBB]), transferId: nil)
+        ])
+    }
 }

bitchatTests/Services/BLEOutboundFragmentPlannerTests.swift

@@ -108,6 +108,58 @@ struct BLEOutboundFragmentPlannerTests {
         ) == nil)
     }
 
+    @Test("private media v1 accepts exactly 256 fragments and rejects 257")
+    func privateMediaCrossPlatformFragmentBoundary() throws {
+        let maxPayload = makePayload(count: 160 * 1024, seed: 0xFACE_CAFE)
+
+        func plan(payloadCount: Int) throws -> BLEOutboundFragmentPlan {
+            let packet = BitchatPacket(
+                type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+                senderID: Data(hexString: "0011223344556677") ?? Data(),
+                recipientID: Data(hexString: "8877665544332211"),
+                timestamp: 0x0102030405,
+                payload: Data(maxPayload.prefix(payloadCount)),
+                signature: nil,
+                ttl: 3,
+                version: 2
+            )
+            return try #require(BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner.makePlan(
+                for: BLEOutboundFragmentTransferRequest(
+                    packet: packet,
+                    pad: false,
+                    maxChunk: nil,
+                    directedPeer: PeerID(str: "8877665544332211"),
+                    transferId: "boundary"
+                ),
+                defaultChunkSize: TransportConfig.bleDefaultFragmentSize,
+                bleMaxMTU: 512,
+                fragmentID: Data(repeating: 0xD4, count: 8)
+            ))
+        }
+
+        func firstPlan(withAtLeast target: Int) throws -> BLEOutboundFragmentPlan {
+            var low = 1
+            var high = maxPayload.count
+            while low < high {
+                let mid = low + (high - low) / 2
+                if try plan(payloadCount: mid).totalFragments >= target {
+                    high = mid
+                } else {
+                    low = mid + 1
+                }
+            }
+            return try plan(payloadCount: low)
+        }
+
+        let at256 = try firstPlan(withAtLeast: 256)
+        let at257 = try firstPlan(withAtLeast: 257)
+
+        #expect(at256.totalFragments == 256)
+        #expect(BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner.isPrivateMediaV1Compatible(at256))
+        #expect(at257.totalFragments == 257)
+        #expect(!BLEOutboundFragmentPlanner.isPrivateMediaV1Compatible(at257))
+    }
+
     private func makePacket(
         payload: Data,
         route: [Data]? = nil,

bitchatTests/Services/BLEOutboundFragmentTransferSchedulerTests.swift

@@ -20,6 +20,24 @@ struct BLEOutboundFragmentTransferSchedulerTests {
         }
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func explicitTransferIDReservesEncryptedPrivateFileFragments() {
+        var scheduler = BLEOutboundFragmentTransferScheduler()
+        let request = makeRequest(
+            type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+            transferId: "private-media"
+        )
+
+        let result = scheduler.submit(request, maxConcurrentTransfers: 1)
+
+        if case let .start(_, reservedTransferId) = result {
+            #expect(reservedTransferId == "private-media")
+            #expect(scheduler.activeCount == 1)
+        } else {
+            Issue.record("Expected encrypted private media to reserve its progress slot")
+        }
+    }
+
     @Test
     func submitQueuesFileTransferWhenSlotsAreFull() {
         var scheduler = BLEOutboundFragmentTransferScheduler()

bitchatTests/Services/BLEPeerRegistryTests.swift

@@ -42,6 +42,37 @@ struct BLEPeerRegistryTests {
         #expect(registry.info(for: peerID)?.nickname == "alice-renamed")
     }
 
+    @Test("registry preserves absent versus explicit empty capabilities")
+    func capabilitiesPresenceIsPreserved() {
+        var registry = BLEPeerRegistry()
+        let oldPeer = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")
+        let modernPeer = PeerID(str: "8877665544332211")
+
+        _ = registry.upsertVerifiedAnnounce(
+            peerID: oldPeer,
+            nickname: "old",
+            noisePublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x11, count: 32),
+            signingPublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x12, count: 32),
+            isConnected: true,
+            now: Date(),
+            capabilities: nil
+        )
+        _ = registry.upsertVerifiedAnnounce(
+            peerID: modernPeer,
+            nickname: "modern",
+            noisePublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x21, count: 32),
+            signingPublicKey: Data(repeating: 0x22, count: 32),
+            isConnected: true,
+            now: Date(),
+            capabilities: []
+        )
+
+        #expect(registry.capabilities(for: oldPeer).isEmpty)
+        #expect(!registry.capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised(for: oldPeer))
+        #expect(registry.capabilities(for: modernPeer).isEmpty)
+        #expect(registry.capabilitiesWereExplicitlyAdvertised(for: modernPeer))
+    }
+
     @Test("reachability keeps recent verified offline peers only when mesh is attached")
     func reachabilityRequiresMeshAttachmentForOfflinePeers() {
         let offlinePeer = PeerID(str: "1122334455667788")

bitchatTests/Services/BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStoreTests.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,866 @@
+import Foundation
+import Testing
+@testable import bitchat
+
+struct BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStoreTests {
+    private struct TestError: Error {}
+    private struct ReceiptFixture: Codable {
+        let kind: String
+        let relativePath: String?
+        let recordedAt: Date
+    }
+    private struct JournalEntryFixture: Codable {
+        let relativePaths: [String]
+        let recordedAt: Date
+    }
+    private struct JournalFixture: Codable {
+        let version: Int
+        let entries: [String: JournalEntryFixture]
+    }
+
+    private let messageID = "media-00112233445566778899aabbccddeeff"
+    private let secondMessageID = "media-ffeeddccbbaa99887766554433221100"
+
+    @Test
+    func acceptedReceiptPersistsAcrossStoreInstances() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("persist")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+
+        let first = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(first.commitAccepted(messageID: messageID, storedURL: payload))
+        #expect(first.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func acceptedReceiptRejectsOutgoingPayloadAndCrossIDPathReuse() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("accepted-ownership")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let incoming = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let outgoingDirectory = root.appendingPathComponent(
+            "files/images/outgoing",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: outgoingDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let outgoing = outgoingDirectory.appendingPathComponent("image.jpg")
+        try Data([0x01]).write(to: outgoing)
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+
+        #expect(!store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: outgoing
+        ))
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: incoming
+        ))
+        #expect(!store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: incoming
+        ))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: incoming.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: outgoing.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func liveAcceptedPathSurvivesTTLAndCapacityPressure() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("accepted-retention")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let firstPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "first.jpg")
+        let secondPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "second.jpg")
+        let recordedAt = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 2_000)
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            capacity: 1,
+            ttl: 1,
+            now: { recordedAt }
+        )
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: firstPayload
+        ))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            capacity: 1,
+            ttl: 1,
+            now: { recordedAt.addingTimeInterval(2) }
+        )
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(firstPayload))
+        #expect(!relaunched.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: secondPayload
+        ))
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(firstPayload))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func incomingAllocationDoesNotReuseReceiptOwnedMissingPath() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("accepted-reservation")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let original = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root
+        ).commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: original
+        ))
+        try FileManager.default.removeItem(at: original)
+
+        let stored = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: root).save(
+            data: Data([0x03]),
+            preferredName: "image.jpg",
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        )
+
+        #expect(stored?.lastPathComponent != "image.jpg")
+        #expect(stored.map {
+            FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: $0.path)
+        } == true)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func pendingRawArrivalBlocksDeletionFallbackPathReuse() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("pending-raw-arrival")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let incoming = BLEIncomingFileStore(baseDirectory: root)
+
+        // The old stable bubble names image.jpg, but its receipt and payload
+        // have already been pruned. A raw arrival saves that basename before
+        // its main-actor bubble is inserted.
+        let rawArrival = incoming.save(
+            data: Data([0x03]),
+            preferredName: "image.jpg",
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        )
+        #expect(rawArrival?.lastPathComponent == "image.jpg")
+
+        let reservation = incoming.reservePrivateMediaDeletion(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/image.jpg"
+            ]
+        )
+        #expect(reservation == nil)
+        #expect(rawArrival.map {
+            FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: $0.path)
+        } == true)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func quotaDoesNotEvictOrReusePendingDeliveryPath() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("pending-quota")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let incoming = BLEIncomingFileStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            quotaBytes: 1
+        )
+        let first = try #require(incoming.save(
+            data: Data([0x01, 0x02]),
+            preferredName: "image.jpg",
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        ))
+
+        incoming.enforceQuota(reservingBytes: 1)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: first.path))
+
+        let second = try #require(incoming.save(
+            data: Data([0x03]),
+            preferredName: "image.jpg",
+            subdirectory: "images/incoming",
+            fallbackExtension: "jpg",
+            defaultPrefix: "image"
+        ))
+        #expect(second != first)
+        #expect(second.lastPathComponent == "image (1).jpg")
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: first.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: second.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func invalidReceiptAndJournalCannotTargetOutgoingPayload() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("invalid-owned-path")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let outgoingDirectory = root.appendingPathComponent(
+            "files/images/outgoing",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: outgoingDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let victim = outgoingDirectory.appendingPathComponent("victim.jpg")
+        try Data([0x02]).write(to: victim)
+        let receiptURL = receiptRecord(in: root)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: receiptURL.deletingLastPathComponent(),
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let fixture = ReceiptFixture(
+            kind: "tombstone",
+            relativePath: "images/outgoing/victim.jpg",
+            recordedAt: Date()
+        )
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(fixture).write(
+            to: receiptURL,
+            options: .atomic
+        )
+
+        #expect(
+            BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+                .state(for: messageID) == .unavailable
+        )
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: victim.path))
+
+        try FileManager.default.removeItem(at: receiptURL)
+        let journal = JournalFixture(
+            version: 1,
+            entries: [messageID: JournalEntryFixture(
+                relativePaths: ["images/outgoing/victim.jpg"],
+                recordedAt: fixture.recordedAt
+            )]
+        )
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(journal).write(
+            to: deletionJournal(in: root),
+            options: .atomic
+        )
+
+        #expect(
+            BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+                .state(for: messageID) == .unavailable
+        )
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: victim.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func directoryEnumerationFailureIsUnavailableAndRetriesWithoutCachingEmpty() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("list-failure")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root).commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        let record = receiptRecord(in: root)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: record.path))
+
+        var shouldFail = true
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            directoryReader: { directory in
+                if shouldFail {
+                    shouldFail = false
+                    throw TestError()
+                }
+                return try FileManager.default.contentsOfDirectory(
+                    at: directory,
+                    includingPropertiesForKeys: nil
+                )
+            }
+        )
+
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .unavailable)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: record.path))
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func recordReadFailureIsUnavailableAndPreservesReceiptForRetry() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("read-failure")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root).commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        let record = receiptRecord(in: root)
+
+        var shouldFail = true
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            dataReader: { url in
+                if shouldFail {
+                    shouldFail = false
+                    throw TestError()
+                }
+                return try Data(contentsOf: url)
+            }
+        )
+
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .unavailable)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: record.path))
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func decodeFailureIsUnavailableAndDoesNotDeleteOrCachePastRepair() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("decode-failure")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root).commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        let record = receiptRecord(in: root)
+        let durableBytes = try Data(contentsOf: record)
+        let corruptBytes = Data("{not-json".utf8)
+        try corruptBytes.write(to: record, options: .atomic)
+
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .unavailable)
+        #expect(!store.commitAccepted(messageID: messageID, storedURL: payload))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: record.path))
+        #expect(try Data(contentsOf: record) == corruptBytes)
+
+        try durableBytes.write(to: record, options: .atomic)
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func unreadableTombstoneNeverBecomesAbsentOrGetsDeleted() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("tombstone-decode")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(messageID: messageID, storedURL: payload))
+        #expect(seed.recordDeleted(messageID: messageID))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+
+        let record = receiptRecord(in: root)
+        let durableBytes = try Data(contentsOf: record)
+        try Data([0xFF, 0x00, 0x7B]).write(to: record, options: .atomic)
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .unavailable)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: record.path))
+
+        try durableBytes.write(to: record, options: .atomic)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func deletionBatchCommitsEveryIDBeforeRemovingPayloads() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("batch")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let firstPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "first.jpg")
+        let secondPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "second.jpg")
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: firstPayload
+        ))
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: secondPayload
+        ))
+
+        #expect(store.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [secondMessageID, messageID]
+        ))
+
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(store.state(for: secondMessageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: firstPayload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: secondPayload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func failedJournalCommitPreservesAcceptedStateAndPayloads() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("journal-failure")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let firstPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "first.jpg")
+        let secondPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "second.jpg")
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: firstPayload
+        ))
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: secondPayload
+        ))
+
+        let failing = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            dataWriter: { _, _, _ in throw TestError() }
+        )
+        #expect(!failing.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID, secondMessageID]
+        ))
+
+        // A failed commit must not install a volatile tombstone. Otherwise a
+        // sender retry could be ACKed although the caller kept both bubbles.
+        #expect(failing.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(firstPayload))
+        #expect(
+            failing.state(for: secondMessageID) == .accepted(secondPayload)
+        )
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: firstPayload.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: secondPayload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func journalRecoversBatchAfterCrashDuringMaterialization() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("crash-recovery")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let firstPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "first.jpg")
+        let secondPayload = try makePayload(in: root, name: "second.jpg")
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: firstPayload
+        ))
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: secondPayload
+        ))
+
+        let interrupted = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            dataWriter: { data, url, options in
+                let isJournal =
+                    url.lastPathComponent == ".deletion-journal.json"
+                let isFirstRecord =
+                    url.deletingPathExtension().lastPathComponent == messageID
+                guard isJournal || isFirstRecord else {
+                    throw TestError()
+                }
+                try data.write(to: url, options: options)
+            }
+        )
+        #expect(interrupted.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID, secondMessageID]
+        ))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: firstPayload.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: secondPayload.path))
+        #expect(interrupted.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(interrupted.state(for: secondMessageID) == .tombstoned)
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: secondMessageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: firstPayload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: secondPayload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func journalRetriesPayloadUnlinkAfterRelaunch() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("unlink-recovery")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+
+        let unlinkFailure = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            payloadRemover: { _ in throw TestError() }
+        )
+        #expect(unlinkFailure.recordDeleted(messageID: messageID))
+        #expect(unlinkFailure.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func expiredReceiptUsesFallbackPathForCrashSafeCleanup() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("expired-fallback")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let recordedAt = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_000)
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            ttl: 10,
+            now: { recordedAt }
+        )
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        // Simulate a receipt pruned by an older app version while its bubble
+        // and payload remain. Current code retains live accepted-path owners.
+        try FileManager.default.removeItem(at: receiptRecord(in: root))
+
+        let afterExpiry = recordedAt.addingTimeInterval(11)
+        let interrupted = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            ttl: 10,
+            now: { afterExpiry },
+            payloadRemover: { _ in throw TestError() }
+        )
+        #expect(interrupted.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/image.jpg"
+            ]
+        ))
+        #expect(interrupted.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            ttl: 10,
+            now: { afterExpiry }
+        )
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func retryAtSuffixedPathDeletesReceiptAndBubblePayloads() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("retry-suffix")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let original = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let seed = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(seed.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: original
+        ))
+
+        // Simulate an older build pruning only the receipt. A retry must use a
+        // suffixed filename while the old bubble still references image.jpg.
+        try FileManager.default.removeItem(at: receiptRecord(in: root))
+        let retry = try makePayload(in: root, name: "image (1).jpg")
+        let retried = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(retried.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: retry
+        ))
+
+        #expect(retried.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/image.jpg"
+            ]
+        ))
+        #expect(retried.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: original.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: retry.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: original.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: retry.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func protectedUIPathRejectsAcceptedReceiptDeletion() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("protected-ui-owner")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+
+        #expect(!store.recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            protectedPayloadRelativePaths: [
+                "images/incoming/image.jpg"
+            ]
+        ))
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .accepted(payload))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func pathlessNewDeletionFailsWithoutChangingReceiverState() {
+        let root = makeRoot("pathless-delete")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+
+        #expect(!store.recordDeleted(messageID: messageID))
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .absent)
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func completedTombstoneNeverDeletesReusedPayloadPath() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("path-reuse")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let original = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: original
+        ))
+        #expect(store.recordDeleted(messageID: messageID))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: original.path))
+
+        let reused = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(store.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: secondMessageID,
+            storedURL: reused
+        ))
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: reused.path))
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: reused.path))
+        #expect(
+            relaunched.state(for: secondMessageID) == .accepted(reused)
+        )
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func expiredLegacyPathfulTombstoneDoesNotDeleteAcceptedOwner() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("legacy-path-conflict")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let receiptDirectory = receiptRecord(in: root)
+            .deletingLastPathComponent()
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: receiptDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let recordedAt = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 3_000)
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(ReceiptFixture(
+            kind: "tombstone",
+            relativePath: "images/incoming/image.jpg",
+            recordedAt: recordedAt
+        )).write(
+            to: receiptRecord(in: root),
+            options: .atomic
+        )
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(ReceiptFixture(
+            kind: "accepted",
+            relativePath: "images/incoming/image.jpg",
+            recordedAt: recordedAt
+        )).write(
+            to: receiptRecord(
+                in: root,
+                messageID: secondMessageID
+            ),
+            options: .atomic
+        )
+
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            ttl: 1,
+            now: { recordedAt.addingTimeInterval(2) }
+        )
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .absent)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(
+            store.state(for: secondMessageID) == .accepted(payload)
+        )
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func expiredLegacyPathfulTombstonePreservesAmbiguousPayload() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("legacy-expired-cleanup")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        let receiptURL = receiptRecord(in: root)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: receiptURL.deletingLastPathComponent(),
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let recordedAt = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 3_000)
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(ReceiptFixture(
+            kind: "tombstone",
+            relativePath: "images/incoming/image.jpg",
+            recordedAt: recordedAt
+        )).write(to: receiptURL, options: .atomic)
+
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root,
+            ttl: 1,
+            now: { recordedAt.addingTimeInterval(2) }
+        )
+
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .absent)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: receiptURL.path))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func deletionJournalNeverRecursivelyRemovesDirectoryTarget() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("journal-directory")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let directory = root.appendingPathComponent(
+            "files/images/incoming/archive",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: directory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let child = directory.appendingPathComponent("child.jpg")
+        try Data([0x01]).write(to: child)
+        let receiptDirectory = receiptRecord(in: root)
+            .deletingLastPathComponent()
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: receiptDirectory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        #expect(!BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root
+        ).recordDeleted(
+            messageIDs: [messageID],
+            payloadRelativePaths: [
+                messageID: "images/incoming/archive"
+            ]
+        ))
+        #expect(!FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+        try JSONEncoder().encode(JournalFixture(
+            version: 1,
+            entries: [messageID: JournalEntryFixture(
+                relativePaths: ["images/incoming/archive"],
+                recordedAt: Date()
+            )]
+        )).write(to: deletionJournal(in: root), options: .atomic)
+
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .tombstoned)
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: directory.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: child.path))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(
+            atPath: deletionJournal(in: root).path
+        ))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func corruptDeletionJournalFailsClosedWithoutRemovingPayload() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("corrupt-journal")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let payload = try makePayload(in: root)
+        #expect(BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(
+            baseDirectory: root
+        ).commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        let journal = deletionJournal(in: root)
+        try Data("{not-json".utf8).write(to: journal, options: .atomic)
+
+        let relaunched = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(relaunched.state(for: messageID) == .unavailable)
+        #expect(!relaunched.commitAccepted(
+            messageID: messageID,
+            storedURL: payload
+        ))
+        #expect(FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: payload.path))
+        #expect(try Data(contentsOf: journal) == Data("{not-json".utf8))
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func unreleasedAggregateLedgerIsIgnoredAndLeftUntouched() throws {
+        let root = makeRoot("no-legacy-migration")
+        defer { try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: root) }
+        let files = root.appendingPathComponent("files", isDirectory: true)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: files,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let legacy = files.appendingPathComponent(
+            ".private-media-receipts.json",
+            isDirectory: false
+        )
+        let bytes = Data(
+            #"{"entries":{"media-00112233445566778899aabbccddeeff":{"relativePath":"images/incoming/old.jpg","acceptedAt":0}}}"#
+                .utf8
+        )
+        try bytes.write(to: legacy, options: .atomic)
+
+        let store = BLEPrivateMediaReceiptStore(baseDirectory: root)
+        #expect(store.state(for: messageID) == .absent)
+        #expect(try Data(contentsOf: legacy) == bytes)
+    }
+
+    private func makeRoot(_ label: String) -> URL {
+        FileManager.default.temporaryDirectory.appendingPathComponent(
+            "private-media-receipt-\(label)-\(UUID().uuidString)",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+    }
+
+    private func makePayload(
+        in root: URL,
+        name: String = "image.jpg"
+    ) throws -> URL {
+        let directory = root.appendingPathComponent(
+            "files/images/incoming",
+            isDirectory: true
+        )
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(
+            at: directory,
+            withIntermediateDirectories: true
+        )
+        let payload = directory.appendingPathComponent(name)
+        try Data([0xFF, 0xD8, 0xFF, 0xD9]).write(to: payload)
+        return payload
+    }
+
+    private func receiptRecord(
+        in root: URL,
+        messageID requestedMessageID: String? = nil
+    ) -> URL {
+        root
+            .appendingPathComponent(
+                "files/.private-media-receipts",
+                isDirectory: true
+            )
+            .appendingPathComponent(requestedMessageID ?? messageID)
+            .appendingPathExtension("json")
+    }
+
+    private func deletionJournal(in root: URL) -> URL {
+        root
+            .appendingPathComponent(
+                "files/.private-media-receipts",
+                isDirectory: true
+            )
+            .appendingPathComponent(".deletion-journal.json")
+    }
+}

bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerTests.swift

@@ -399,6 +399,59 @@ final class SecureIdentityStateManagerTests: XCTestCase {
         XCTAssertTrue(cleared)
     }
 
+    func test_privateMediaCapabilityPinPersistsMonotonicallyAndPanicClearRemovesIt() async {
+        let keychain = MockKeychain()
+        let fingerprint = Data(repeating: 0x42, count: 32).sha256Fingerprint()
+        let manager = SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
+
+        XCTAssertFalse(manager.hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: fingerprint))
+        manager.markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: fingerprint)
+        XCTAssertTrue(
+            manager.hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: fingerprint),
+            "pin insertion must be synchronously visible to the next downgrade decision"
+        )
+
+        // Re-marking is idempotent, and the encrypted cache carries the pin
+        // across launches.
+        manager.markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: fingerprint)
+        manager.forceSave()
+        let reloaded = SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
+        XCTAssertTrue(reloaded.hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: fingerprint))
+
+        // ChatViewModel's panic path calls this same wipe after deleting
+        // keychain data; the in-memory pin must disappear immediately too.
+        reloaded.clearAllIdentityData()
+        let cleared = await waitUntil {
+            !reloaded.hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: fingerprint)
+        }
+        XCTAssertTrue(cleared)
+    }
+
+    func test_noiseAuthenticatedSigningKeyBindingPersistsAndPanicClearRemovesIt() async {
+        let keychain = MockKeychain()
+        let fingerprint = Data(repeating: 0x31, count: 32).sha256Fingerprint()
+        let firstKey = Data(repeating: 0x41, count: 32)
+        let rotatedKey = Data(repeating: 0x42, count: 32)
+        let manager = SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
+
+        manager.bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(firstKey, fingerprint: fingerprint)
+        XCTAssertEqual(manager.authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint: fingerprint), firstKey)
+        // A later authenticated Noise session may legitimately rotate the
+        // announcement signing key.
+        manager.bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(rotatedKey, fingerprint: fingerprint)
+        XCTAssertEqual(manager.authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint: fingerprint), rotatedKey)
+
+        manager.forceSave()
+        let reloaded = SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
+        XCTAssertEqual(reloaded.authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint: fingerprint), rotatedKey)
+
+        reloaded.clearAllIdentityData()
+        let cleared = await waitUntil {
+            reloaded.authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint: fingerprint) == nil
+        }
+        XCTAssertTrue(cleared)
+    }
+
     func test_forceSave_withFailingCacheWriteDoesNotPersistCache() async {
         let keychain = FailingCacheSaveKeychain()
         let manager = SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)

bitchatTests/Services/TransferProgressManagerTests.swift

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ struct TransferProgressManagerTests {
                 recorder.append("updated:\(id):\(sent):\(total)")
             case .completed(let id, let total):
                 recorder.append("completed:\(id):\(total)")
-            case .cancelled:
+            case .cancelled, .rejected:
                 break
             }
         }
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ struct TransferProgressManagerTests {
                 recorder.append("started:\(id):\(total)")
             case .cancelled(let id, let sent, let total):
                 recorder.append("cancelled:\(id):\(sent):\(total)")
-            case .updated, .completed:
+            case .updated, .completed, .rejected:
                 break
             }
         }
@@ -105,6 +105,28 @@ struct TransferProgressManagerTests {
         #expect(manager.snapshot(id: transferID) == nil)
         _ = cancellable
     }
+
+    @Test("Preflight policy rejection publishes a visible failure reason")
+    @MainActor
+    func rejectBeforeStartPublishesReason() async {
+        let manager = TransferProgressManager()
+        let transferID = "transfer-visible-reject"
+        let recorder = EventRecorder()
+        let cancellable = manager.publisher.sink { event in
+            if case .rejected(let id, let reason) = event {
+                recorder.append("rejected:\(id):\(reason)")
+            }
+        }
+
+        manager.rejectBeforeStart(id: transferID, reason: "upgrade required")
+
+        let didReceive = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
+            recorder.values == ["rejected:\(transferID):upgrade required"]
+        }, timeout: 5.0)
+        #expect(didReceive)
+        #expect(manager.snapshot(id: transferID) == nil)
+        _ = cancellable
+    }
 }
 
 private final class EventRecorder: @unchecked Sendable {

bitchatTests/Services/UnifiedPeerServiceTests.swift

@@ -266,6 +266,11 @@ private final class TestIdentityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol {
         verified.removeAll()
     }
 
+    func markPrivateMediaCapable(fingerprint: String) {}
+    func hasObservedPrivateMediaCapability(fingerprint: String) -> Bool { false }
+    func bindAuthenticatedSigningPublicKey(_ signingPublicKey: Data, fingerprint: String) {}
+    func authenticatedSigningPublicKey(forFingerprint fingerprint: String) -> Data? { nil }
+
     func removeEphemeralSession(peerID: PeerID) {}
 
     func setVerified(fingerprint: String, verified: Bool) {

docs/PRIVATE-MEDIA-MIGRATION.md

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+# Private-media wire migration
+
+Private files use the `BitchatFilePacket` TLV shared by iOS and Android. The
+preferred direct-message wire form encrypts that complete TLV inside the
+peer's Noise session before BLE fragmentation.
+
+## Wire values and capability
+
+- `NoisePayloadType.privateFile` is `0x20`, the value already deployed by the
+  Android client. New sends must use this value.
+- iOS temporarily accepts `0x09`, which appeared in prerelease builds of the
+  private-media change. Decoders canonicalize it to `privateFile`; they never
+  emit it.
+- `NoisePayloadType.authenticatedPeerState` is permanently assigned `0x21`.
+  It is emitted after every completed/rekeyed Noise XX session and echoed at
+  most once when the remote state arrives, so message-3/proof reordering over
+  different mesh links converges. This type is part of the protocol security
+  boundary and is not removed when the media migration ends.
+- The `0x21` payload starts with version `0x01`, followed by one-byte
+  type/length/value fields. Version 1 requires canonical TLV `0x01` (the
+  minimal little-endian `PeerCapabilities` bitfield, 1-8 bytes) and TLV `0x02`
+  (the 32-byte Ed25519 announcement signing key). Duplicate required fields,
+  non-minimal capabilities, malformed lengths, missing fields, and unknown
+  versions are ignored without changing state. Unknown TLVs are skipped.
+- The public `PeerCapabilities.privateMedia` announce bit is a discovery hint:
+  it starts a Noise handshake, but never selects encrypted sending or creates
+  a pin. A private transfer waits boundedly for the exact session's encrypted
+  `0x21`. A valid bit-8 proof selects Noise `0x20`; a valid no-bit proof or a
+  no-proof timeout reaches the explicit legacy-consent path for an unpinned
+  peer. No timeout automatically sends raw bytes.
+- `PeerCapabilities.privateMediaReceipts` is bit 9. Its exact-session
+  authenticated proof enables bounded sender-side automatic retry; a public
+  announce never does. It does not replace bit 8: encrypted `0x20` media from
+  bit-8-only prior iOS clients keeps the same deterministic stable ID and
+  delivery ACK. Receivers durably commit that ID before UI delivery or ACK, so
+  a lost proof followed by a later bit-9 retry cannot create a second,
+  random-ID bubble.
+- An unpinned peer with a stable Noise key but without that capability is
+  eligible for one signed, directed
+  `fileTransfer`, matching the pre-migration wire form used by older iOS and
+  accepted by current Android clients, only after the sender confirms a
+  per-send warning that the file is not end-to-end encrypted and mesh relays
+  can see it. The
+  consent is consumed by that invocation and is never remembered.
+- A signed announce never creates a pin by itself: an attacker can copy a
+  victim's public Noise key, supply its own Ed25519 key and capability bits,
+  and self-sign an internally consistent announce. Only successfully
+  decrypted `0x21` state pins the authenticated Noise fingerprint and binds
+  the Ed25519 key used by later announces/public messages. A later valid
+  no-bit `0x21` is treated as a downgrade, and raw fallback is blocked even if
+  a caller presents legacy consent. Public no-bit announces cannot overwrite
+  current session-authenticated state.
+- During migration, both an absent capabilities TLV and an explicit TLV
+  without `privateMedia` are legacy-eligible when that stable fingerprint is
+  not pinned. This supports clients that added capability advertisement before
+  encrypted media. Neither shape bypasses a previously authenticated pin.
+
+Older clients decrypt and ignore unknown inner type `0x21`; they do not need to
+understand it to continue using text or the warned legacy media path. They are
+never inferred capable merely because the handshake succeeded.
+
+Removal gates are independent and must not share an arbitrary calendar date:
+
+- Remove the `0x09` receive alias only after every TestFlight/internal build
+  that emitted it has expired and minimum-supported-client policy excludes it.
+- Remove the signed directed raw `0x22` fallback only after minimum-supported
+  iOS and Android clients emit authenticated bit-8 `0x21` state and the legacy
+  population has aged out.
+- Nostr kind `1059` compatibility is a separate envelope migration. Its dual
+  publish/removal gate is not evidence that either BLE compatibility shape can
+  be removed.
+
+## Security boundary
+
+The encrypted form provides Noise confidentiality and peer authentication.
+The fallback is signed and its signature is required on receive, so relays
+cannot forge its sender or contents. It is not confidential: relays can see
+the raw file TLV. The UI says this explicitly and asks on every send. A peer
+without a stable Noise key from a verified registry entry cannot use the
+fallback. Keep it only for the mixed-version migration, and remove it only
+after minimum-supported Android and iOS releases emit authenticated bit-8
+`0x21` state and the legacy population has aged out. Never replace it with an
+unsigned fallback, persist blanket consent, or send both forms.
+
+Incoming clients accept all three migration-era shapes:
+
+| Sender | Inbound form | Result |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Current Android | Noise `0x20` | Decrypt and deliver |
+| Prerelease iOS | Noise `0x09` | Decrypt, canonicalize, and deliver |
+| Older client | Signed directed `fileTransfer` | Verify signature and deliver |
+| Forged/unsigned raw sender | Directed `fileTransfer` | Reject |
+
+Panic wipe clears the persistent capability pins together with the rest of
+the encrypted identity cache.
+
+This migration path is mesh-Noise-only (BLE and compatible direct mesh links).
+Nostr private-media transport is unchanged and remains a follow-up. Nostr
+inbound paths explicitly ignore `0x21`; do not infer the mesh consent fallback
+or capability-pin semantics for Nostr delivery.
+
+## Size interoperability
+
+iOS bounds inbound file content at 1 MiB and applies the expanded allocation
+budget only after a large Noise ciphertext authenticates to `0x20` or the
+temporary `0x09` alias. Ordinary Noise messages retain their 64 KiB limit.
+
+Current Android builds cap each reassembly at 256 fragments. Depending on the
+negotiated BLE packet size and routing overhead, that is roughly 110-120 KiB,
+well below iOS's absolute inbound ceiling. Private-media v1 therefore runs the
+actual route-aware BLE fragment planner before both encrypted and consented
+legacy sends and rejects any plan above 256 fragments with a visible failure.
+This fragment-count contract, rather than a guessed byte threshold, stays
+correct as route overhead changes.

localPackages/BitFoundation/Sources/BitFoundation/PeerCapabilities.swift

@@ -24,6 +24,22 @@ public struct PeerCapabilities: OptionSet, Equatable, Hashable, Sendable {
     /// (uplink/downlink carriers for mesh-only peers). Advertised alongside
     /// a `bridgeGeohash` TLV carrying the rendezvous cell.
     public static let bridge = PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 7)
+    /// Finalized direct-message media encrypted as Noise payload `0x20`
+    /// before outer BLE fragmentation. Peers that omit this bit require the
+    /// signed directed raw-file migration fallback.
+    public static let privateMedia = PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 8)
+    /// Stable private-media IDs are durably deduplicated by the receiver and
+    /// correlated delivery/read receipts permit bounded automatic resend.
+    ///
+    /// Bit 8 remains the encrypted-media compatibility contract. Bit 9 only
+    /// enables sender-side automatic retry after exact-session proof.
+    public static let privateMediaReceipts =
+        PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 9)
+    /// Reserved for test builds that briefly advertised non-destructive Noise
+    /// replacement. Current clients intentionally do not advertise or act on
+    /// this bit; keep it decodable so the wire assignment is never reused.
+    public static let nonDestructiveNoiseReplacement =
+        PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 10)
 
     /// Minimal little-endian byte encoding; always at least one byte so an
     /// empty set is distinguishable from an absent TLV.

localPackages/BitFoundation/Tests/BitFoundationTests/PeerCapabilitiesTests.swift

@@ -16,11 +16,32 @@ struct PeerCapabilitiesTests {
         #expect(PeerCapabilities([]).encoded() == Data([0x00]))
         #expect(PeerCapabilities.prekeys.encoded() == Data([0x01]))
         #expect(PeerCapabilities.meshDiagnostics.encoded() == Data([0x40]))
+        #expect(PeerCapabilities.privateMedia.encoded() == Data([0x00, 0x01]))
 
-        let high = PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 9)
-        #expect(high.encoded() == Data([0x00, 0x02]))
+        #expect(
+            PeerCapabilities.privateMediaReceipts.encoded()
+                == Data([0x00, 0x02])
+        )
+        #expect(
+            PeerCapabilities.nonDestructiveNoiseReplacement.encoded()
+                == Data([0x00, 0x04])
+        )
 
-        let all: PeerCapabilities = [.prekeys, .wifiBulk, .gateway, .groups, .board, .vouch, .meshDiagnostics]
+        let high = PeerCapabilities(rawValue: 1 << 11)
+        #expect(high.encoded() == Data([0x00, 0x08]))
+
+        let all: PeerCapabilities = [
+            .prekeys,
+            .wifiBulk,
+            .gateway,
+            .groups,
+            .board,
+            .vouch,
+            .meshDiagnostics,
+            .privateMedia,
+            .privateMediaReceipts,
+            .nonDestructiveNoiseReplacement
+        ]
         #expect(PeerCapabilities(encoded: all.encoded()) == all)
         #expect(PeerCapabilities(encoded: high.encoded()) == high)
         #expect(PeerCapabilities(encoded: PeerCapabilities([]).encoded()) == [])