Merge pull request #931 from permissionlesstech/fix/flaky-fragmentation-tests

fix: eliminate flaky FragmentationTests with proper async synchronization

.cache/clang/ModuleCache/Swift-207X6UTF85MUY.swiftmodule

@@ -1,12 +0,0 @@
----
-path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-dependencies:
-  - mtime:           1757258659000000000
-    path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-    size:            14166264
-  - mtime:           1754189697000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            2261306
-    sdk_relative:    true
-version:         1
-...

.cache/clang/ModuleCache/SwiftOnoneSupport-3W234PQLRG1JJ.swiftmodule

@@ -1,16 +0,0 @@
----
-path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/SwiftOnoneSupport.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-dependencies:
-  - mtime:           1757258662000000000
-    path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/SwiftOnoneSupport.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-    size:            18068
-  - mtime:           1754189697000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            2261306
-    sdk_relative:    true
-  - mtime:           1754191141000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/SwiftOnoneSupport.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            1224
-    sdk_relative:    true
-version:         1
-...

.cache/clang/ModuleCache/_Concurrency-IW47C06QYY26.swiftmodule

@@ -1,16 +0,0 @@
----
-path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/_Concurrency.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-dependencies:
-  - mtime:           1757258669000000000
-    path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/_Concurrency.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-    size:            699544
-  - mtime:           1754189697000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            2261306
-    sdk_relative:    true
-  - mtime:           1754192470000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/_Concurrency.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            364219
-    sdk_relative:    true
-version:         1
-...

.cache/clang/ModuleCache/_StringProcessing-1C2ZFCSIKDXY1.swiftmodule

@@ -1,16 +0,0 @@
----
-path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/_StringProcessing.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-dependencies:
-  - mtime:           1757258664000000000
-    path:            '/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Toolchains/XcodeDefault.xctoolchain/usr/lib/swift/macosx/prebuilt-modules/26.0/_StringProcessing.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftmodule'
-    size:            83568
-  - mtime:           1754189697000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/Swift.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            2261306
-    sdk_relative:    true
-  - mtime:           1754192532000000000
-    path:            'usr/lib/swift/_StringProcessing.swiftmodule/arm64e-apple-macos.swiftinterface'
-    size:            24507
-    sdk_relative:    true
-version:         1
-...

.github/workflows/fetch_georelays.yml

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ on:
 
 permissions:
   contents: write
+  pull-requests: write
 
 jobs:
   update-relay-data:
@@ -17,24 +18,54 @@ jobs:
         uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
           token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-      
+          fetch-depth: 0
+
       - name: Fetch GeoRelays
         run: |
-          wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/permissionlesstech/georelays/refs/heads/main/nostr_relays.csv
+          wget -q https://raw.githubusercontent.com/permissionlesstech/georelays/refs/heads/main/nostr_relays.csv
           mv nostr_relays.csv ./relays/online_relays_gps.csv
 
-      - name: Check for changes
-        id: git-check
+      - name: Configure git
         run: |
-          git diff --exit-code || echo "changes=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-    
-      - name: Commit and push changes
-        if: steps.git-check.outputs.changes == 'true'
+          git config user.email "action@github.com"
+          git config user.name "GitHub Action"
+
+      - name: Create update branch if changes
+        id: create_branch
         run: |
-          git config --local user.email "action@github.com"
-          git config --local user.name "GitHub Action"
+          # exit early if no changes
+          if git diff --quiet --relays/online_relays_gps.csv; then
+            echo "changed=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+            exit 0
+          fi
+
+          # branch name with timestamp
+          BRANCH="update-georelays-$(date -u +%Y%m%dT%H%M%SZ)"
+          git checkout -b "$BRANCH"
+
           git add relays/online_relays_gps.csv
-          git commit -m "Automated update of relay data - $(date -u)"
-          git push
-        env:
-          GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          git commit -m "Automated update of relay data - $(date -u --rfc-3339=seconds)"
+          echo "changed=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "branch=$BRANCH" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+
+      - name: Push branch
+        if: steps.create_branch.outputs.changed == 'true'
+        run: |
+          git push --set-upstream origin "${{ steps.create_branch.outputs.branch }}"
+
+      - name: Create pull request
+        if: steps.create_branch.outputs.changed == 'true'
+        uses: peter-evans/create-pull-request@v5
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          commit-message: Automated update of relay data
+          branch: ${{ steps.create_branch.outputs.branch }}
+          base: main
+          title: Automated update of relay data
+          body: |
+            This PR was created automatically by the scheduled workflow. It updates relays/online_relays_gps.csv from the GeoRelays source.
+          labels: automated, georelays
+
+      - name: No changes
+        if: steps.create_branch.outputs.changed != 'true'
+        run: echo "No changes to relays/online_relays_gps.csv"

.gitignore

@@ -66,6 +66,9 @@ __pycache__/
 *.tmp
 *.temp
 
+## Cache
+.cache/
+
 # Local build results
 .Result*/
 .Result*.xcresult/

Configs/Release.xcconfig

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-MARKETING_VERSION = 1.4.4
+MARKETING_VERSION = 1.5.0
 CURRENT_PROJECT_VERSION = 1
 
 IPHONEOS_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET = 16.0

Justfile

@@ -14,8 +14,11 @@ default:
 # Check prerequisites
 check:
     @echo "Checking prerequisites..."
-    @command -v xcodebuild >/dev/null 2>&1 || (echo "❌ Xcode not found. Install Xcode from App Store" && exit 1)
-    @security find-identity -v -p codesigning | grep -q "Developer ID" || (echo "⚠️  No Developer ID found - code signing may fail" && exit 0)
+    @command -v xcodebuild >/dev/null 2>&1 || (echo "❌ xcodebuild not found. Install Xcode from App Store" && exit 1)
+    @xcode-select -p | grep -q "Xcode.app" || (echo "❌ Full Xcode required, not just command line tools. Install from App Store and run:\n   sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer" && exit 1)
+    @test -d "/Applications/Xcode.app" || (echo "❌ Xcode.app not found in Applications folder. Install from App Store" && exit 1)
+    @xcodebuild -version >/dev/null 2>&1 || (echo "❌ Xcode not properly configured. Try:\n   sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer" && exit 1)
+    @security find-identity -v -p codesigning | grep -q "Apple Development\|Developer ID" || (echo "⚠️  No Developer ID found - code signing may fail" && exit 0)
     @echo "✅ All prerequisites met"
 
 # Backup original files
@@ -44,7 +47,7 @@ patch-for-macos: backup
 # Build the macOS app
 build: #check generate
     @echo "Building BitChat for macOS..."
-    @xcodebuild -project bitchat.xcodeproj -scheme "bitchat_macOS" -configuration Debug CODE_SIGN_IDENTITY="" CODE_SIGNING_REQUIRED=NO CODE_SIGN_ENTITLEMENTS="" build
+    @xcodebuild -project bitchat.xcodeproj -scheme "bitchat (macOS)" -configuration Debug CODE_SIGN_IDENTITY="" CODE_SIGNING_REQUIRED=NO CODE_SIGN_ENTITLEMENTS="" build
 
 # Run the macOS app
 run: build

Package.swift

@@ -34,7 +34,8 @@ let package = Package(
                 "Assets.xcassets",
                 "bitchat.entitlements",
                 "bitchat-macOS.entitlements",
-                "LaunchScreen.storyboard"
+                "LaunchScreen.storyboard",
+                "ViewModels/Extensions/README.md"
             ],
             resources: [
                 .process("Localizable.xcstrings")
@@ -49,7 +50,8 @@ let package = Package(
                 "README.md"
             ],
             resources: [
-                .process("Localization")
+                .process("Localization"),
+                .process("Noise")
             ]
         )
     ]

bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj

@@ -95,6 +95,24 @@
 			);
 			target = 57CA17A36A2532A6CFF367BB /* bitchatShareExtension */;
 		};
+		C5E027A52ECCDFD700BD6012 /* Exceptions for "bitchatTests" folder in "bitchatTests_macOS" target */ = {
+			isa = PBXFileSystemSynchronizedBuildFileExceptionSet;
+			membershipExceptions = (
+				Info.plist,
+				Localization/PrimaryLocalizationKeys.json,
+				README.md,
+			);
+			target = 47FF23248747DD7CB666CB91 /* bitchatTests_macOS */;
+		};
+		C5E027A82ECCDFE200BD6012 /* Exceptions for "bitchatTests" folder in "bitchatTests_iOS" target */ = {
+			isa = PBXFileSystemSynchronizedBuildFileExceptionSet;
+			membershipExceptions = (
+				Info.plist,
+				Localization/PrimaryLocalizationKeys.json,
+				README.md,
+			);
+			target = 6CB97DF2EA57234CB3E563B8 /* bitchatTests_iOS */;
+		};
 /* End PBXFileSystemSynchronizedBuildFileExceptionSet section */
 
 /* Begin PBXFileSystemSynchronizedRootGroup section */
@@ -118,6 +136,10 @@
 		};
 		A6E32D412E762EAE0032EA8A /* bitchatTests */ = {
 			isa = PBXFileSystemSynchronizedRootGroup;
+			exceptions = (
+				C5E027A82ECCDFE200BD6012 /* Exceptions for "bitchatTests" folder in "bitchatTests_iOS" target */,
+				C5E027A52ECCDFD700BD6012 /* Exceptions for "bitchatTests" folder in "bitchatTests_macOS" target */,
+			);
 			path = bitchatTests;
 			sourceTree = "<group>";
 		};
@@ -213,6 +235,7 @@
 			buildConfigurationList = 1C27B5BA3DB46DDF0DBFEF62 /* Build configuration list for PBXNativeTarget "bitchatTests_macOS" */;
 			buildPhases = (
 				5C22AA7B9ACC5A861445C769 /* Sources */,
+				C5E027A42ECCDFD700BD6012 /* Resources */,
 			);
 			buildRules = (
 			);
@@ -245,6 +268,7 @@
 			buildConfigurationList = 38C4AF6313E5037F25CEF30B /* Build configuration list for PBXNativeTarget "bitchatTests_iOS" */;
 			buildPhases = (
 				865C8403EF02C089369A9FCB /* Sources */,
+				C5E027A72ECCDFE200BD6012 /* Resources */,
 			);
 			buildRules = (
 			);
@@ -312,6 +336,7 @@
 				ne,
 				"pt-BR",
 				ru,
+				tr,
 				uk,
 				"zh-Hans",
 			);
@@ -342,6 +367,16 @@
 				E0A1B2C3D4E5F6012345678D /* relays/online_relays_gps.csv in Resources */,
 			);
 		};
+		C5E027A42ECCDFD700BD6012 /* Resources */ = {
+			isa = PBXResourcesBuildPhase;
+			files = (
+			);
+		};
+		C5E027A72ECCDFE200BD6012 /* Resources */ = {
+			isa = PBXResourcesBuildPhase;
+			files = (
+			);
+		};
 		CD6E8F32BC38357473954F97 /* Resources */ = {
 			isa = PBXResourcesBuildPhase;
 			files = (

bitchat.xcodeproj/xcshareddata/xcschemes/bitchat (iOS).xcscheme

@@ -98,8 +98,8 @@
       </BuildableProductRunnable>
       <EnvironmentVariables>
          <EnvironmentVariable
-            key = "-DBITCHAT_DEV_ALLOW_CLEARNET"
-            value = ""
+            key = "BITCHAT_LOG_LEVEL"
+            value = "debug"
             isEnabled = "YES">
          </EnvironmentVariable>
       </EnvironmentVariables>

bitchat/Assets.xcassets/AppIconDebug.appiconset/Contents.json

@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@
           "value" : "dark"
         }
       ],
-      "filename" : "image-1024 1.png",
       "idiom" : "universal",
       "platform" : "ios",
       "size" : "1024x1024"
@@ -25,7 +24,6 @@
           "value" : "tinted"
         }
       ],
-      "filename" : "image-1024 2.png",
       "idiom" : "universal",
       "platform" : "ios",
       "size" : "1024x1024"

bitchat/BitchatApp.swift

@@ -26,11 +26,15 @@ struct BitchatApp: App {
     @NSApplicationDelegateAdaptor(MacAppDelegate.self) var appDelegate
     #endif
     
+    private let idBridge = NostrIdentityBridge()
+    
     init() {
         let keychain = KeychainManager()
+        let idBridge = self.idBridge
         _chatViewModel = StateObject(
             wrappedValue: ChatViewModel(
                 keychain: keychain,
+                idBridge: idBridge,
                 identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
             )
         )
@@ -49,15 +53,14 @@ struct BitchatApp: App {
                     // Inject live Noise service into VerificationService to avoid creating new BLE instances
                     VerificationService.shared.configure(with: chatViewModel.meshService.getNoiseService())
                     // Prewarm Nostr identity and QR to make first VERIFY sheet fast
+                    let nickname = chatViewModel.nickname
                     DispatchQueue.global(qos: .utility).async {
-                        let npub = try? NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity()?.npub
-                        _ = VerificationService.shared.buildMyQRString(nickname: chatViewModel.nickname, npub: npub)
+                        let npub = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity()?.npub
+                        _ = VerificationService.shared.buildMyQRString(nickname: nickname, npub: npub)
                     }
-                    #if os(iOS)
+
                     appDelegate.chatViewModel = chatViewModel
-                    #elseif os(macOS)
-                    appDelegate.chatViewModel = chatViewModel
-                    #endif
+
                     // Initialize network activation policy; will start Tor/Nostr only when allowed
                     NetworkActivationService.shared.start()
                     // Check for shared content
@@ -185,6 +188,10 @@ final class AppDelegate: NSObject, UIApplicationDelegate {
     func application(_ application: UIApplication, didFinishLaunchingWithOptions launchOptions: [UIApplication.LaunchOptionsKey : Any]? = nil) -> Bool {
         return true
     }
+    
+    func applicationWillTerminate(_ application: UIApplication) {
+        chatViewModel?.applicationWillTerminate()
+    }
 }
 #endif
 
@@ -217,7 +224,7 @@ final class NotificationDelegate: NSObject, UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate {
             // Get peer ID from userInfo
             if let peerID = userInfo["peerID"] as? String {
                 DispatchQueue.main.async {
-                    self.chatViewModel?.startPrivateChat(with: peerID)
+                    self.chatViewModel?.startPrivateChat(with: PeerID(str: peerID))
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -242,10 +249,15 @@ final class NotificationDelegate: NSObject, UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate {
             // Get peer ID from userInfo
             if let peerID = userInfo["peerID"] as? String {
                 // Don't show notification if the private chat is already open
-                if chatViewModel?.selectedPrivateChatPeer == peerID {
-                    completionHandler([])
-                    return
+                // Access main-actor-isolated property via Task
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    if self.chatViewModel?.selectedPrivateChatPeer == PeerID(str: peerID) {
+                        completionHandler([])
+                    } else {
+                        completionHandler([.banner, .sound])
+                    }
                 }
+                return
             }
         }
         // Suppress geohash activity notification if we're already in that geohash channel

bitchat/Features/media/ImageUtils.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,203 @@
+import Foundation
+import ImageIO
+import UniformTypeIdentifiers
+#if os(iOS)
+import UIKit
+#else
+import AppKit
+#endif
+
+enum ImageUtilsError: Error {
+    case invalidImage
+    case encodingFailed
+}
+
+enum ImageUtils {
+    private static let compressionQuality: CGFloat = 0.82
+    private static let targetImageBytes: Int = 45_000
+
+    static func processImage(at url: URL, maxDimension: CGFloat = 448) throws -> URL {
+        // Security H1: Check file size BEFORE reading into memory
+        let attrs = try FileManager.default.attributesOfItem(atPath: url.path)
+        guard let fileSize = attrs[.size] as? Int else {
+            throw ImageUtilsError.invalidImage
+        }
+        // Allow up to 10MB source images (will be scaled down)
+        guard fileSize <= 10 * 1024 * 1024 else {
+            throw ImageUtilsError.invalidImage
+        }
+
+        let data = try Data(contentsOf: url)
+        #if os(iOS)
+        guard let image = UIImage(data: data) else { throw ImageUtilsError.invalidImage }
+        return try processImage(image, maxDimension: maxDimension)
+        #else
+        guard let image = NSImage(data: data) else { throw ImageUtilsError.invalidImage }
+        return try processImage(image, maxDimension: maxDimension)
+        #endif
+    }
+
+    #if os(iOS)
+    static func processImage(_ image: UIImage, maxDimension: CGFloat = 448) throws -> URL {
+        return try autoreleasepool {
+            // Scale the image first
+            let scaled = scaledImage(image, maxDimension: maxDimension)
+
+            // Get CGImage from UIImage - this is the key to stripping metadata
+            guard let cgImage = scaled.cgImage else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+
+            // Use CGImageDestination to encode without metadata (same as macOS)
+            var quality = compressionQuality
+            guard var jpegData = encodeJPEG(from: cgImage, quality: quality) else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+
+            // Compress to target size
+            while jpegData.count > targetImageBytes && quality > 0.3 {
+                quality -= 0.1
+                autoreleasepool {
+                    if let next = encodeJPEG(from: cgImage, quality: quality) {
+                        jpegData = next
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            let outputURL = try makeOutputURL()
+            try jpegData.write(to: outputURL, options: .atomic)
+            return outputURL
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func scaledImage(_ image: UIImage, maxDimension: CGFloat) -> UIImage {
+        let size = image.size
+        let maxSide = max(size.width, size.height)
+        guard maxSide > maxDimension else { return image }
+        let scale = maxDimension / maxSide
+        let newSize = CGSize(width: size.width * scale, height: size.height * scale)
+
+        // Draw into a new context to get a clean CGImage without metadata
+        UIGraphicsBeginImageContextWithOptions(newSize, true, 1.0)
+        image.draw(in: CGRect(origin: .zero, size: newSize))
+        let rendered = UIGraphicsGetImageFromCurrentImageContext()
+        UIGraphicsEndImageContext()
+        return rendered ?? image
+    }
+
+    // Shared EXIF-stripping JPEG encoder for both iOS and macOS
+    private static func encodeJPEG(from cgImage: CGImage, quality: CGFloat) -> Data? {
+        guard let data = CFDataCreateMutable(nil, 0) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        guard let destination = CGImageDestinationCreateWithData(data, UTType.jpeg.identifier as CFString, 1, nil) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        // Security: Strip ALL metadata (EXIF, GPS, TIFF, IPTC, XMP)
+        // By only specifying compression quality and no metadata keys,
+        // we ensure a clean JPEG with no privacy-leaking information
+        let options: [CFString: Any] = [
+            kCGImageDestinationLossyCompressionQuality: quality
+        ]
+        CGImageDestinationAddImage(destination, cgImage, options as CFDictionary)
+        guard CGImageDestinationFinalize(destination) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        return data as Data
+    }
+    #else
+    static func processImage(_ image: NSImage, maxDimension: CGFloat = 448) throws -> URL {
+        return try autoreleasepool {
+            let scaled = scaledImage(image, maxDimension: maxDimension)
+            guard let inputCG = scaled.cgImage(forProposedRect: nil, context: nil, hints: nil) else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+            let width = inputCG.width
+            let height = inputCG.height
+            let colorSpace = CGColorSpace(name: CGColorSpace.sRGB) ?? CGColorSpaceCreateDeviceRGB()
+            guard let context = CGContext(
+                data: nil,
+                width: width,
+                height: height,
+                bitsPerComponent: 8,
+                bytesPerRow: 0,
+                space: colorSpace,
+                bitmapInfo: CGImageAlphaInfo.premultipliedLast.rawValue
+            ) else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+            context.draw(inputCG, in: CGRect(x: 0, y: 0, width: width, height: height))
+            guard let cgImage = context.makeImage() else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+            var quality = compressionQuality
+            guard var jpegData = encodeJPEG(from: cgImage, quality: quality) else {
+                throw ImageUtilsError.encodingFailed
+            }
+            while jpegData.count > targetImageBytes && quality > 0.3 {
+                quality -= 0.1
+                autoreleasepool {
+                    if let next = encodeJPEG(from: cgImage, quality: quality) {
+                        jpegData = next
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            let outputURL = try makeOutputURL()
+            try jpegData.write(to: outputURL, options: .atomic)
+            return outputURL
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func scaledImage(_ image: NSImage, maxDimension: CGFloat) -> NSImage {
+        let size = image.size
+        let maxSide = max(size.width, size.height)
+        guard maxSide > maxDimension else { return image }
+        let scale = maxDimension / maxSide
+        let newSize = NSSize(width: size.width * scale, height: size.height * scale)
+        let scaledImage = NSImage(size: newSize)
+        scaledImage.lockFocus()
+        image.draw(in: NSRect(origin: .zero, size: newSize),
+                   from: NSRect(origin: .zero, size: size),
+                   operation: .copy,
+                   fraction: 1.0)
+        scaledImage.unlockFocus()
+        return scaledImage
+    }
+
+    // Shared EXIF-stripping JPEG encoder for both iOS and macOS
+    private static func encodeJPEG(from cgImage: CGImage, quality: CGFloat) -> Data? {
+        guard let data = CFDataCreateMutable(nil, 0) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        guard let destination = CGImageDestinationCreateWithData(data, UTType.jpeg.identifier as CFString, 1, nil) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        // Security: Strip ALL metadata (EXIF, GPS, TIFF, IPTC, XMP)
+        // By only specifying compression quality and no metadata keys,
+        // we ensure a clean JPEG with no privacy-leaking information
+        let options: [CFString: Any] = [
+            kCGImageDestinationLossyCompressionQuality: quality
+        ]
+        CGImageDestinationAddImage(destination, cgImage, options as CFDictionary)
+        guard CGImageDestinationFinalize(destination) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        return data as Data
+    }
+    #endif
+
+    private static func makeOutputURL() throws -> URL {
+        let formatter = DateFormatter()
+        formatter.dateFormat = "yyyyMMdd_HHmmss"
+        let fileName = "img_\(formatter.string(from: Date())).jpg"
+
+        let directory = try applicationFilesDirectory().appendingPathComponent("images/outgoing", isDirectory: true)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(at: directory, withIntermediateDirectories: true, attributes: nil)
+        return directory.appendingPathComponent(fileName)
+    }
+
+    private static func applicationFilesDirectory() throws -> URL {
+        let base = try FileManager.default.url(for: .applicationSupportDirectory, in: .userDomainMask, appropriateFor: nil, create: true)
+        return base.appendingPathComponent("files", isDirectory: true)
+    }
+}

bitchat/Features/voice/VoiceNotePlaybackController.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+import Foundation
+import AVFoundation
+import BitLogger
+
+/// Controls playback for a single voice note and coordinates exclusive playback across the app.
+final class VoiceNotePlaybackController: NSObject, ObservableObject, AVAudioPlayerDelegate {
+    @Published private(set) var isPlaying: Bool = false
+    @Published private(set) var currentTime: TimeInterval = 0
+    @Published private(set) var duration: TimeInterval = 0
+    @Published private(set) var progress: Double = 0
+
+    private var player: AVAudioPlayer?
+    private var timer: Timer?
+    private var url: URL
+
+    init(url: URL) {
+        self.url = url
+        super.init()
+        // Don't load anything eagerly - wait until user interaction or view is fully displayed
+    }
+
+    func loadDuration() {
+        guard duration == 0 else { return }
+
+        DispatchQueue.global(qos: .utility).async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            do {
+                let player = try AVAudioPlayer(contentsOf: self.url)
+                let loadedDuration = player.duration
+                DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
+                    guard let self = self, self.duration == 0 else { return }
+                    self.duration = loadedDuration
+                }
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.error("Failed to load audio duration: \(error)", category: .session)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    deinit {
+        timer?.invalidate()
+    }
+
+    func replaceURL(_ url: URL) {
+        guard url != self.url else { return }
+        stop()
+        self.url = url
+        player = nil
+        duration = 0
+        // Duration will be loaded on demand when needed
+    }
+
+    func togglePlayback() {
+        isPlaying ? pause() : play()
+    }
+
+    func play() {
+        guard ensurePlayerReady() else { return }
+        VoiceNotePlaybackCoordinator.shared.activate(self)
+        player?.play()
+        startTimer()
+        updateProgress()
+        isPlaying = true
+    }
+
+    func pause() {
+        player?.pause()
+        stopTimer()
+        updateProgress()
+        isPlaying = false
+    }
+
+    func stop() {
+        player?.stop()
+        player?.currentTime = 0
+        stopTimer()
+        updateProgress()
+        isPlaying = false
+        VoiceNotePlaybackCoordinator.shared.deactivate(self)
+    }
+
+    func seek(to fraction: Double) {
+        guard ensurePlayerReady() else { return }
+        let clamped = max(0, min(1, fraction))
+        if let player = player {
+            player.currentTime = clamped * player.duration
+            if isPlaying {
+                player.play()
+            }
+            updateProgress()
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - AVAudioPlayerDelegate
+
+    func audioPlayerDidFinishPlaying(_ player: AVAudioPlayer, successfully flag: Bool) {
+        // Delegate callback may be on background thread - ensure main thread for UI updates
+        DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.stopTimer()
+            self.updateProgress()
+            self.isPlaying = false
+            VoiceNotePlaybackCoordinator.shared.deactivate(self)
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers
+
+    private func preparePlayer(for url: URL) {
+        // Prepare player synchronously (only called when playback is requested)
+        do {
+            let player = try AVAudioPlayer(contentsOf: url)
+            player.delegate = self
+            player.prepareToPlay()
+            self.player = player
+            duration = player.duration
+            currentTime = player.currentTime
+            progress = duration > 0 ? currentTime / duration : 0
+        } catch {
+            SecureLogger.error("Voice note playback failed for \(url.lastPathComponent): \(error)", category: .session)
+            player = nil
+            duration = 0
+            currentTime = 0
+            progress = 0
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func ensurePlayerReady() -> Bool {
+        if player == nil {
+            preparePlayer(for: url)
+        }
+        #if os(iOS)
+        let session = AVAudioSession.sharedInstance()
+        do {
+            try session.setCategory(.playback, mode: .spokenAudio, options: [.mixWithOthers])
+            try session.setActive(true, options: [])
+        } catch {
+            SecureLogger.error("Failed to activate audio session: \(error)", category: .session)
+        }
+        #endif
+        return player != nil
+    }
+
+    private func startTimer() {
+        if timer != nil { return }
+        timer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: 0.05, repeats: true) { [weak self] _ in
+            self?.updateProgress()
+        }
+        if let timer = timer {
+            RunLoop.main.add(timer, forMode: .common)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func stopTimer() {
+        timer?.invalidate()
+        timer = nil
+    }
+
+    private func updateProgress() {
+        guard let player = player else {
+            currentTime = 0
+            duration = 0
+            progress = 0
+            return
+        }
+        currentTime = player.currentTime
+        duration = player.duration
+        progress = duration > 0 ? currentTime / duration : 0
+    }
+}
+
+/// Ensures only one voice note plays at a time.
+final class VoiceNotePlaybackCoordinator {
+    static let shared = VoiceNotePlaybackCoordinator()
+
+    private weak var activeController: VoiceNotePlaybackController?
+
+    private init() {}
+
+    func activate(_ controller: VoiceNotePlaybackController) {
+        if activeController === controller {
+            return
+        }
+        activeController?.pause()
+        activeController = controller
+    }
+
+    func deactivate(_ controller: VoiceNotePlaybackController) {
+        if activeController === controller {
+            activeController = nil
+        }
+    }
+}

bitchat/Features/voice/VoiceRecorder.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,179 @@
+import Foundation
+import AVFoundation
+
+/// Manages audio capture for mesh voice notes with predictable encoding settings.
+/// Recording runs on an internal serial queue to avoid AVAudioSession contention.
+final class VoiceRecorder: NSObject, AVAudioRecorderDelegate {
+    enum RecorderError: Error {
+        case microphoneAccessDenied
+        case recorderInitializationFailed
+        case recordingInProgress
+    }
+
+    static let shared = VoiceRecorder()
+
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "com.bitchat.voice-recorder")
+    private let paddingInterval: TimeInterval = 0.5
+    private let maxRecordingDuration: TimeInterval = 120
+
+    private var recorder: AVAudioRecorder?
+    private var currentURL: URL?
+    private var stopWorkItem: DispatchWorkItem?
+
+    private override init() {
+        super.init()
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Permissions
+
+    @discardableResult
+    func requestPermission() async -> Bool {
+        #if os(iOS)
+        return await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
+            AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().requestRecordPermission { granted in
+                continuation.resume(returning: granted)
+            }
+        }
+        #elseif os(macOS)
+        return await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
+            AVCaptureDevice.requestAccess(for: .audio) { granted in
+                continuation.resume(returning: granted)
+            }
+        }
+        #else
+        return true
+        #endif
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Recording Lifecycle
+
+    func startRecording() throws -> URL {
+        try queue.sync {
+            if recorder?.isRecording == true {
+                throw RecorderError.recordingInProgress
+            }
+
+            #if os(iOS)
+            let session = AVAudioSession.sharedInstance()
+            guard session.recordPermission == .granted else {
+                throw RecorderError.microphoneAccessDenied
+            }
+            #if targetEnvironment(simulator)
+            // allowBluetoothHFP is not available on iOS Simulator
+            try session.setCategory(
+                .playAndRecord,
+                mode: .default,
+                options: [.defaultToSpeaker, .allowBluetoothA2DP]
+            )
+            #else
+            try session.setCategory(
+                .playAndRecord,
+                mode: .default,
+                options: [.defaultToSpeaker, .allowBluetoothA2DP, .allowBluetoothHFP]
+            )
+            #endif
+            try session.setActive(true, options: .notifyOthersOnDeactivation)
+            #endif
+            #if os(macOS)
+            guard AVCaptureDevice.authorizationStatus(for: .audio) == .authorized else {
+                throw RecorderError.microphoneAccessDenied
+            }
+            #endif
+
+            let outputURL = try makeOutputURL()
+            let settings: [String: Any] = [
+                AVFormatIDKey: kAudioFormatMPEG4AAC,
+                AVSampleRateKey: 16_000,
+                AVNumberOfChannelsKey: 1,
+                AVEncoderBitRateKey: 16_000
+            ]
+
+            let audioRecorder = try AVAudioRecorder(url: outputURL, settings: settings)
+            audioRecorder.delegate = self
+            audioRecorder.isMeteringEnabled = true
+            audioRecorder.prepareToRecord()
+            audioRecorder.record(forDuration: maxRecordingDuration)
+
+            recorder = audioRecorder
+            currentURL = outputURL
+            stopWorkItem?.cancel()
+            stopWorkItem = nil
+            return outputURL
+        }
+    }
+
+    func stopRecording(completion: @escaping (URL?) -> Void) {
+        queue.async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self, let recorder = self.recorder, recorder.isRecording else {
+                completion(self?.currentURL)
+                return
+            }
+
+            let item = DispatchWorkItem { [weak self] in
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+                recorder.stop()
+                self.cleanupSession()
+                let url = self.currentURL
+                self.recorder = nil
+                self.currentURL = url
+                completion(url)
+            }
+            self.stopWorkItem = item
+            self.queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + self.paddingInterval, execute: item)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func cancelRecording() {
+        queue.async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.stopWorkItem?.cancel()
+            self.stopWorkItem = nil
+            if let recorder = self.recorder, recorder.isRecording {
+                recorder.stop()
+            }
+            self.cleanupSession()
+            if let url = self.currentURL {
+                try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: url)
+            }
+            self.recorder = nil
+            self.currentURL = nil
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Metering
+
+    func currentAveragePower() -> Float {
+        queue.sync {
+            recorder?.updateMeters()
+            return recorder?.averagePower(forChannel: 0) ?? -160
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Helpers
+
+    private func makeOutputURL() throws -> URL {
+        let formatter = DateFormatter()
+        formatter.dateFormat = "yyyyMMdd_HHmmss"
+        let fileName = "voice_\(formatter.string(from: Date())).m4a"
+
+        let baseDirectory = try applicationFilesDirectory().appendingPathComponent("voicenotes/outgoing", isDirectory: true)
+        try FileManager.default.createDirectory(at: baseDirectory, withIntermediateDirectories: true, attributes: nil)
+        return baseDirectory.appendingPathComponent(fileName)
+    }
+
+    private func applicationFilesDirectory() throws -> URL {
+        #if os(iOS)
+        return try FileManager.default.url(for: .applicationSupportDirectory, in: .userDomainMask, appropriateFor: nil, create: true)
+            .appendingPathComponent("files", isDirectory: true)
+        #else
+        let base = try FileManager.default.url(for: .applicationSupportDirectory, in: .userDomainMask, appropriateFor: nil, create: true)
+        return base.appendingPathComponent("files", isDirectory: true)
+        #endif
+    }
+
+    private func cleanupSession() {
+        #if os(iOS)
+        try? AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setActive(false, options: .notifyOthersOnDeactivation)
+        #endif
+    }
+}

bitchat/Features/voice/Waveform.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+import AVFoundation
+import Foundation
+import BitLogger
+
+/// Generates and caches downsampled waveforms for audio files so UI rendering is cheap.
+final class WaveformCache {
+    static let shared = WaveformCache()
+
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "com.bitchat.waveform-cache", attributes: .concurrent)
+    private var cache: [URL: (waveform: [Float], lastAccess: Date)] = [:]
+    private let maxCacheSize = 20  // Limit cache to prevent unbounded memory growth
+
+    private init() {}
+
+    func cachedWaveform(for url: URL) -> [Float]? {
+        queue.sync {
+            guard let entry = cache[url] else { return nil }
+            return entry.waveform
+        }
+    }
+
+    func waveform(for url: URL, bins: Int = 120, completion: @escaping ([Float]) -> Void) {
+        queue.async { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+
+            // Check cache (read-only, no update needed on cache hit for performance)
+            if let entry = self.cache[url] {
+                DispatchQueue.main.async { completion(entry.waveform) }
+                return
+            }
+
+            guard let computed = self.computeWaveform(url: url, bins: bins) else {
+                DispatchQueue.main.async { completion([]) }
+                return
+            }
+
+            self.queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+
+                // Evict oldest entry if cache is full
+                if self.cache.count >= self.maxCacheSize {
+                    if let oldest = self.cache.min(by: { $0.value.lastAccess < $1.value.lastAccess }) {
+                        self.cache.removeValue(forKey: oldest.key)
+                    }
+                }
+
+                self.cache[url] = (computed, Date())
+            }
+            DispatchQueue.main.async { completion(computed) }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func purge(url: URL) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            self?.cache.removeValue(forKey: url)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func purgeAll() {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            self?.cache.removeAll()
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func computeWaveform(url: URL, bins: Int) -> [Float]? {
+        guard bins > 0 else { return nil }
+        // Use autoreleasepool to manage memory from audio buffer allocations
+        return autoreleasepool {
+            do {
+                let audioFile = try AVAudioFile(forReading: url)
+                let length = Int(audioFile.length)
+                guard length > 0 else { return nil }
+
+                guard let buffer = AVAudioPCMBuffer(pcmFormat: audioFile.processingFormat, frameCapacity: AVAudioFrameCount(length)) else {
+                    return nil
+                }
+                try audioFile.read(into: buffer, frameCount: AVAudioFrameCount(length))
+                guard let channelData = buffer.floatChannelData else { return nil }
+
+                let channelCount = Int(audioFile.processingFormat.channelCount)
+                let frameLength = Int(buffer.frameLength)
+                let samplesPerBin = max(1, frameLength / bins)
+
+                var magnitudes: [Float] = Array(repeating: 0, count: bins)
+                for bin in 0..<bins {
+                    let start = bin * samplesPerBin
+                    let end = min(frameLength, start + samplesPerBin)
+                    if start >= end { break }
+
+                    var sum: Float = 0
+                    var sampleCount = 0
+                    for frame in start..<end {
+                        var sampleValue: Float = 0
+                        for channel in 0..<channelCount {
+                            sampleValue += fabsf(channelData[channel][frame])
+                        }
+                        sum += sampleValue / Float(channelCount)
+                        sampleCount += 1
+                    }
+                    magnitudes[bin] = sampleCount > 0 ? sum / Float(sampleCount) : 0
+                }
+
+                if let maxMagnitude = magnitudes.max(), maxMagnitude > 0 {
+                    magnitudes = magnitudes.map { min($0 / maxMagnitude, 1.0) }
+                }
+                return magnitudes
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.error("Waveform extraction failed for \(url.lastPathComponent): \(error)", category: .session)
+                return nil
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

bitchat/Info.plist

@@ -37,6 +37,10 @@
 	<string>bitchat uses Bluetooth to discover and connect with other bitchat users nearby.</string>
 	<key>NSCameraUsageDescription</key>
 	<string>bitchat uses the camera to scan QR codes to verify peers.</string>
+	<key>NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription</key>
+	<string>bitchat lets you pick images from your photo library to share with nearby peers.</string>
+	<key>NSMicrophoneUsageDescription</key>
+	<string>bitchat uses the microphone to record voice notes that relay across the mesh.</string>
 	<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
 	<string>bitchat uses your approximate location to compute local geohash channels for optional public chats. Exact GPS is never shared.</string>
 	<key>UIBackgroundModes</key>

bitchat/Models/BitchatPacket.swift

@@ -21,9 +21,10 @@ struct BitchatPacket: Codable {
     let payload: Data
     var signature: Data?
     var ttl: UInt8
+    var route: [Data]?
     
-    init(type: UInt8, senderID: Data, recipientID: Data?, timestamp: UInt64, payload: Data, signature: Data?, ttl: UInt8) {
-        self.version = 1
+    init(type: UInt8, senderID: Data, recipientID: Data?, timestamp: UInt64, payload: Data, signature: Data?, ttl: UInt8, version: UInt8 = 1, route: [Data]? = nil) {
+        self.version = version
         self.type = type
         self.senderID = senderID
         self.recipientID = recipientID
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ struct BitchatPacket: Codable {
         self.payload = payload
         self.signature = signature
         self.ttl = ttl
+        self.route = route
     }
     
     // Convenience initializer for new binary format
@@ -53,6 +55,7 @@ struct BitchatPacket: Codable {
         self.payload = payload
         self.signature = nil
         self.ttl = ttl
+        self.route = nil
     }
     
     var data: Data? {
@@ -80,7 +83,9 @@ struct BitchatPacket: Codable {
             timestamp: timestamp,
             payload: payload,
             signature: nil, // Remove signature for signing
-            ttl: 0 // Use fixed TTL=0 for signing to ensure relay compatibility
+            ttl: 0, // Use fixed TTL=0 for signing to ensure relay compatibility
+            version: version,
+            route: route
         )
         return BinaryProtocol.encode(unsignedPacket)
     }

bitchat/Models/CommandInfo.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+//
+// CommandsInfo.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+// MARK: - CommandInfo Enum
+
+enum CommandInfo: String, Identifiable {
+    case block
+    case clear
+    case hug
+    case message = "dm"
+    case slap
+    case unblock
+    case who
+    case favorite
+    case unfavorite
+    
+    var id: String { rawValue }
+    
+    var alias: String { "/" + rawValue }
+    
+    var placeholder: String? {
+        switch self {
+        case .block, .hug, .message, .slap, .unblock, .favorite, .unfavorite:
+            return "<" + String(localized: "content.input.nickname_placeholder") + ">"
+        case .clear, .who:
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+    
+    var description: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .block:        String(localized: "content.commands.block")
+        case .clear:        String(localized: "content.commands.clear")
+        case .hug:          String(localized: "content.commands.hug")
+        case .message:      String(localized: "content.commands.message")
+        case .slap:         String(localized: "content.commands.slap")
+        case .unblock:      String(localized: "content.commands.unblock")
+        case .who:          String(localized: "content.commands.who")
+        case .favorite:     String(localized: "content.commands.favorite")
+        case .unfavorite:   String(localized: "content.commands.unfavorite")
+        }
+    }
+    
+    static func all(isGeoPublic: Bool, isGeoDM: Bool) -> [CommandInfo] {
+        let baseCommands: [CommandInfo] = [.block, .unblock, .clear, .hug, .message, .slap, .who]
+        if isGeoPublic || isGeoDM {
+            return baseCommands + [.favorite, .unfavorite]
+        }
+        return baseCommands
+    }
+}

bitchat/Models/PeerID.swift

@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ struct PeerID: Equatable, Hashable {
     // Private so the callers have to go through a convenience init
     private init(prefix: Prefix, bare: any StringProtocol) {
         self.prefix = prefix
-        self.bare = String(bare)
+        self.bare = String(bare).lowercased()
     }
 }
 
@@ -76,6 +76,12 @@ extension PeerID {
     init(hexData: Data) {
         self.init(str: hexData.hexEncodedString())
     }
+    
+    /// Convenience init to "hide" hex-encoding implementation detail
+    init?(hexData: Data?) {
+        guard let hexData else { return nil }
+        self.init(hexData: hexData)
+    }
 }
 
 // MARK: - Noise Public Key Helpers
@@ -130,6 +136,20 @@ extension PeerID {
     }
 }
 
+extension PeerID {
+    var routingData: Data? {
+        if let direct = Data(hexString: id), direct.count == 8 { return direct }
+        if let bareData = Data(hexString: bare), bareData.count == 8 { return bareData }
+        let short = toShort()
+        return Data(hexString: short.id)
+    }
+
+    init?(routingData: Data) {
+        guard routingData.count == 8 else { return nil }
+        self.init(hexData: routingData)
+    }
+}
+
 // MARK: - Validation
 
 extension PeerID {
@@ -161,9 +181,14 @@ extension PeerID {
                 id.rangeOfCharacter(from: validCharset.inverted) == nil
     }
     
+    /// Returns true if the `bare` id is all hex
+    var isHex: Bool {
+        bare.allSatisfy { $0.isHexDigit }
+    }
+    
     /// Short routing IDs (exact 16-hex)
     var isShort: Bool {
-        bare.count == Constants.hexIDLength && Data(hexString: bare) != nil
+        bare.count == Constants.hexIDLength && isHex
     }
     
     /// Full Noise key hex (exact 64-hex)
@@ -186,9 +211,7 @@ extension PeerID: Comparable {
     }
 }
 
-// MARK: - String Interop Helpers
-
-// MARK: CustomStringConvertible
+// MARK: - CustomStringConvertible
 
 extension PeerID: CustomStringConvertible {
     /// So it returns the actual `id` like before even inside another String
@@ -196,17 +219,3 @@ extension PeerID: CustomStringConvertible {
         id
     }
 }
-
-// MARK: Custom Equatable w/ String & Optionality
-
-// PeerID <> String
-extension Optional where Wrapped == PeerID {
-    static func ==(lhs: Optional<Wrapped>, rhs: Optional<String>) -> Bool   { lhs?.id == rhs }
-    static func !=(lhs: Optional<Wrapped>, rhs: Optional<String>) -> Bool   { lhs?.id != rhs }
-}
-
-// String <> PeerID
-extension Optional where Wrapped == String {
-    static func ==(lhs: Optional<Wrapped>, rhs: Optional<PeerID>) -> Bool   { lhs == rhs?.id }
-    static func !=(lhs: Optional<Wrapped>, rhs: Optional<PeerID>) -> Bool   { lhs != rhs?.id }
-}

bitchat/Models/ReadReceipt.swift

@@ -11,11 +11,11 @@ import Foundation
 struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
     let originalMessageID: String
     let receiptID: String
-    var readerID: String  // Who read it
+    var readerID: PeerID  // Who read it
     let readerNickname: String
     let timestamp: Date
     
-    init(originalMessageID: String, readerID: String, readerNickname: String) {
+    init(originalMessageID: String, readerID: PeerID, readerNickname: String) {
         self.originalMessageID = originalMessageID
         self.receiptID = UUID().uuidString
         self.readerID = readerID
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
     }
     
     // For binary decoding
-    private init(originalMessageID: String, receiptID: String, readerID: String, readerNickname: String, timestamp: Date) {
+    private init(originalMessageID: String, receiptID: String, readerID: PeerID, readerNickname: String, timestamp: Date) {
         self.originalMessageID = originalMessageID
         self.receiptID = receiptID
         self.readerID = readerID
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
         data.appendUUID(receiptID)
         // ReaderID as 8-byte hex string
         var readerData = Data()
-        var tempID = readerID
+        var tempID = readerID.id
         while tempID.count >= 2 && readerData.count < 8 {
             let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
             if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
@@ -78,8 +78,8 @@ struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
               let receiptID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset) else { return nil }
         
         guard let readerIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
-        let readerID = readerIDData.hexEncodedString()
-        guard PeerID(str: readerID).isValid else { return nil }
+        let readerID = PeerID(hexData: readerIDData)
+        guard readerID.isValid else { return nil }
         
         guard let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset),
               InputValidator.validateTimestamp(timestamp),

bitchat/Models/RequestSyncPacket.swift

@@ -8,6 +8,14 @@ struct RequestSyncPacket {
     let p: Int
     let m: UInt32
     let data: Data
+    let types: SyncTypeFlags?
+
+    init(p: Int, m: UInt32, data: Data, types: SyncTypeFlags? = nil) {
+        self.p = p
+        self.m = m
+        self.data = data
+        self.types = types
+    }
 
     func encode() -> Data {
         var out = Data()
@@ -25,6 +33,9 @@ struct RequestSyncPacket {
         putTLV(0x02, withUnsafeBytes(of: &mBE) { Data($0) })
         // data
         putTLV(0x03, data)
+        if let typesData = types?.toData() {
+            putTLV(0x04, typesData)
+        }
         return out
     }
 
@@ -33,6 +44,7 @@ struct RequestSyncPacket {
         var p: Int? = nil
         var m: UInt32? = nil
         var payload: Data? = nil
+        var types: SyncTypeFlags? = nil
 
         while off + 3 <= data.count {
             let t = Int(data[off]); off += 1
@@ -52,12 +64,16 @@ struct RequestSyncPacket {
             case 0x03:
                 if v.count > maxAcceptBytes { return nil }
                 payload = v
+            case 0x04:
+                if let decoded = SyncTypeFlags.decode(v) {
+                    types = decoded
+                }
             default:
                 break // forward compatible; ignore unknown TLVs
             }
         }
 
         guard let pp = p, let mm = m, let dd = payload, pp >= 1, mm > 0 else { return nil }
-        return RequestSyncPacket(p: pp, m: mm, data: dd)
+        return RequestSyncPacket(p: pp, m: mm, data: dd, types: types)
     }
 }

bitchat/Noise/NoiseProtocol.swift

@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ final class NoiseCipherState {
         guard combinedPayload.count >= Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES else {
             return nil
         }
-
+        
         // Extract 4-byte nonce (big-endian)
         let nonceData = combinedPayload.prefix(Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES)
         let extractedNonce = nonceData.withUnsafeBytes { (bytes: UnsafeRawBufferPointer) -> UInt64 in
@@ -233,18 +233,18 @@ final class NoiseCipherState {
             }
             return result
         }
-
+        
         // Extract ciphertext (remaining bytes)
         let ciphertext = combinedPayload.dropFirst(Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES)
-
+        
         return (nonce: extractedNonce, ciphertext: Data(ciphertext))
     }
-
+    
     /// Convert nonce to 4-byte array (big-endian)
     private func nonceToBytes(_ nonce: UInt64) -> Data {
         var bytes = Data(count: Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES)
         withUnsafeBytes(of: nonce.bigEndian) { ptr in
-            // Copy only the last 4 bytes from the 8-byte UInt64 
+            // Copy only the last 4 bytes from the 8-byte UInt64
             let sourceBytes = ptr.bindMemory(to: UInt8.self)
             bytes.replaceSubrange(0..<Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES, with: sourceBytes.suffix(Self.NONCE_SIZE_BYTES))
         }
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ final class NoiseCipherState {
         let sealedBox = try ChaChaPoly.seal(plaintext, using: key, nonce: ChaChaPoly.Nonce(data: nonceData), authenticating: associatedData)
         // increment local nonce
         nonce += 1
-               
+        
         // Create combined payload: <nonce><ciphertext>
         let combinedPayload: Data
         if (useExtractedNonce) {
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ final class NoiseCipherState {
         if currentNonce > Self.HIGH_NONCE_WARNING_THRESHOLD {
             SecureLogger.warning("High nonce value detected: \(currentNonce) - consider rekeying", category: .encryption)
         }
-                
+        
         return combinedPayload
     }
     
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ final class NoiseCipherState {
                 SecureLogger.debug("Replay attack detected: nonce \(extractedNonce) rejected")
                 throw NoiseError.replayDetected
             }
-
+            
             // Split ciphertext and tag
             encryptedData = actualCiphertext.prefix(actualCiphertext.count - 16)
             tag = actualCiphertext.suffix(16)
@@ -451,13 +451,13 @@ final class NoiseSymmetricState {
         }
     }
     
-    func split() -> (NoiseCipherState, NoiseCipherState) {
+    func split(useExtractedNonce: Bool) -> (NoiseCipherState, NoiseCipherState) {
         let output = hkdf(chainingKey: chainingKey, inputKeyMaterial: Data(), numOutputs: 2)
         let tempKey1 = SymmetricKey(data: output[0])
         let tempKey2 = SymmetricKey(data: output[1])
         
-        let c1 = NoiseCipherState(key: tempKey1, useExtractedNonce: true)
-        let c2 = NoiseCipherState(key: tempKey2, useExtractedNonce: true)
+        let c1 = NoiseCipherState(key: tempKey1, useExtractedNonce: useExtractedNonce)
+        let c2 = NoiseCipherState(key: tempKey2, useExtractedNonce: useExtractedNonce)
         
         return (c1, c2)
     }
@@ -507,16 +507,24 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
     private var messagePatterns: [[NoiseMessagePattern]] = []
     private var currentPattern = 0
     
+    // Test support: predetermined ephemeral keys for test vectors
+    private var predeterminedEphemeralKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey?
+    private var prologueData: Data
+    
     init(
         role: NoiseRole,
         pattern: NoisePattern,
         keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol,
         localStaticKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey? = nil,
-        remoteStaticKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey? = nil
+        remoteStaticKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey? = nil,
+        prologue: Data = Data(),
+        predeterminedEphemeralKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey? = nil
     ) {
         self.role = role
         self.pattern = pattern
         self.keychain = keychain
+        self.prologueData = prologue
+        self.predeterminedEphemeralKey = predeterminedEphemeralKey
         
         // Initialize static keys
         if let localKey = localStaticKey {
@@ -537,8 +545,8 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
     }
     
     private func mixPreMessageKeys() {
-        // Mix prologue (empty for XX pattern normally)
-        symmetricState.mixHash(Data()) // Empty prologue for XX pattern
+        // Mix prologue
+        symmetricState.mixHash(self.prologueData)
         // For XX pattern, no pre-message keys
         // For IK/NK patterns, we'd mix the responder's static key here
         switch pattern {
@@ -556,15 +564,20 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
         guard currentPattern < messagePatterns.count else {
             throw NoiseError.handshakeComplete
         }
-                
+        
         var messageBuffer = Data()
         let patterns = messagePatterns[currentPattern]
         
         for pattern in patterns {
             switch pattern {
             case .e:
-                // Generate ephemeral key
-                localEphemeralPrivate = Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey()
+                // Generate ephemeral key (or use predetermined key for tests)
+                if let predetermined = predeterminedEphemeralKey {
+                    localEphemeralPrivate = predetermined
+                    predeterminedEphemeralKey = nil
+                } else {
+                    localEphemeralPrivate = Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PrivateKey()
+                }
                 localEphemeralPublic = localEphemeralPrivate!.publicKey
                 messageBuffer.append(localEphemeralPublic!.rawRepresentation)
                 symmetricState.mixHash(localEphemeralPublic!.rawRepresentation)
@@ -597,14 +610,20 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
                         throw NoiseError.missingKeys
                     }
                     let shared = try localEphemeral.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteStatic)
-                    symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
+                    var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+                    symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+                    // Clear sensitive shared secret
+                    keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
                 } else {
                     guard let localStatic = localStaticPrivate,
                           let remoteEphemeral = remoteEphemeralPublic else {
                         throw NoiseError.missingKeys
                     }
                     let shared = try localStatic.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteEphemeral)
-                    symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
+                    var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+                    symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+                    // Clear sensitive shared secret
+                    keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
                 }
                 
             case .se:
@@ -615,14 +634,20 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
                         throw NoiseError.missingKeys
                     }
                     let shared = try localStatic.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteEphemeral)
-                    symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
+                    var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+                    symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+                    // Clear sensitive shared secret
+                    keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
                 } else {
                     guard let localEphemeral = localEphemeralPrivate,
                           let remoteStatic = remoteStaticPublic else {
                         throw NoiseError.missingKeys
                     }
                     let shared = try localEphemeral.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteStatic)
-                    symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
+                    var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+                    symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+                    // Clear sensitive shared secret
+                    keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
                 }
                 
             case .ss:
@@ -652,7 +677,7 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
         guard currentPattern < messagePatterns.count else {
             throw NoiseError.handshakeComplete
         }
-                
+        
         var buffer = message
         let patterns = messagePatterns[currentPattern]
         
@@ -711,8 +736,11 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
                 throw NoiseError.missingKeys
             }
             let shared = try localEphemeral.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteEphemeral)
-            symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
-            
+            var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+            symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+            // Clear sensitive shared secret
+            keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
+
         case .es:
             if role == .initiator {
                 guard let localEphemeral = localEphemeralPrivate,
@@ -765,9 +793,12 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
                 throw NoiseError.missingKeys
             }
             let shared = try localStatic.sharedSecretFromKeyAgreement(with: remoteStatic)
-            symmetricState.mixKey(shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) })
-            
-        default:
+            var sharedData = shared.withUnsafeBytes { Data($0) }
+            symmetricState.mixKey(sharedData)
+            // Clear sensitive shared secret
+            keychain.secureClear(&sharedData)
+
+        case .e, .s:
             break
         }
     }
@@ -776,12 +807,12 @@ final class NoiseHandshakeState {
         return currentPattern >= messagePatterns.count
     }
     
-    func getTransportCiphers() throws -> (send: NoiseCipherState, receive: NoiseCipherState) {
+    func getTransportCiphers(useExtractedNonce: Bool) throws -> (send: NoiseCipherState, receive: NoiseCipherState) {
         guard isHandshakeComplete() else {
             throw NoiseError.handshakeNotComplete
         }
         
-        let (c1, c2) = symmetricState.split()
+        let (c1, c2) = symmetricState.split(useExtractedNonce: useExtractedNonce)
         
         // Initiator uses c1 for sending, c2 for receiving
         // Responder uses c2 for sending, c1 for receiving

bitchat/Noise/NoiseRateLimiter.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+//
+// NoiseRateLimiter.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import BitLogger
+import Foundation
+
+final class NoiseRateLimiter {
+    private var handshakeTimestamps: [PeerID: [Date]] = [:]
+    private var messageTimestamps: [PeerID: [Date]] = [:]
+    
+    // Global rate limiting
+    private var globalHandshakeTimestamps: [Date] = []
+    private var globalMessageTimestamps: [Date] = []
+    
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "chat.bitchat.noise.ratelimit", attributes: .concurrent)
+    
+    func allowHandshake(from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        return queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            let now = Date()
+            let oneMinuteAgo = now.addingTimeInterval(-60)
+            
+            // Check global rate limit first
+            globalHandshakeTimestamps = globalHandshakeTimestamps.filter { $0 > oneMinuteAgo }
+            if globalHandshakeTimestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute {
+                SecureLogger.warning("Global handshake rate limit exceeded: \(globalHandshakeTimestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute) per minute", category: .security)
+                return false
+            }
+            
+            // Check per-peer rate limit
+            var timestamps = handshakeTimestamps[peerID] ?? []
+            timestamps = timestamps.filter { $0 > oneMinuteAgo }
+            
+            if timestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakesPerMinute {
+                SecureLogger.warning("Per-peer handshake rate limit exceeded for \(peerID): \(timestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakesPerMinute) per minute", category: .security)
+                return false
+            }
+            
+            // Record new handshake
+            timestamps.append(now)
+            handshakeTimestamps[peerID] = timestamps
+            globalHandshakeTimestamps.append(now)
+            return true
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func allowMessage(from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        return queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            let now = Date()
+            let oneSecondAgo = now.addingTimeInterval(-1)
+            
+            // Check global rate limit first
+            globalMessageTimestamps = globalMessageTimestamps.filter { $0 > oneSecondAgo }
+            if globalMessageTimestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond {
+                SecureLogger.warning("Global message rate limit exceeded: \(globalMessageTimestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond) per second", category: .security)
+                return false
+            }
+            
+            // Check per-peer rate limit
+            var timestamps = messageTimestamps[peerID] ?? []
+            timestamps = timestamps.filter { $0 > oneSecondAgo }
+            
+            if timestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSecond {
+                SecureLogger.warning("Per-peer message rate limit exceeded for \(peerID): \(timestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSecond) per second", category: .security)
+                return false
+            }
+            
+            // Record new message
+            timestamps.append(now)
+            messageTimestamps[peerID] = timestamps
+            globalMessageTimestamps.append(now)
+            return true
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func reset(for peerID: PeerID) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            self.handshakeTimestamps.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+            self.messageTimestamps.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func resetAll() {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            self.handshakeTimestamps.removeAll()
+            self.messageTimestamps.removeAll()
+            self.globalHandshakeTimestamps.removeAll()
+            self.globalMessageTimestamps.removeAll()
+        }
+    }
+}

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityConsiderations.swift

@@ -1,227 +0,0 @@
-//
-// NoiseSecurityConsiderations.swift
-// bitchat
-//
-// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
-// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
-//
-
-import BitLogger
-import Foundation
-
-// MARK: - Security Constants
-
-enum NoiseSecurityConstants {
-    // Maximum message size to prevent memory exhaustion
-    static let maxMessageSize = 65535 // 64KB as per Noise spec
-    
-    // Maximum handshake message size
-    static let maxHandshakeMessageSize = 2048 // 2KB to accommodate XX pattern
-    
-    // Session timeout - sessions older than this should be renegotiated
-    static let sessionTimeout: TimeInterval = 86400 // 24 hours
-    
-    // Maximum number of messages before rekey (2^64 - 1 is the nonce limit)
-    static let maxMessagesPerSession: UInt64 = 1_000_000_000 // 1 billion messages
-    
-    // Handshake timeout - abandon incomplete handshakes
-    static let handshakeTimeout: TimeInterval = 60 // 1 minute
-    
-    // Maximum concurrent sessions per peer
-    static let maxSessionsPerPeer = 3
-    
-    // Rate limiting
-    static let maxHandshakesPerMinute = 10
-    static let maxMessagesPerSecond = 100
-    
-    // Global rate limiting (across all peers)
-    static let maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute = 30
-    static let maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond = 500
-}
-
-// MARK: - Security Validations
-
-struct NoiseSecurityValidator {
-    
-    /// Validate message size
-    static func validateMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
-        return data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessageSize
-    }
-    
-    /// Validate handshake message size
-    static func validateHandshakeMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
-        return data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakeMessageSize
-    }
-}
-
-// MARK: - Enhanced Noise Session with Security
-
-final class SecureNoiseSession: NoiseSession {
-    private(set) var messageCount: UInt64 = 0
-    private let sessionStartTime = Date()
-    private(set) var lastActivityTime = Date()
-    
-    override func encrypt(_ plaintext: Data) throws -> Data {
-        // Check session age
-        if Date().timeIntervalSince(sessionStartTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
-            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExpired
-        }
-        
-        // Check message count
-        if messageCount >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSession {
-            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExhausted
-        }
-        
-        // Validate message size
-        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(plaintext) else {
-            throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
-        }
-        
-        let encrypted = try super.encrypt(plaintext)
-        messageCount += 1
-        lastActivityTime = Date()
-        
-        return encrypted
-    }
-    
-    override func decrypt(_ ciphertext: Data) throws -> Data {
-        // Check session age
-        if Date().timeIntervalSince(sessionStartTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
-            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExpired
-        }
-        
-        // Validate message size
-        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(ciphertext) else {
-            throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
-        }
-        
-        let decrypted = try super.decrypt(ciphertext)
-        lastActivityTime = Date()
-        
-        return decrypted
-    }
-    
-    func needsRenegotiation() -> Bool {
-        // Check if we've used more than 90% of message limit
-        let messageThreshold = UInt64(Double(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSession) * 0.9)
-        if messageCount >= messageThreshold {
-            return true
-        }
-        
-        // Check if last activity was more than 30 minutes ago
-        if Date().timeIntervalSince(lastActivityTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
-            return true
-        }
-        
-        return false
-    }
-    
-    // MARK: - Testing Support
-    #if DEBUG
-    func setLastActivityTimeForTesting(_ date: Date) {
-        lastActivityTime = date
-    }
-    
-    func setMessageCountForTesting(_ count: UInt64) {
-        messageCount = count
-    }
-    #endif
-}
-
-// MARK: - Rate Limiter
-
-final class NoiseRateLimiter {
-    private var handshakeTimestamps: [PeerID: [Date]] = [:]
-    private var messageTimestamps: [PeerID: [Date]] = [:]
-    
-    // Global rate limiting
-    private var globalHandshakeTimestamps: [Date] = []
-    private var globalMessageTimestamps: [Date] = []
-    
-    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "chat.bitchat.noise.ratelimit", attributes: .concurrent)
-    
-    func allowHandshake(from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
-        return queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-            let now = Date()
-            let oneMinuteAgo = now.addingTimeInterval(-60)
-            
-            // Check global rate limit first
-            globalHandshakeTimestamps = globalHandshakeTimestamps.filter { $0 > oneMinuteAgo }
-            if globalHandshakeTimestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute {
-                SecureLogger.warning("Global handshake rate limit exceeded: \(globalHandshakeTimestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute) per minute", category: .security)
-                return false
-            }
-            
-            // Check per-peer rate limit
-            var timestamps = handshakeTimestamps[peerID] ?? []
-            timestamps = timestamps.filter { $0 > oneMinuteAgo }
-            
-            if timestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakesPerMinute {
-                SecureLogger.warning("Per-peer handshake rate limit exceeded for \(peerID): \(timestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakesPerMinute) per minute", category: .security)
-                return false
-            }
-            
-            // Record new handshake
-            timestamps.append(now)
-            handshakeTimestamps[peerID] = timestamps
-            globalHandshakeTimestamps.append(now)
-            return true
-        }
-    }
-    
-    func allowMessage(from peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
-        return queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-            let now = Date()
-            let oneSecondAgo = now.addingTimeInterval(-1)
-            
-            // Check global rate limit first
-            globalMessageTimestamps = globalMessageTimestamps.filter { $0 > oneSecondAgo }
-            if globalMessageTimestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond {
-                SecureLogger.warning("Global message rate limit exceeded: \(globalMessageTimestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond) per second", category: .security)
-                return false
-            }
-            
-            // Check per-peer rate limit
-            var timestamps = messageTimestamps[peerID] ?? []
-            timestamps = timestamps.filter { $0 > oneSecondAgo }
-            
-            if timestamps.count >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSecond {
-                SecureLogger.warning("Per-peer message rate limit exceeded for \(peerID): \(timestamps.count)/\(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSecond) per second", category: .security)
-                return false
-            }
-            
-            // Record new message
-            timestamps.append(now)
-            messageTimestamps[peerID] = timestamps
-            globalMessageTimestamps.append(now)
-            return true
-        }
-    }
-    
-    func reset(for peerID: PeerID) {
-        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
-            self.handshakeTimestamps.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
-            self.messageTimestamps.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
-        }
-    }
-
-    func resetAll() {
-        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
-            self.handshakeTimestamps.removeAll()
-            self.messageTimestamps.removeAll()
-            self.globalHandshakeTimestamps.removeAll()
-            self.globalMessageTimestamps.removeAll()
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-// MARK: - Security Errors
-
-enum NoiseSecurityError: Error {
-    case sessionExpired
-    case sessionExhausted
-    case messageTooLarge
-    case invalidPeerID
-    case rateLimitExceeded
-    case handshakeTimeout
-}

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityConstants.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+//
+// NoiseSecurityConstants.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+enum NoiseSecurityConstants {
+    // Maximum message size to prevent memory exhaustion
+    static let maxMessageSize = 65535 // 64KB as per Noise spec
+    
+    // Maximum handshake message size
+    static let maxHandshakeMessageSize = 2048 // 2KB to accommodate XX pattern
+    
+    // Session timeout - sessions older than this should be renegotiated
+    static let sessionTimeout: TimeInterval = 86400 // 24 hours
+    
+    // Maximum number of messages before rekey (2^64 - 1 is the nonce limit)
+    static let maxMessagesPerSession: UInt64 = 1_000_000_000 // 1 billion messages
+    
+    // Handshake timeout - abandon incomplete handshakes
+    static let handshakeTimeout: TimeInterval = 60 // 1 minute
+    
+    // Maximum concurrent sessions per peer
+    static let maxSessionsPerPeer = 3
+    
+    // Rate limiting
+    static let maxHandshakesPerMinute = 10
+    static let maxMessagesPerSecond = 100
+    
+    // Global rate limiting (across all peers)
+    static let maxGlobalHandshakesPerMinute = 30
+    static let maxGlobalMessagesPerSecond = 500
+}

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityError.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+//
+// NoiseSecurityError.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+enum NoiseSecurityError: Error {
+    case sessionExpired
+    case sessionExhausted
+    case messageTooLarge
+    case invalidPeerID
+    case rateLimitExceeded
+    case handshakeTimeout
+}

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSecurityValidator.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+//
+// NoiseSecurityValidator.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+struct NoiseSecurityValidator {
+    
+    /// Validate message size
+    static func validateMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        return data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessageSize
+    }
+    
+    /// Validate handshake message size
+    static func validateHandshakeMessageSize(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        return data.count <= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxHandshakeMessageSize
+    }
+}

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSession.swift

@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ class NoiseSession {
             // Check if handshake is complete
             if handshake.isHandshakeComplete() {
                 // Get transport ciphers
-                let (send, receive) = try handshake.getTransportCiphers()
+                let (send, receive) = try handshake.getTransportCiphers(useExtractedNonce: true)
                 sendCipher = send
                 receiveCipher = receive
                 
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ class NoiseSession {
                 // Check if handshake is complete after writing
                 if handshake.isHandshakeComplete() {
                     // Get transport ciphers
-                    let (send, receive) = try handshake.getTransportCiphers()
+                    let (send, receive) = try handshake.getTransportCiphers(useExtractedNonce: true)
                     sendCipher = send
                     receiveCipher = receive
                     
@@ -196,12 +196,6 @@ class NoiseSession {
         }
     }
     
-    func getHandshakeHash() -> Data? {
-        return sessionQueue.sync {
-            return handshakeHash
-        }
-    }
-    
     func reset() {
         sessionQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
             let wasEstablished = state == .established

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSessionError.swift

@@ -6,10 +6,9 @@
 // For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
 //
 
-enum NoiseSessionError: Error {
+enum NoiseSessionError: Error, Equatable {
     case invalidState
     case notEstablished
     case sessionNotFound
-    case handshakeFailed(Error)
     case alreadyEstablished
 }

bitchat/Noise/NoiseSessionManager.swift

@@ -27,19 +27,6 @@ final class NoiseSessionManager {
     
     // MARK: - Session Management
     
-    func createSession(for peerID: PeerID, role: NoiseRole) -> NoiseSession {
-        return managerQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-            let session = SecureNoiseSession(
-                peerID: peerID,
-                role: role,
-                keychain: keychain,
-                localStaticKey: localStaticKey
-            )
-            sessions[peerID] = session
-            return session
-        }
-    }
-    
     func getSession(for peerID: PeerID) -> NoiseSession? {
         return managerQueue.sync {
             return sessions[peerID]
@@ -48,14 +35,9 @@ final class NoiseSessionManager {
     
     func removeSession(for peerID: PeerID) {
         managerQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-            if let session = sessions[peerID] {
-                if session.isEstablished() {
-                    SecureLogger.info(.sessionExpired(peerID: peerID.id))
-                }
-                // Clear sensitive data before removing
-                session.reset()
+            if let session = sessions.removeValue(forKey: peerID) {
+                session.reset() // Clear sensitive data before removing
             }
-            _ = sessions.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
         }
     }
 
@@ -68,12 +50,6 @@ final class NoiseSessionManager {
         }
     }
     
-    func getEstablishedSessions() -> [PeerID: NoiseSession] {
-        return managerQueue.sync {
-            return sessions.filter { $0.value.isEstablished() }
-        }
-    }
-    
     // MARK: - Handshake Helpers
     
     func initiateHandshake(with peerID: PeerID) throws -> Data {
@@ -207,10 +183,6 @@ final class NoiseSessionManager {
         return getSession(for: peerID)?.getRemoteStaticPublicKey()
     }
     
-    func getHandshakeHash(for peerID: PeerID) -> Data? {
-        return getSession(for: peerID)?.getHandshakeHash()
-    }
-    
     // MARK: - Session Rekeying
     
     func getSessionsNeedingRekey() -> [(peerID: PeerID, needsRekey: Bool)] {

bitchat/Noise/SecureNoiseSession.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+//
+// SecureNoiseSession.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+final class SecureNoiseSession: NoiseSession {
+    private(set) var messageCount: UInt64 = 0
+    private let sessionStartTime = Date()
+    private(set) var lastActivityTime = Date()
+    
+    override func encrypt(_ plaintext: Data) throws -> Data {
+        // Check session age
+        if Date().timeIntervalSince(sessionStartTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExpired
+        }
+        
+        // Check message count
+        if messageCount >= NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSession {
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExhausted
+        }
+        
+        // Validate message size
+        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(plaintext) else {
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
+        }
+        
+        let encrypted = try super.encrypt(plaintext)
+        messageCount += 1
+        lastActivityTime = Date()
+        
+        return encrypted
+    }
+    
+    override func decrypt(_ ciphertext: Data) throws -> Data {
+        // Check session age
+        if Date().timeIntervalSince(sessionStartTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.sessionExpired
+        }
+        
+        // Validate message size
+        guard NoiseSecurityValidator.validateMessageSize(ciphertext) else {
+            throw NoiseSecurityError.messageTooLarge
+        }
+        
+        let decrypted = try super.decrypt(ciphertext)
+        lastActivityTime = Date()
+        
+        return decrypted
+    }
+    
+    func needsRenegotiation() -> Bool {
+        // Check if we've used more than 90% of message limit
+        let messageThreshold = UInt64(Double(NoiseSecurityConstants.maxMessagesPerSession) * 0.9)
+        if messageCount >= messageThreshold {
+            return true
+        }
+        
+        // Check if last activity was more than 30 minutes ago
+        if Date().timeIntervalSince(lastActivityTime) > NoiseSecurityConstants.sessionTimeout {
+            return true
+        }
+        
+        return false
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: - Testing Support
+    #if DEBUG
+    func setLastActivityTimeForTesting(_ date: Date) {
+        lastActivityTime = date
+    }
+    
+    func setMessageCountForTesting(_ count: UInt64) {
+        messageCount = count
+    }
+    #endif
+}

bitchat/Nostr/Bech32.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Bech32 encoding for Nostr (minimal implementation)
+enum Bech32 {
+    private static let charset = "qpzry9x8gf2tvdw0s3jn54khce6mua7l"
+    private static let generator = [0x3b6a57b2, 0x26508e6d, 0x1ea119fa, 0x3d4233dd, 0x2a1462b3]
+    
+    static func encode(hrp: String, data: Data) throws -> String {
+        let values = convertBits(from: 8, to: 5, pad: true, data: Array(data))
+        let checksum = createChecksum(hrp: hrp, values: values)
+        let combined = values + checksum
+        
+        return hrp + "1" + combined.map { 
+            let index = charset.index(charset.startIndex, offsetBy: Int($0))
+            return String(charset[index])
+        }.joined()
+    }
+    
+    static func decode(_ bech32String: String) throws -> (hrp: String, data: Data) {
+        // Find the last occurrence of '1'
+        guard let separatorIndex = bech32String.lastIndex(of: "1") else {
+            throw Bech32Error.invalidFormat
+        }
+        
+        let hrp = String(bech32String[..<separatorIndex])
+        
+        // Validate HRP contains only ASCII characters
+        for char in hrp {
+            guard char.asciiValue != nil else {
+                throw Bech32Error.invalidCharacter
+            }
+        }
+        
+        let dataString = String(bech32String[bech32String.index(after: separatorIndex)...])
+        
+        // Convert characters to values
+        var values = [UInt8]()
+        for char in dataString {
+            guard let index = charset.firstIndex(of: char) else {
+                throw Bech32Error.invalidCharacter
+            }
+            values.append(UInt8(charset.distance(from: charset.startIndex, to: index)))
+        }
+        
+        // Verify checksum
+        guard values.count >= 6 else {
+            throw Bech32Error.invalidChecksum
+        }
+        
+        let payloadValues = Array(values.dropLast(6))
+        let checksum = Array(values.suffix(6))
+        let expectedChecksum = createChecksum(hrp: hrp, values: payloadValues)
+        
+        guard checksum == expectedChecksum else {
+            throw Bech32Error.invalidChecksum
+        }
+        
+        // Convert back to bytes
+        let bytes = convertBits(from: 5, to: 8, pad: false, data: payloadValues)
+        return (hrp: hrp, data: Data(bytes))
+    }
+    
+    enum Bech32Error: Error {
+        case invalidFormat
+        case invalidCharacter
+        case invalidChecksum
+    }
+    
+    private static func convertBits(from: Int, to: Int, pad: Bool, data: [UInt8]) -> [UInt8] {
+        var acc = 0
+        var bits = 0
+        var result = [UInt8]()
+        let maxv = (1 << to) - 1
+        
+        for value in data {
+            acc = (acc << from) | Int(value)
+            bits += from
+            
+            while bits >= to {
+                bits -= to
+                result.append(UInt8((acc >> bits) & maxv))
+            }
+        }
+        
+        if pad && bits > 0 {
+            result.append(UInt8((acc << (to - bits)) & maxv))
+        }
+        
+        return result
+    }
+    
+    private static func createChecksum(hrp: String, values: [UInt8]) -> [UInt8] {
+        let checksumValues = hrpExpand(hrp) + values + [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]
+        let polymod = polymod(checksumValues) ^ 1
+        var checksum = [UInt8]()
+        
+        for i in 0..<6 {
+            checksum.append(UInt8((polymod >> (5 * (5 - i))) & 31))
+        }
+        
+        return checksum
+    }
+    
+    private static func hrpExpand(_ hrp: String) -> [UInt8] {
+        var result = [UInt8]()
+        for c in hrp {
+            guard let asciiValue = c.asciiValue else {
+                return [] // Return empty array for invalid input
+            }
+            result.append(UInt8(asciiValue >> 5))
+        }
+        result.append(0)
+        for c in hrp {
+            guard let asciiValue = c.asciiValue else {
+                return [] // Return empty array for invalid input
+            }
+            result.append(UInt8(asciiValue & 31))
+        }
+        return result
+    }
+    
+    private static func polymod(_ values: [UInt8]) -> Int {
+        var chk = 1
+        for value in values {
+            let b = chk >> 25
+            chk = (chk & 0x1ffffff) << 5 ^ Int(value)
+            for i in 0..<5 {
+                if (b >> i) & 1 == 1 {
+                    chk ^= generator[i]
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        return chk
+    }
+}

bitchat/Nostr/GeoRelayDirectory.swift

@@ -1,6 +1,11 @@
 import BitLogger
 import Foundation
 import Tor
+#if os(iOS)
+import UIKit
+#elseif os(macOS)
+import AppKit
+#endif
 
 /// Directory of online Nostr relays with approximate GPS locations, used for geohash routing.
 @MainActor
@@ -12,19 +17,32 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectory {
     }
 
     static let shared = GeoRelayDirectory()
+
     private(set) var entries: [Entry] = []
     private let cacheFileName = "georelays_cache.csv"
     private let lastFetchKey = "georelay.lastFetchAt"
     private let remoteURL = URL(string: "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/permissionlesstech/georelays/refs/heads/main/nostr_relays.csv")!
-    private let fetchInterval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.geoRelayFetchIntervalSeconds // 24h
+    private let fetchInterval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.geoRelayFetchIntervalSeconds
+
+    private var refreshTimer: Timer?
+    private var retryTask: Task<Void, Never>?
+    private var retryAttempt: Int = 0
+    private var isFetching: Bool = false
+    private var observers: [NSObjectProtocol] = []
 
     private init() {
-        // Load cached or bundled data synchronously
-        self.entries = self.loadLocalEntries()
-        // Fire-and-forget remote refresh if stale
+        entries = loadLocalEntries()
+        registerObservers()
+        startRefreshTimer()
         prefetchIfNeeded()
     }
 
+    deinit {
+        observers.forEach { NotificationCenter.default.removeObserver($0) }
+        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
+        retryTask?.cancel()
+    }
+
     /// Returns up to `count` relay URLs (wss://) closest to the geohash center.
     func closestRelays(toGeohash geohash: String, count: Int = 5) -> [String] {
         let center = Geohash.decodeCenter(geohash)
@@ -33,52 +51,148 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectory {
 
     /// Returns up to `count` relay URLs (wss://) closest to the given coordinate.
     func closestRelays(toLat lat: Double, lon: Double, count: Int = 5) -> [String] {
-        guard !entries.isEmpty else { return [] }
-        let sorted = entries
-            .sorted { a, b in
-                haversineKm(lat, lon, a.lat, a.lon) < haversineKm(lat, lon, b.lat, b.lon)
+        guard !entries.isEmpty, count > 0 else { return [] }
+
+        if entries.count <= count {
+            return entries
+                .sorted { a, b in
+                    haversineKm(lat, lon, a.lat, a.lon) < haversineKm(lat, lon, b.lat, b.lon)
+                }
+                .map { "wss://\($0.host)" }
+        }
+
+        var best: [(entry: Entry, distance: Double)] = []
+        best.reserveCapacity(count)
+
+        for entry in entries {
+            let distance = haversineKm(lat, lon, entry.lat, entry.lon)
+            if best.count < count {
+                let idx = best.firstIndex { $0.distance > distance } ?? best.count
+                best.insert((entry, distance), at: idx)
+            } else if let worstDistance = best.last?.distance, distance < worstDistance {
+                let idx = best.firstIndex { $0.distance > distance } ?? best.count
+                best.insert((entry, distance), at: idx)
+                best.removeLast()
             }
-            .prefix(count)
-        return sorted.map { "wss://\($0.host)" }
+        }
+
+        return best.map { "wss://\($0.entry.host)" }
     }
 
     // MARK: - Remote Fetch
-    func prefetchIfNeeded() {
+    func prefetchIfNeeded(force: Bool = false) {
+        guard !isFetching else { return }
+
         let now = Date()
         let last = UserDefaults.standard.object(forKey: lastFetchKey) as? Date ?? .distantPast
-        guard now.timeIntervalSince(last) >= fetchInterval else { return }
+
+        if !force {
+            guard now.timeIntervalSince(last) >= fetchInterval else { return }
+        } else if last != .distantPast,
+                  now.timeIntervalSince(last) < TransportConfig.geoRelayRetryInitialSeconds {
+            // Skip forced fetches if we just refreshed moments ago.
+            return
+        }
+
+        cancelRetry()
         fetchRemote()
     }
 
     private func fetchRemote() {
-        let req = URLRequest(url: remoteURL, cachePolicy: .reloadIgnoringLocalCacheData, timeoutInterval: 15)
-        // Ensure Tor readiness before fetching (fail-closed by default)
-        Task.detached {
+        guard !isFetching else { return }
+        isFetching = true
+
+        let request = URLRequest(
+            url: remoteURL,
+            cachePolicy: .reloadIgnoringLocalCacheData,
+            timeoutInterval: 15
+        )
+
+        Task.detached { [weak self] in
+            guard let self else { return }
+
             let ready = await TorManager.shared.awaitReady()
             if !ready {
-                SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: Tor not ready; skipping remote fetch (fail-closed)", category: .session)
+                await self.handleFetchFailure(.torNotReady)
                 return
             }
-            let task = TorURLSession.shared.session.dataTask(with: req) { [weak self] data, _, error in
-                guard let self = self else { return }
-                if let data = data, error == nil, let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) {
-                    let parsed = GeoRelayDirectory.parseCSV(text)
-                    if !parsed.isEmpty {
-                        Task { @MainActor in
-                            self.entries = parsed
-                            self.persistCache(text)
-                            UserDefaults.standard.set(Date(), forKey: self.lastFetchKey)
-                            SecureLogger.info("GeoRelayDirectory: refreshed \(parsed.count) relays from remote", category: .session)
-                        }
-                        return
-                    }
+
+            do {
+                let (data, _) = try await TorURLSession.shared.session.data(for: request)
+                guard let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) else {
+                    await self.handleFetchFailure(.invalidData)
+                    return
                 }
-                SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: remote fetch failed; keeping local entries", category: .session)
+
+                let parsed = GeoRelayDirectory.parseCSV(text)
+                guard !parsed.isEmpty else {
+                    await self.handleFetchFailure(.invalidData)
+                    return
+                }
+
+                await self.handleFetchSuccess(entries: parsed, csv: text)
+            } catch {
+                await self.handleFetchFailure(.network(error))
             }
-            task.resume()
         }
     }
 
+    private enum FetchFailure {
+        case torNotReady
+        case invalidData
+        case network(Error)
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func handleFetchSuccess(entries parsed: [Entry], csv: String) {
+        entries = parsed
+        persistCache(csv)
+        UserDefaults.standard.set(Date(), forKey: lastFetchKey)
+        SecureLogger.info("GeoRelayDirectory: refreshed \(parsed.count) relays from remote", category: .session)
+        isFetching = false
+        retryAttempt = 0
+        cancelRetry()
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func handleFetchFailure(_ reason: FetchFailure) {
+        switch reason {
+        case .torNotReady:
+            SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: Tor not ready; scheduling retry", category: .session)
+        case .invalidData:
+            SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: remote fetch returned invalid data; scheduling retry", category: .session)
+        case .network(let error):
+            SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: remote fetch failed with error: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
+        }
+        isFetching = false
+        scheduleRetry()
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func scheduleRetry() {
+        retryAttempt = min(retryAttempt + 1, 10)
+        let base = TransportConfig.geoRelayRetryInitialSeconds
+        let maxDelay = TransportConfig.geoRelayRetryMaxSeconds
+        let multiplier = pow(2.0, Double(max(retryAttempt - 1, 0)))
+        let calculated = base * multiplier
+        let delay = min(maxDelay, max(base, calculated))
+
+        cancelRetry()
+        retryTask = Task { [weak self] in
+            let nanoseconds = UInt64(delay * 1_000_000_000)
+            try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: nanoseconds)
+            await MainActor.run {
+                self?.prefetchIfNeeded(force: true)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func cancelRetry() {
+        retryTask?.cancel()
+        retryTask = nil
+    }
+
     private func persistCache(_ text: String) {
         guard let url = cacheURL() else { return }
         do {
@@ -91,30 +205,35 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectory {
     // MARK: - Loading
     private func loadLocalEntries() -> [Entry] {
         // Prefer cached file if present
-        if let cache = self.cacheURL(),
+        if let cache = cacheURL(),
            let data = try? Data(contentsOf: cache),
            let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) {
             let arr = Self.parseCSV(text)
             if !arr.isEmpty { return arr }
         }
+
         // Try bundled resource(s)
         let bundleCandidates = [
             Bundle.main.url(forResource: "nostr_relays", withExtension: "csv"),
             Bundle.main.url(forResource: "online_relays_gps", withExtension: "csv"),
             Bundle.main.url(forResource: "online_relays_gps", withExtension: "csv", subdirectory: "relays")
         ].compactMap { $0 }
+
         for url in bundleCandidates {
-            if let data = try? Data(contentsOf: url), let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) {
+            if let data = try? Data(contentsOf: url),
+               let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) {
                 let arr = Self.parseCSV(text)
                 if !arr.isEmpty { return arr }
             }
         }
+
         // Try filesystem path (development/test)
         if let cwd = FileManager.default.currentDirectoryPath as String?,
            let data = try? Data(contentsOf: URL(fileURLWithPath: cwd).appendingPathComponent("relays/online_relays_gps.csv")),
            let text = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) {
             return Self.parseCSV(text)
         }
+
         SecureLogger.warning("GeoRelayDirectory: no local CSV found; entries empty", category: .session)
         return []
     }
@@ -122,7 +241,6 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectory {
     nonisolated static func parseCSV(_ text: String) -> [Entry] {
         var result: Set<Entry> = []
         let lines = text.split(whereSeparator: { $0.isNewline })
-        // Skip header if present
         for (idx, raw) in lines.enumerated() {
             let line = raw.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
             if line.isEmpty { continue }
@@ -143,11 +261,76 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectory {
 
     private func cacheURL() -> URL? {
         do {
-            let base = try FileManager.default.url(for: .applicationSupportDirectory, in: .userDomainMask, appropriateFor: nil, create: true)
+            let base = try FileManager.default.url(
+                for: .applicationSupportDirectory,
+                in: .userDomainMask,
+                appropriateFor: nil,
+                create: true
+            )
             let dir = base.appendingPathComponent("bitchat", isDirectory: true)
             try? FileManager.default.createDirectory(at: dir, withIntermediateDirectories: true)
             return dir.appendingPathComponent(cacheFileName)
-        } catch { return nil }
+        } catch {
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Observers & Timers
+    private func registerObservers() {
+        let center = NotificationCenter.default
+
+        let torReady = center.addObserver(
+            forName: .TorDidBecomeReady,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: .main
+        ) { [weak self] _ in
+            guard let self else { return }
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self.prefetchIfNeeded(force: true)
+            }
+        }
+        observers.append(torReady)
+
+#if os(iOS)
+        let didBecomeActive = center.addObserver(
+            forName: UIApplication.didBecomeActiveNotification,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: .main
+        ) { [weak self] _ in
+            guard let self else { return }
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self.prefetchIfNeeded()
+            }
+        }
+        observers.append(didBecomeActive)
+#elseif os(macOS)
+        let didBecomeActive = center.addObserver(
+            forName: NSApplication.didBecomeActiveNotification,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: .main
+        ) { [weak self] _ in
+            guard let self else { return }
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self.prefetchIfNeeded()
+            }
+        }
+        observers.append(didBecomeActive)
+#endif
+    }
+
+    private func startRefreshTimer() {
+        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
+        let interval = TransportConfig.geoRelayRefreshCheckIntervalSeconds
+        guard interval > 0 else { return }
+
+        let timer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: interval, repeats: true) { [weak self] _ in
+            guard let self else { return }
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self.prefetchIfNeeded()
+            }
+        }
+        refreshTimer = timer
+        RunLoop.main.add(timer, forMode: .common)
     }
 }
 

bitchat/Nostr/NostrEmbeddedBitChat.swift

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import Foundation
 
 struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
     /// Build a `bitchat1:` base64url-encoded BitChat packet carrying a private message for Nostr DMs.
-    static func encodePMForNostr(content: String, messageID: String, recipientPeerID: String, senderPeerID: String) -> String? {
+    static func encodePMForNostr(content: String, messageID: String, recipientPeerID: PeerID, senderPeerID: PeerID) -> String? {
         // TLV-encode the private message
         let pm = PrivateMessagePacket(messageID: messageID, content: content)
         guard let tlv = pm.encode() else { return nil }
@@ -14,12 +14,12 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
         payload.append(tlv)
 
         // Determine 8-byte recipient ID to embed
-        let recipientIDHex: String = normalizeRecipientPeerID(recipientPeerID)
+        let recipientID = normalizeRecipientPeerID(recipientPeerID)
 
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID) ?? Data(),
-            recipientID: Data(hexString: recipientIDHex),
+            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID.id) ?? Data(),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: recipientID.id),
             timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
             payload: payload,
             signature: nil,
@@ -31,18 +31,18 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
     }
 
     /// Build a `bitchat1:` base64url-encoded BitChat packet carrying a delivery/read ack for Nostr DMs.
-    static func encodeAckForNostr(type: NoisePayloadType, messageID: String, recipientPeerID: String, senderPeerID: String) -> String? {
+    static func encodeAckForNostr(type: NoisePayloadType, messageID: String, recipientPeerID: PeerID, senderPeerID: PeerID) -> String? {
         guard type == .delivered || type == .readReceipt else { return nil }
 
         var payload = Data([type.rawValue])
         payload.append(Data(messageID.utf8))
 
-        let recipientIDHex: String = normalizeRecipientPeerID(recipientPeerID)
+        let recipientID = normalizeRecipientPeerID(recipientPeerID)
 
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID) ?? Data(),
-            recipientID: Data(hexString: recipientIDHex),
+            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID.id) ?? Data(),
+            recipientID: Data(hexString: recipientID.id),
             timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
             payload: payload,
             signature: nil,
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
     }
 
     /// Build a `bitchat1:` ACK (delivered/read) without an embedded recipient peer ID (geohash DMs).
-    static func encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: NoisePayloadType, messageID: String, senderPeerID: String) -> String? {
+    static func encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: NoisePayloadType, messageID: String, senderPeerID: PeerID) -> String? {
         guard type == .delivered || type == .readReceipt else { return nil }
 
         var payload = Data([type.rawValue])
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
 
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID) ?? Data(),
+            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID.id) ?? Data(),
             recipientID: nil,
             timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
             payload: payload,
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
     }
 
     /// Build a `bitchat1:` payload without an embedded recipient peer ID (used for geohash DMs).
-    static func encodePMForNostrNoRecipient(content: String, messageID: String, senderPeerID: String) -> String? {
+    static func encodePMForNostrNoRecipient(content: String, messageID: String, senderPeerID: PeerID) -> String? {
         let pm = PrivateMessagePacket(messageID: messageID, content: content)
         guard let tlv = pm.encode() else { return nil }
 
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
 
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID) ?? Data(),
+            senderID: Data(hexString: senderPeerID.id) ?? Data(),
             recipientID: nil,
             timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
             payload: payload,
@@ -96,11 +96,11 @@ struct NostrEmbeddedBitChat {
         return "bitchat1:" + base64URLEncode(data)
     }
 
-    private static func normalizeRecipientPeerID(_ recipientPeerID: String) -> String {
-        if let maybeData = Data(hexString: recipientPeerID) {
+    private static func normalizeRecipientPeerID(_ recipientPeerID: PeerID) -> PeerID {
+        if let maybeData = Data(hexString: recipientPeerID.id) {
             if maybeData.count == 32 {
                 // Treat as Noise static public key; derive peerID from fingerprint
-                return PeerID(publicKey: maybeData).id
+                return PeerID(publicKey: maybeData)
             } else if maybeData.count == 8 {
                 // Already an 8-byte peer ID
                 return recipientPeerID

bitchat/Nostr/NostrIdentity.swift

@@ -1,50 +1,5 @@
 import Foundation
-import CryptoKit
 import P256K
-import Security
-
-// Keychain helper for secure storage
-struct KeychainHelper {
-    static func save(key: String, data: Data, service: String, accessible: CFString? = nil) {
-        var query: [String: Any] = [
-            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
-            kSecAttrService as String: service,
-            kSecAttrAccount as String: key,
-            kSecValueData as String: data
-        ]
-        if let accessible = accessible {
-            query[kSecAttrAccessible as String] = accessible
-        }
-        
-        SecItemDelete(query as CFDictionary)
-        SecItemAdd(query as CFDictionary, nil)
-    }
-    
-    static func load(key: String, service: String) -> Data? {
-        let query: [String: Any] = [
-            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
-            kSecAttrService as String: service,
-            kSecAttrAccount as String: key,
-            kSecReturnData as String: true
-        ]
-        
-        var result: AnyObject?
-        let status = SecItemCopyMatching(query as CFDictionary, &result)
-        
-        guard status == errSecSuccess else { return nil }
-        return result as? Data
-    }
-    
-    static func delete(key: String, service: String) {
-        let query: [String: Any] = [
-            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
-            kSecAttrService as String: service,
-            kSecAttrAccount as String: key
-        ]
-        
-        SecItemDelete(query as CFDictionary)
-    }
-}
 
 /// Manages Nostr identity (secp256k1 keypair) for NIP-17 private messaging
 struct NostrIdentity: Codable {
@@ -103,266 +58,3 @@ struct NostrIdentity: Codable {
         return publicKey.hexEncodedString()
     }
 }
-
-/// Bridge between Noise and Nostr identities
-struct NostrIdentityBridge {
-    private static let keychainService = "chat.bitchat.nostr"
-    private static let currentIdentityKey = "nostr-current-identity"
-    private static let deviceSeedKey = "nostr-device-seed"
-    // In-memory cache to avoid transient keychain access issues
-    private static var deviceSeedCache: Data?
-    
-    /// Get or create the current Nostr identity
-    static func getCurrentNostrIdentity() throws -> NostrIdentity? {
-        // Check if we already have a Nostr identity
-        if let existingData = KeychainHelper.load(key: currentIdentityKey, service: keychainService),
-           let identity = try? JSONDecoder().decode(NostrIdentity.self, from: existingData) {
-            return identity
-        }
-        
-        // Generate new Nostr identity
-        let nostrIdentity = try NostrIdentity.generate()
-        
-        // Store it
-        let data = try JSONEncoder().encode(nostrIdentity)
-        KeychainHelper.save(key: currentIdentityKey, data: data, service: keychainService)
-        
-        return nostrIdentity
-    }
-    
-    /// Associate a Nostr identity with a Noise public key (for favorites)
-    static func associateNostrIdentity(_ nostrPubkey: String, with noisePublicKey: Data) {
-        let key = "nostr-noise-\(noisePublicKey.base64EncodedString())"
-        if let data = nostrPubkey.data(using: .utf8) {
-            KeychainHelper.save(key: key, data: data, service: keychainService)
-        }
-    }
-    
-    /// Get Nostr public key associated with a Noise public key
-    static func getNostrPublicKey(for noisePublicKey: Data) -> String? {
-        let key = "nostr-noise-\(noisePublicKey.base64EncodedString())"
-        guard let data = KeychainHelper.load(key: key, service: keychainService),
-              let pubkey = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) else {
-            return nil
-        }
-        return pubkey
-    }
-    
-    /// Clear all Nostr identity associations and current identity
-    static func clearAllAssociations() {
-        let query: [String: Any] = [
-            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
-            kSecAttrService as String: keychainService,
-            kSecMatchLimit as String: kSecMatchLimitAll,
-            kSecReturnAttributes as String: true
-        ]
-
-        var result: AnyObject?
-        let status = SecItemCopyMatching(query as CFDictionary, &result)
-        if status == errSecSuccess, let items = result as? [[String: Any]] {
-            for item in items {
-                var deleteQuery: [String: Any] = [
-                    kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
-                    kSecAttrService as String: keychainService
-                ]
-                if let account = item[kSecAttrAccount as String] as? String {
-                    deleteQuery[kSecAttrAccount as String] = account
-                }
-                SecItemDelete(deleteQuery as CFDictionary)
-            }
-        } else if status == errSecItemNotFound {
-            // nothing persisted; no action needed
-        }
-
-        deviceSeedCache = nil
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Per-Geohash Identities (Location Channels)
-
-    /// Returns a stable device seed used to derive unlinkable per-geohash identities.
-    /// Stored only on device keychain.
-    private static func getOrCreateDeviceSeed() -> Data {
-        if let cached = deviceSeedCache { return cached }
-        if let existing = KeychainHelper.load(key: deviceSeedKey, service: keychainService) {
-            // Migrate to AfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly for stability during lock
-            KeychainHelper.save(key: deviceSeedKey, data: existing, service: keychainService, accessible: kSecAttrAccessibleAfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly)
-            deviceSeedCache = existing
-            return existing
-        }
-        var seed = Data(count: 32)
-        _ = seed.withUnsafeMutableBytes { ptr in
-            SecRandomCopyBytes(kSecRandomDefault, 32, ptr.baseAddress!)
-        }
-        // Ensure availability after first unlock to prevent unintended rotation when locked
-        KeychainHelper.save(key: deviceSeedKey, data: seed, service: keychainService, accessible: kSecAttrAccessibleAfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly)
-        deviceSeedCache = seed
-        return seed
-    }
-
-    /// Derive a deterministic, unlinkable Nostr identity for a given geohash.
-    /// Uses HMAC-SHA256(deviceSeed, geohash) as private key material, with fallback rehashing
-    /// if the candidate is not a valid secp256k1 private key.
-    static func deriveIdentity(forGeohash geohash: String) throws -> NostrIdentity {
-        let seed = getOrCreateDeviceSeed()
-        guard let msg = geohash.data(using: .utf8) else {
-            throw NSError(domain: "NostrIdentity", code: -1, userInfo: [NSLocalizedDescriptionKey: "Invalid geohash string"])
-        }
-
-        func candidateKey(iteration: UInt32) -> Data {
-            var input = Data(msg)
-            var iterBE = iteration.bigEndian
-            withUnsafeBytes(of: &iterBE) { bytes in
-                input.append(contentsOf: bytes)
-            }
-            let code = CryptoKit.HMAC<CryptoKit.SHA256>.authenticationCode(for: input, using: SymmetricKey(data: seed))
-            return Data(code)
-        }
-
-        // Try a few iterations to ensure a valid key can be formed
-        for i in 0..<10 {
-            let keyData = candidateKey(iteration: UInt32(i))
-            if let identity = try? NostrIdentity(privateKeyData: keyData) {
-                return identity
-            }
-        }
-        // As a final fallback, hash the seed+msg and try again
-        let fallback = (seed + msg).sha256Hash()
-        return try NostrIdentity(privateKeyData: fallback)
-    }
-}
-
-// Bech32 encoding for Nostr (minimal implementation)
-enum Bech32 {
-    private static let charset = "qpzry9x8gf2tvdw0s3jn54khce6mua7l"
-    private static let generator = [0x3b6a57b2, 0x26508e6d, 0x1ea119fa, 0x3d4233dd, 0x2a1462b3]
-    
-    static func encode(hrp: String, data: Data) throws -> String {
-        let values = convertBits(from: 8, to: 5, pad: true, data: Array(data))
-        let checksum = createChecksum(hrp: hrp, values: values)
-        let combined = values + checksum
-        
-        return hrp + "1" + combined.map { 
-            let index = charset.index(charset.startIndex, offsetBy: Int($0))
-            return String(charset[index])
-        }.joined()
-    }
-    
-    static func decode(_ bech32String: String) throws -> (hrp: String, data: Data) {
-        // Find the last occurrence of '1'
-        guard let separatorIndex = bech32String.lastIndex(of: "1") else {
-            throw Bech32Error.invalidFormat
-        }
-        
-        let hrp = String(bech32String[..<separatorIndex])
-        
-        // Validate HRP contains only ASCII characters
-        for char in hrp {
-            guard char.asciiValue != nil else {
-                throw Bech32Error.invalidCharacter
-            }
-        }
-        
-        let dataString = String(bech32String[bech32String.index(after: separatorIndex)...])
-        
-        // Convert characters to values
-        var values = [UInt8]()
-        for char in dataString {
-            guard let index = charset.firstIndex(of: char) else {
-                throw Bech32Error.invalidCharacter
-            }
-            values.append(UInt8(charset.distance(from: charset.startIndex, to: index)))
-        }
-        
-        // Verify checksum
-        guard values.count >= 6 else {
-            throw Bech32Error.invalidChecksum
-        }
-        
-        let payloadValues = Array(values.dropLast(6))
-        let checksum = Array(values.suffix(6))
-        let expectedChecksum = createChecksum(hrp: hrp, values: payloadValues)
-        
-        guard checksum == expectedChecksum else {
-            throw Bech32Error.invalidChecksum
-        }
-        
-        // Convert back to bytes
-        let bytes = convertBits(from: 5, to: 8, pad: false, data: payloadValues)
-        return (hrp: hrp, data: Data(bytes))
-    }
-    
-    enum Bech32Error: Error {
-        case invalidFormat
-        case invalidCharacter
-        case invalidChecksum
-    }
-    
-    private static func convertBits(from: Int, to: Int, pad: Bool, data: [UInt8]) -> [UInt8] {
-        var acc = 0
-        var bits = 0
-        var result = [UInt8]()
-        let maxv = (1 << to) - 1
-        
-        for value in data {
-            acc = (acc << from) | Int(value)
-            bits += from
-            
-            while bits >= to {
-                bits -= to
-                result.append(UInt8((acc >> bits) & maxv))
-            }
-        }
-        
-        if pad && bits > 0 {
-            result.append(UInt8((acc << (to - bits)) & maxv))
-        }
-        
-        return result
-    }
-    
-    private static func createChecksum(hrp: String, values: [UInt8]) -> [UInt8] {
-        let checksumValues = hrpExpand(hrp) + values + [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]
-        let polymod = polymod(checksumValues) ^ 1
-        var checksum = [UInt8]()
-        
-        for i in 0..<6 {
-            checksum.append(UInt8((polymod >> (5 * (5 - i))) & 31))
-        }
-        
-        return checksum
-    }
-    
-    private static func hrpExpand(_ hrp: String) -> [UInt8] {
-        var result = [UInt8]()
-        for c in hrp {
-            guard let asciiValue = c.asciiValue else {
-                return [] // Return empty array for invalid input
-            }
-            result.append(UInt8(asciiValue >> 5))
-        }
-        result.append(0)
-        for c in hrp {
-            guard let asciiValue = c.asciiValue else {
-                return [] // Return empty array for invalid input
-            }
-            result.append(UInt8(asciiValue & 31))
-        }
-        return result
-    }
-    
-    private static func polymod(_ values: [UInt8]) -> Int {
-        var chk = 1
-        for value in values {
-            let b = chk >> 25
-            chk = (chk & 0x1ffffff) << 5 ^ Int(value)
-            for i in 0..<5 {
-                if (b >> i) & 1 == 1 {
-                    chk ^= generator[i]
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        return chk
-    }
-}
-
-// Data hex encoding extension moved to BinaryEncodingUtils.swift to avoid duplication

bitchat/Nostr/NostrIdentityBridge.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+import Foundation
+import CryptoKit
+
+/// Bridge between Noise and Nostr identities
+final class NostrIdentityBridge {
+    private let keychainService = "chat.bitchat.nostr"
+    private let currentIdentityKey = "nostr-current-identity"
+    private let deviceSeedKey = "nostr-device-seed"
+    // In-memory cache to avoid transient keychain access issues
+    private var deviceSeedCache: Data?
+    // Cache derived identities to avoid repeated crypto during view rendering
+    private var derivedIdentityCache: [String: NostrIdentity] = [:]
+    private let cacheLock = NSLock()
+
+    private let keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol
+
+    init(keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol = KeychainManager()) {
+        self.keychain = keychain
+    }
+    
+    /// Get or create the current Nostr identity
+    func getCurrentNostrIdentity() throws -> NostrIdentity? {
+        // Check if we already have a Nostr identity
+        if let existingData = keychain.load(key: currentIdentityKey, service: keychainService),
+           let identity = try? JSONDecoder().decode(NostrIdentity.self, from: existingData) {
+            return identity
+        }
+        
+        // Generate new Nostr identity
+        let nostrIdentity = try NostrIdentity.generate()
+        
+        // Store it
+        let data = try JSONEncoder().encode(nostrIdentity)
+        keychain.save(key: currentIdentityKey, data: data, service: keychainService, accessible: nil)
+        
+        return nostrIdentity
+    }
+    
+    /// Associate a Nostr identity with a Noise public key (for favorites)
+    func associateNostrIdentity(_ nostrPubkey: String, with noisePublicKey: Data) {
+        let key = "nostr-noise-\(noisePublicKey.base64EncodedString())"
+        if let data = nostrPubkey.data(using: .utf8) {
+            keychain.save(key: key, data: data, service: keychainService, accessible: nil)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// Get Nostr public key associated with a Noise public key
+    func getNostrPublicKey(for noisePublicKey: Data) -> String? {
+        let key = "nostr-noise-\(noisePublicKey.base64EncodedString())"
+        guard let data = keychain.load(key: key, service: keychainService),
+              let pubkey = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8) else {
+            return nil
+        }
+        return pubkey
+    }
+    
+    /// Clear all Nostr identity associations and current identity
+    func clearAllAssociations() {
+        let query: [String: Any] = [
+            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
+            kSecAttrService as String: keychainService,
+            kSecMatchLimit as String: kSecMatchLimitAll,
+            kSecReturnAttributes as String: true
+        ]
+
+        var result: AnyObject?
+        let status = SecItemCopyMatching(query as CFDictionary, &result)
+        if status == errSecSuccess, let items = result as? [[String: Any]] {
+            for item in items {
+                var deleteQuery: [String: Any] = [
+                    kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
+                    kSecAttrService as String: keychainService
+                ]
+                if let account = item[kSecAttrAccount as String] as? String {
+                    deleteQuery[kSecAttrAccount as String] = account
+                }
+                SecItemDelete(deleteQuery as CFDictionary)
+            }
+        } else if status == errSecItemNotFound {
+            // nothing persisted; no action needed
+        }
+
+        deviceSeedCache = nil
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Per-Geohash Identities (Location Channels)
+
+    /// Returns a stable device seed used to derive unlinkable per-geohash identities.
+    /// Stored only on device keychain.
+    private func getOrCreateDeviceSeed() -> Data {
+        if let cached = deviceSeedCache { return cached }
+        if let existing = keychain.load(key: deviceSeedKey, service: keychainService) {
+            // Migrate to AfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly for stability during lock
+            keychain.save(key: deviceSeedKey, data: existing, service: keychainService, accessible: kSecAttrAccessibleAfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly)
+            deviceSeedCache = existing
+            return existing
+        }
+        var seed = Data(count: 32)
+        _ = seed.withUnsafeMutableBytes { ptr in
+            SecRandomCopyBytes(kSecRandomDefault, 32, ptr.baseAddress!)
+        }
+        // Ensure availability after first unlock to prevent unintended rotation when locked
+        keychain.save(key: deviceSeedKey, data: seed, service: keychainService, accessible: kSecAttrAccessibleAfterFirstUnlockThisDeviceOnly)
+        deviceSeedCache = seed
+        return seed
+    }
+
+    /// Derive a deterministic, unlinkable Nostr identity for a given geohash.
+    /// Uses HMAC-SHA256(deviceSeed, geohash) as private key material, with fallback rehashing
+    /// if the candidate is not a valid secp256k1 private key.
+    func deriveIdentity(forGeohash geohash: String) throws -> NostrIdentity {
+        // Check cache first to avoid repeated crypto + keychain I/O during view rendering
+        cacheLock.lock()
+        if let cached = derivedIdentityCache[geohash] {
+            cacheLock.unlock()
+            return cached
+        }
+        cacheLock.unlock()
+
+        let seed = getOrCreateDeviceSeed()
+        guard let msg = geohash.data(using: .utf8) else {
+            throw NSError(domain: "NostrIdentity", code: -1, userInfo: [NSLocalizedDescriptionKey: "Invalid geohash string"])
+        }
+
+        func candidateKey(iteration: UInt32) -> Data {
+            var input = Data(msg)
+            var iterBE = iteration.bigEndian
+            withUnsafeBytes(of: &iterBE) { bytes in
+                input.append(contentsOf: bytes)
+            }
+            let code = HMAC<SHA256>.authenticationCode(for: input, using: SymmetricKey(data: seed))
+            return Data(code)
+        }
+
+        // Try a few iterations to ensure a valid key can be formed
+        for i in 0..<10 {
+            let keyData = candidateKey(iteration: UInt32(i))
+            if let identity = try? NostrIdentity(privateKeyData: keyData) {
+                // Cache the result
+                cacheLock.lock()
+                derivedIdentityCache[geohash] = identity
+                cacheLock.unlock()
+                return identity
+            }
+        }
+        // As a final fallback, hash the seed+msg and try again
+        let fallback = (seed + msg).sha256Hash()
+        let identity = try NostrIdentity(privateKeyData: fallback)
+
+        // Cache the result
+        cacheLock.lock()
+        derivedIdentityCache[geohash] = identity
+        cacheLock.unlock()
+
+        return identity
+    }
+}

bitchat/Nostr/NostrRelayManager.swift

@@ -906,6 +906,16 @@ struct NostrFilter: Encodable {
         filter.limit = limit
         return filter
     }
+
+    // For location notes with neighbors: subscribe to multiple geohashes (center + neighbors)
+    static func geohashNotes(_ geohashes: [String], since: Date? = nil, limit: Int = 200) -> NostrFilter {
+        var filter = NostrFilter()
+        filter.kinds = [1]
+        filter.since = since?.timeIntervalSince1970.toInt()
+        filter.tagFilters = ["g": geohashes]
+        filter.limit = limit
+        return filter
+    }
 }
 
 // Dynamic coding key for tag filters

bitchat/Nostr/XChaCha20Poly1305Compat.swift

@@ -5,16 +5,27 @@ import CryptoKit
 /// Implements HChaCha20 to derive a subkey and reduces the 24-byte nonce to a 12-byte nonce
 /// as per XChaCha20 construction.
 enum XChaCha20Poly1305Compat {
+
+    /// Errors that can occur during XChaCha20-Poly1305 operations
+    enum Error: Swift.Error {
+        case invalidKeyLength(expected: Int, got: Int)
+        case invalidNonceLength(expected: Int, got: Int)
+    }
+
     struct SealBox {
         let ciphertext: Data
         let tag: Data
     }
 
     static func seal(plaintext: Data, key: Data, nonce24: Data, aad: Data? = nil) throws -> SealBox {
-        precondition(key.count == 32, "XChaCha20 key must be 32 bytes")
-        precondition(nonce24.count == 24, "XChaCha20 nonce must be 24 bytes")
+        guard key.count == 32 else {
+            throw Error.invalidKeyLength(expected: 32, got: key.count)
+        }
+        guard nonce24.count == 24 else {
+            throw Error.invalidNonceLength(expected: 24, got: nonce24.count)
+        }
 
-        let subkey = hchacha20(key: key, nonce16: nonce24.prefix(16))
+        let subkey = try hchacha20(key: key, nonce16: Data(nonce24.prefix(16)))
         let nonce12 = derive12ByteNonce(from24: nonce24)
         let chachaKey = SymmetricKey(data: subkey)
         let nonce = try ChaChaPoly.Nonce(data: nonce12)
@@ -23,10 +34,14 @@ enum XChaCha20Poly1305Compat {
     }
 
     static func open(ciphertext: Data, tag: Data, key: Data, nonce24: Data, aad: Data? = nil) throws -> Data {
-        precondition(key.count == 32, "XChaCha20 key must be 32 bytes")
-        precondition(nonce24.count == 24, "XChaCha20 nonce must be 24 bytes")
+        guard key.count == 32 else {
+            throw Error.invalidKeyLength(expected: 32, got: key.count)
+        }
+        guard nonce24.count == 24 else {
+            throw Error.invalidNonceLength(expected: 24, got: nonce24.count)
+        }
 
-        let subkey = hchacha20(key: key, nonce16: nonce24.prefix(16))
+        let subkey = try hchacha20(key: key, nonce16: Data(nonce24.prefix(16)))
         let nonce12 = derive12ByteNonce(from24: nonce24)
         let chachaKey = SymmetricKey(data: subkey)
         let box = try ChaChaPoly.SealedBox(nonce: ChaChaPoly.Nonce(data: nonce12), ciphertext: ciphertext, tag: tag)
@@ -43,10 +58,14 @@ enum XChaCha20Poly1305Compat {
         return out
     }
 
-    private static func hchacha20(key: Data, nonce16: Data) -> Data {
+    private static func hchacha20(key: Data, nonce16: Data) throws -> Data {
         // HChaCha20 based on the original ChaCha20 core with a 16-byte nonce.
-        precondition(key.count == 32)
-        precondition(nonce16.count == 16)
+        guard key.count == 32 else {
+            throw Error.invalidKeyLength(expected: 32, got: key.count)
+        }
+        guard nonce16.count == 16 else {
+            throw Error.invalidNonceLength(expected: 16, got: nonce16.count)
+        }
 
         // Constants "expand 32-byte k"
         var state: [UInt32] = [

bitchat/Protocols/BinaryEncodingUtils.swift

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 //
 
 import Foundation
+import CryptoKit
 
 // MARK: - Hex Encoding/Decoding
 
@@ -16,21 +17,48 @@ extension Data {
         }
         return self.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
     }
+
+    func sha256Hex() -> String {
+        let digest = SHA256.hash(data: self)
+        return digest.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
+    }
     
+    /// Initialize Data from a hex string.
+    /// - Parameter hexString: A hex string, optionally prefixed with "0x" or "0X".
+    ///   Whitespace is trimmed. Must have even length after prefix removal.
+    /// - Returns: nil if the string has odd length or contains invalid hex characters.
     init?(hexString: String) {
-        let len = hexString.count / 2
+        var hex = hexString.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespaces)
+
+        // Remove optional 0x prefix
+        if hex.hasPrefix("0x") || hex.hasPrefix("0X") {
+            hex = String(hex.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+
+        // Reject odd-length strings
+        guard hex.count % 2 == 0 else {
+            return nil
+        }
+
+        // Reject empty strings
+        guard !hex.isEmpty else {
+            self = Data()
+            return
+        }
+
+        let len = hex.count / 2
         var data = Data(capacity: len)
-        var index = hexString.startIndex
-        
+        var index = hex.startIndex
+
         for _ in 0..<len {
-            let nextIndex = hexString.index(index, offsetBy: 2)
-            guard let byte = UInt8(String(hexString[index..<nextIndex]), radix: 16) else {
+            let nextIndex = hex.index(index, offsetBy: 2)
+            guard let byte = UInt8(String(hex[index..<nextIndex]), radix: 16) else {
                 return nil
             }
             data.append(byte)
             index = nextIndex
         }
-        
+
         self = data
     }
 }

bitchat/Protocols/BinaryProtocol.swift

@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@
 ///
 /// ## Wire Format
 /// ```
-/// Header (Fixed 13 bytes):
-/// +--------+------+-----+-----------+-------+----------------+
-/// |Version | Type | TTL | Timestamp | Flags | PayloadLength  |
-/// |1 byte  |1 byte|1byte| 8 bytes   | 1 byte| 2 bytes        |
-/// +--------+------+-----+-----------+-------+----------------+
+/// Header (Fixed 14 bytes for v1, 16 bytes for v2):
+/// +--------+------+-----+-----------+-------+------------------+
+/// |Version | Type | TTL | Timestamp | Flags | PayloadLength    |
+/// |1 byte  |1 byte|1byte| 8 bytes   | 1 byte| 2 or 4 bytes     |
+/// +--------+------+-----+-----------+-------+------------------+
 ///
 /// Variable sections:
 /// +----------+-------------+---------+------------+
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 /// ## Flag Bits
 /// - Bit 0: Has recipient ID (directed message)
 /// - Bit 1: Has signature (authenticated message)
-/// - Bit 2: Is compressed (LZ4 compression applied)
+/// - Bit 2: Is compressed (zlib compression applied)
 /// - Bits 3-7: Reserved for future use
 ///
 /// ## Size Constraints
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@
 ///
 
 import Foundation
+import BitLogger
 
 extension Data {
     func trimmingNullBytes() -> Data {
@@ -105,83 +106,119 @@ extension Data {
 /// their binary wire format representation.
 /// - Note: All multi-byte values use network byte order (big-endian)
 struct BinaryProtocol {
-    static let headerSize = 13
+    static let v1HeaderSize = 14
+    static let v2HeaderSize = 16
     static let senderIDSize = 8
     static let recipientIDSize = 8
     static let signatureSize = 64
+
+    // Field offsets within packet header
+    struct Offsets {
+        static let version = 0
+        static let type = 1
+        static let ttl = 2
+        static let timestamp = 3
+        static let flags = 11  // After version(1) + type(1) + ttl(1) + timestamp(8)
+    }
+
+    static func headerSize(for version: UInt8) -> Int? {
+        switch version {
+        case 1: return v1HeaderSize
+        case 2: return v2HeaderSize
+        default: return nil
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func lengthFieldSize(for version: UInt8) -> Int {
+        return version == 2 ? 4 : 2
+    }
     
     struct Flags {
         static let hasRecipient: UInt8 = 0x01
         static let hasSignature: UInt8 = 0x02
         static let isCompressed: UInt8 = 0x04
+        static let hasRoute: UInt8 = 0x08
     }
     
     // Encode BitchatPacket to binary format
     static func encode(_ packet: BitchatPacket, padding: Bool = true) -> Data? {
-        var data = Data()
-        
-        
-        // Try to compress payload if beneficial
+        let version = packet.version
+        guard version == 1 || version == 2 else { return nil }
+
+        // Try to compress payload when beneficial, keeping original size for later decoding
         var payload = packet.payload
-        var originalPayloadSize: UInt16? = nil
         var isCompressed = false
-        
+        var originalPayloadSize: Int?
         if CompressionUtil.shouldCompress(payload) {
-            if let compressedPayload = CompressionUtil.compress(payload) {
-                // Store original size for decompression (2 bytes after payload)
-                originalPayloadSize = UInt16(payload.count)
+            // Only compress when we can represent the original length in the outbound frame
+            let maxRepresentable = version == 2 ? Int(UInt32.max) : Int(UInt16.max)
+            if payload.count <= maxRepresentable,
+               let compressedPayload = CompressionUtil.compress(payload) {
+                originalPayloadSize = payload.count
                 payload = compressedPayload
                 isCompressed = true
-                
-            } else {
             }
-        } else {
         }
-        
-        // Header
-        // Reserve capacity to reduce reallocations. Estimate base size conservatively.
-        // header(13) + sender(8) + opt recipient(8) + opt originalSize(2) + payload + opt signature(64) + up to 255 pad
-        let estimatedPayload = payload.count + (isCompressed ? 2 : 0)
-        let estimated = headerSize + senderIDSize + (packet.recipientID == nil ? 0 : recipientIDSize) + estimatedPayload + (packet.signature == nil ? 0 : signatureSize) + 255
-        data.reserveCapacity(estimated)
-        data.append(packet.version)
+
+        let lengthFieldBytes = lengthFieldSize(for: version)
+        let originalRoute = packet.route ?? []
+        if originalRoute.contains(where: { $0.isEmpty }) { return nil }
+        let sanitizedRoute: [Data] = originalRoute.map { hop in
+            if hop.count == senderIDSize { return hop }
+            if hop.count > senderIDSize { return Data(hop.prefix(senderIDSize)) }
+            var padded = hop
+            padded.append(Data(repeating: 0, count: senderIDSize - hop.count))
+            return padded
+        }
+        guard sanitizedRoute.count <= 255 else { return nil }
+
+        let hasRoute = !sanitizedRoute.isEmpty
+        let routeLength = hasRoute ? 1 + sanitizedRoute.count * senderIDSize : 0
+        let originalSizeFieldBytes = isCompressed ? lengthFieldBytes : 0
+        let payloadDataSize = routeLength + payload.count + originalSizeFieldBytes
+
+        if version == 1 && payloadDataSize > Int(UInt16.max) { return nil }
+        if version == 2 && payloadDataSize > Int(UInt32.max) { return nil }
+
+        guard let headerSize = headerSize(for: version) else { return nil }
+        let estimatedHeader = headerSize + senderIDSize + (packet.recipientID == nil ? 0 : recipientIDSize)
+        let estimatedPayload = payloadDataSize
+        let estimatedSignature = (packet.signature == nil ? 0 : signatureSize)
+        var data = Data()
+        data.reserveCapacity(estimatedHeader + estimatedPayload + estimatedSignature + 255)
+
+        data.append(version)
         data.append(packet.type)
         data.append(packet.ttl)
-        
-        // Timestamp (8 bytes, big-endian)
-        for i in (0..<8).reversed() {
-            data.append(UInt8((packet.timestamp >> (i * 8)) & 0xFF))
+
+        for shift in stride(from: 56, through: 0, by: -8) {
+            data.append(UInt8((packet.timestamp >> UInt64(shift)) & 0xFF))
         }
-        
-        // Flags
+
         var flags: UInt8 = 0
-        if packet.recipientID != nil {
-            flags |= Flags.hasRecipient
-        }
-        if packet.signature != nil {
-            flags |= Flags.hasSignature
-        }
-        if isCompressed {
-            flags |= Flags.isCompressed
-        }
+        if packet.recipientID != nil { flags |= Flags.hasRecipient }
+        if packet.signature != nil { flags |= Flags.hasSignature }
+        if isCompressed { flags |= Flags.isCompressed }
+        if hasRoute { flags |= Flags.hasRoute }
         data.append(flags)
-        
-        // Payload length (2 bytes, big-endian) - includes original size if compressed
-        let payloadDataSize = payload.count + (isCompressed ? 2 : 0)
-        let payloadLength = UInt16(payloadDataSize)
-        
-        
-        data.append(UInt8((payloadLength >> 8) & 0xFF))
-        data.append(UInt8(payloadLength & 0xFF))
-        
-        // SenderID (exactly 8 bytes)
+
+        if version == 2 {
+            let length = UInt32(payloadDataSize)
+            for shift in stride(from: 24, through: 0, by: -8) {
+                data.append(UInt8((length >> UInt32(shift)) & 0xFF))
+            }
+        } else {
+            let length = UInt16(payloadDataSize)
+            data.append(UInt8((length >> 8) & 0xFF))
+            data.append(UInt8(length & 0xFF))
+        }
+
         let senderBytes = packet.senderID.prefix(senderIDSize)
         data.append(senderBytes)
         if senderBytes.count < senderIDSize {
             data.append(Data(repeating: 0, count: senderIDSize - senderBytes.count))
         }
-        
-        // RecipientID (if present)
+
         if let recipientID = packet.recipientID {
             let recipientBytes = recipientID.prefix(recipientIDSize)
             data.append(recipientBytes)
@@ -189,30 +226,37 @@ struct BinaryProtocol {
                 data.append(Data(repeating: 0, count: recipientIDSize - recipientBytes.count))
             }
         }
-        
-        // Payload (with original size prepended if compressed)
+
+        if hasRoute {
+            data.append(UInt8(sanitizedRoute.count))
+            for hop in sanitizedRoute {
+                data.append(hop)
+            }
+        }
+
         if isCompressed, let originalSize = originalPayloadSize {
-            // Prepend original size (2 bytes, big-endian)
-            data.append(UInt8((originalSize >> 8) & 0xFF))
-            data.append(UInt8(originalSize & 0xFF))
+            if version == 2 {
+                let value = UInt32(originalSize)
+                for shift in stride(from: 24, through: 0, by: -8) {
+                    data.append(UInt8((value >> UInt32(shift)) & 0xFF))
+                }
+            } else {
+                let value = UInt16(originalSize)
+                data.append(UInt8((value >> 8) & 0xFF))
+                data.append(UInt8(value & 0xFF))
+            }
         }
         data.append(payload)
-        
-        // Signature (if present)
+
         if let signature = packet.signature {
             data.append(signature.prefix(signatureSize))
         }
-        
-        
-        // Apply padding to standard block sizes for traffic analysis resistance
+
         if padding {
             let optimalSize = MessagePadding.optimalBlockSize(for: data.count)
-            let paddedData = MessagePadding.pad(data, toSize: optimalSize)
-            return paddedData
-        } else {
-            // Caller explicitly requested no padding (e.g., BLE write path)
-            return data
+            return MessagePadding.pad(data, toSize: optimalSize)
         }
+        return data
     }
     
     // Decode binary data to BitchatPacket
@@ -227,87 +271,129 @@ struct BinaryProtocol {
 
     // Core decoding implementation used by decode(_:) with and without padding removal
     private static func decodeCore(_ raw: Data) -> BitchatPacket? {
-        // Minimum size: header + senderID
-        guard raw.count >= headerSize + senderIDSize else { return nil }
+        guard raw.count >= v1HeaderSize + senderIDSize else { return nil }
 
         return raw.withUnsafeBytes { (buf: UnsafeRawBufferPointer) -> BitchatPacket? in
             guard let base = buf.baseAddress else { return nil }
             var offset = 0
             func require(_ n: Int) -> Bool { offset + n <= buf.count }
-            // Read single byte
             func read8() -> UInt8? {
                 guard require(1) else { return nil }
-                let v = base.advanced(by: offset).assumingMemoryBound(to: UInt8.self).pointee
+                let value = base.advanced(by: offset).assumingMemoryBound(to: UInt8.self).pointee
                 offset += 1
-                return v
+                return value
             }
-            // Read big-endian 16-bit
             func read16() -> UInt16? {
                 guard require(2) else { return nil }
-                let p = base.advanced(by: offset).assumingMemoryBound(to: UInt8.self)
-                let v = (UInt16(p[0]) << 8) | UInt16(p[1])
+                let ptr = base.advanced(by: offset).assumingMemoryBound(to: UInt8.self)
+                let value = (UInt16(ptr[0]) << 8) | UInt16(ptr[1])
                 offset += 2
-                return v
+                return value
+            }
+            func read32() -> UInt32? {
+                guard require(4) else { return nil }
+                let ptr = base.advanced(by: offset).assumingMemoryBound(to: UInt8.self)
+                let value = (UInt32(ptr[0]) << 24) | (UInt32(ptr[1]) << 16) | (UInt32(ptr[2]) << 8) | UInt32(ptr[3])
+                offset += 4
+                return value
             }
-            // Copy N bytes into Data
             func readData(_ n: Int) -> Data? {
                 guard require(n) else { return nil }
                 let ptr = base.advanced(by: offset)
-                let d = Data(bytes: ptr, count: n)
+                let data = Data(bytes: ptr, count: n)
                 offset += n
-                return d
+                return data
             }
 
-            // Version
-            guard let version = read8(), version == 1 else { return nil }
-            guard let type = read8() else { return nil }
-            guard let ttl = read8() else { return nil }
+            guard let version = read8(), version == 1 || version == 2 else { return nil }
+            let lengthFieldBytes = lengthFieldSize(for: version)
+            guard let headerSize = headerSize(for: version) else { return nil }
+            let minimumRequired = headerSize + senderIDSize
+            guard raw.count >= minimumRequired else { return nil }
 
-            // Timestamp 8 bytes BE
-            guard require(8) else { return nil }
-            var ts: UInt64 = 0
+            guard let type = read8(), let ttl = read8() else { return nil }
+
+            var timestamp: UInt64 = 0
             for _ in 0..<8 {
-                guard let b = read8() else { return nil }
-                ts = (ts << 8) | UInt64(b)
+                guard let byte = read8() else { return nil }
+                timestamp = (timestamp << 8) | UInt64(byte)
             }
 
-            // Flags
             guard let flags = read8() else { return nil }
             let hasRecipient = (flags & Flags.hasRecipient) != 0
             let hasSignature = (flags & Flags.hasSignature) != 0
             let isCompressed = (flags & Flags.isCompressed) != 0
 
-            // Payload length
-            guard let payloadLen = read16(), payloadLen <= 65535 else { return nil }
+            let payloadLength: Int
+            if version == 2 {
+                guard let len = read32() else { return nil }
+                payloadLength = Int(len)
+            } else {
+                guard let len = read16() else { return nil }
+                payloadLength = Int(len)
+            }
+
+            guard payloadLength >= 0 else { return nil }
 
-            // SenderID
             guard let senderID = readData(senderIDSize) else { return nil }
 
-            // Recipient
             var recipientID: Data? = nil
             if hasRecipient {
                 recipientID = readData(recipientIDSize)
                 if recipientID == nil { return nil }
             }
 
-            // Payload
+            var route: [Data]? = nil
+            var remainingPayloadBytes = payloadLength
+
+            if (flags & Flags.hasRoute) != 0 {
+                guard remainingPayloadBytes >= 1, let routeCount = read8() else { return nil }
+                remainingPayloadBytes -= 1
+                if routeCount > 0 {
+                    var hops: [Data] = []
+                    for _ in 0..<Int(routeCount) {
+                        guard remainingPayloadBytes >= senderIDSize,
+                              let hop = readData(senderIDSize) else { return nil }
+                        remainingPayloadBytes -= senderIDSize
+                        hops.append(hop)
+                    }
+                    route = hops
+                }
+            }
+
             let payload: Data
             if isCompressed {
-                // Need original size (2 bytes)
-                guard let origSize16 = read16() else { return nil }
-                let originalSize = Int(origSize16)
-                guard originalSize >= 0 && originalSize <= 1_048_576 else { return nil }
-                let compSize = Int(payloadLen) - 2
-                guard compSize >= 0, let compressed = readData(compSize) else { return nil }
+                guard remainingPayloadBytes >= lengthFieldBytes else { return nil }
+                let originalSize: Int
+                if version == 2 {
+                    guard let rawSize = read32() else { return nil }
+                    originalSize = Int(rawSize)
+                } else {
+                    guard let rawSize = read16() else { return nil }
+                    originalSize = Int(rawSize)
+                }
+                remainingPayloadBytes -= lengthFieldBytes
+                guard originalSize >= 0 && originalSize <= FileTransferLimits.maxFramedFileBytes else { return nil }
+                let compressedSize = remainingPayloadBytes
+                guard compressedSize > 0, let compressed = readData(compressedSize) else { return nil }
+                remainingPayloadBytes = 0
+
+                let compressionRatio = Double(originalSize) / Double(compressedSize)
+                guard compressionRatio <= 50_000.0 else {
+                    SecureLogger.warning("🚫 Suspicious compression ratio: \(String(format: "%.0f", compressionRatio)):1", category: .security)
+                    return nil
+                }
+
                 guard let decompressed = CompressionUtil.decompress(compressed, originalSize: originalSize),
                       decompressed.count == originalSize else { return nil }
                 payload = decompressed
             } else {
-                guard let p = readData(Int(payloadLen)) else { return nil }
-                payload = p
+                guard remainingPayloadBytes >= 0,
+                      let rawPayload = readData(remainingPayloadBytes) else { return nil }
+                remainingPayloadBytes = 0
+                payload = rawPayload
             }
 
-            // Signature
             var signature: Data? = nil
             if hasSignature {
                 signature = readData(signatureSize)
@@ -320,10 +406,12 @@ struct BinaryProtocol {
                 type: type,
                 senderID: senderID,
                 recipientID: recipientID,
-                timestamp: ts,
+                timestamp: timestamp,
                 payload: payload,
                 signature: signature,
-                ttl: ttl
+                ttl: ttl,
+                version: version,
+                route: route
             )
         }
     }

bitchat/Protocols/BitchatFilePacket.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+//
+// BitchatFilePacket.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+import BitLogger
+
+/// TLV payload for Bluetooth mesh file transfers (voice notes, images, generic files).
+/// Mirrors the Android client specification to ensure cross-platform interoperability.
+struct BitchatFilePacket {
+    var fileName: String?
+    var fileSize: UInt64?
+    var mimeType: String?
+    var content: Data
+
+    /// Canonical TLV tags defined by the Android implementation.
+    private enum TLVType: UInt8 {
+        case fileName = 0x01
+        case fileSize = 0x02
+        case mimeType = 0x03
+        case content = 0x04
+    }
+
+    /// Encodes the packet using v2 canonical TLVs (4-byte FILE_SIZE, 4-byte CONTENT length).
+    /// Returns `nil` when fields exceed protocol limits (e.g., content > UInt32.max).
+    func encode() -> Data? {
+        let resolvedSize = fileSize ?? UInt64(content.count)
+        guard resolvedSize <= UInt64(UInt32.max) else { return nil }
+        guard resolvedSize <= UInt64(FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes) else { return nil }
+        guard content.count <= Int(UInt32.max) else { return nil }
+        guard FileTransferLimits.isValidPayload(content.count) else { return nil }
+
+        func appendBE<T: FixedWidthInteger>(_ value: T, into data: inout Data) {
+            var big = value.bigEndian
+            withUnsafeBytes(of: &big) { data.append(contentsOf: $0) }
+        }
+
+        var encoded = Data()
+
+        if let name = fileName, let nameData = name.data(using: .utf8), nameData.count <= Int(UInt16.max) {
+            encoded.append(TLVType.fileName.rawValue)
+            appendBE(UInt16(nameData.count), into: &encoded)
+            encoded.append(nameData)
+        }
+
+        encoded.append(TLVType.fileSize.rawValue)
+        appendBE(UInt16(4), into: &encoded)
+        appendBE(UInt32(resolvedSize), into: &encoded)
+
+        if let mime = mimeType, let mimeData = mime.data(using: .utf8), mimeData.count <= Int(UInt16.max) {
+            encoded.append(TLVType.mimeType.rawValue)
+            appendBE(UInt16(mimeData.count), into: &encoded)
+            encoded.append(mimeData)
+        }
+
+        encoded.append(TLVType.content.rawValue)
+        appendBE(UInt32(content.count), into: &encoded)
+        encoded.append(content)
+
+        return encoded
+    }
+
+    /// Decodes TLV payloads, tolerating legacy encodings (FILE_SIZE len=8, CONTENT len=2) when possible.
+    static func decode(_ data: Data) -> BitchatFilePacket? {
+        var cursor = data.startIndex
+        let end = data.endIndex
+
+        var fileName: String?
+        var fileSize: UInt64?
+        var mimeType: String?
+        var content = Data()
+
+        while cursor < end {
+            let typeRaw = data[cursor]
+            cursor = data.index(after: cursor)
+
+            guard cursor <= end else { return nil }
+            let tlvType = TLVType(rawValue: typeRaw)
+
+            func readBigEndianLength(bytes: Int) -> Int? {
+                guard data.distance(from: cursor, to: end) >= bytes else { return nil }
+                // Use UInt64 to prevent integer overflow during shift operations
+                var result: UInt64 = 0
+                for _ in 0..<bytes {
+                    result = (result << 8) | UInt64(data[cursor])
+                    cursor = data.index(after: cursor)
+                }
+                // Safely convert to Int with overflow check
+                guard result <= Int.max else { return nil }
+                return Int(result)
+            }
+
+            let length: Int?
+            if tlvType == .content {
+                let snapshot = cursor
+                let canonical = readBigEndianLength(bytes: 4)
+                if let canonical = canonical,
+                   canonical <= data.distance(from: cursor, to: end) {
+                    length = canonical
+                } else {
+                    cursor = snapshot
+                    length = readBigEndianLength(bytes: 2)
+                }
+            } else {
+                length = readBigEndianLength(bytes: 2)
+            }
+
+            guard let tlvLength = length, tlvLength >= 0 else { return nil }
+            guard data.distance(from: cursor, to: end) >= tlvLength else { return nil }
+
+            let valueStart = cursor
+            cursor = data.index(cursor, offsetBy: tlvLength)
+            let value = data[valueStart..<cursor]
+
+            switch tlvType {
+            case .fileName:
+                fileName = String(data: Data(value), encoding: .utf8)
+            case .fileSize:
+                if tlvLength == 4 || tlvLength == 8 {
+                    var size: UInt64 = 0
+                    for byte in value {
+                        size = (size << 8) | UInt64(byte)
+                    }
+                    if size > UInt64(FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes) {
+                        return nil
+                    }
+                    fileSize = size
+                }
+            case .mimeType:
+                mimeType = String(data: Data(value), encoding: .utf8)
+            case .content:
+                let proposedSize = content.count + value.count
+                if proposedSize > FileTransferLimits.maxPayloadBytes {
+                    return nil
+                }
+                content.append(contentsOf: value)
+            case nil:
+                continue
+            }
+        }
+
+        guard !content.isEmpty else { return nil }
+        guard FileTransferLimits.isValidPayload(content.count) else { return nil }
+        return BitchatFilePacket(
+            fileName: fileName,
+            fileSize: fileSize ?? UInt64(content.count),
+            mimeType: mimeType,
+            content: content
+        )
+    }
+}

bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift

@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ enum MessageType: UInt8 {
     
     // Fragmentation (simplified)
     case fragment = 0x20        // Single fragment type for large messages
+    case fileTransfer = 0x22    // Binary file/audio/image payloads
     
     var description: String {
         switch self {
@@ -89,6 +90,7 @@ enum MessageType: UInt8 {
         case .noiseHandshake: return "noiseHandshake"
         case .noiseEncrypted: return "noiseEncrypted"
         case .fragment: return "fragment"
+        case .fileTransfer: return "fileTransfer"
         }
     }
 }
@@ -176,7 +178,7 @@ protocol BitchatDelegate: AnyObject {
 
     // Bluetooth state updates for user notifications
     func didUpdateBluetoothState(_ state: CBManagerState)
-    func didReceivePublicMessage(from peerID: PeerID, nickname: String, content: String, timestamp: Date)
+    func didReceivePublicMessage(from peerID: PeerID, nickname: String, content: String, timestamp: Date, messageID: String?)
 }
 
 // Provide default implementation to make it effectively optional
@@ -193,7 +195,7 @@ extension BitchatDelegate {
         // Default empty implementation
     }
 
-    func didReceivePublicMessage(from peerID: PeerID, nickname: String, content: String, timestamp: Date) {
+    func didReceivePublicMessage(from peerID: PeerID, nickname: String, content: String, timestamp: Date, messageID: String?) {
         // Default empty implementation
     }
 }

bitchat/Protocols/Geohash.swift

@@ -119,4 +119,57 @@ enum Geohash {
         }
         return (latInterval.0, latInterval.1, lonInterval.0, lonInterval.1)
     }
+
+    /// Returns all 8 neighboring geohash cells at the same precision.
+    /// - Parameter geohash: Base32 geohash string.
+    /// - Returns: Array of 8 neighboring geohashes (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW order).
+    static func neighbors(of geohash: String) -> [String] {
+        guard !geohash.isEmpty else { return [] }
+
+        let precision = geohash.count
+        let bounds = decodeBounds(geohash)
+        let center = decodeCenter(geohash)
+
+        // Calculate cell dimensions
+        let latHeight = bounds.latMax - bounds.latMin
+        let lonWidth = bounds.lonMax - bounds.lonMin
+
+        // Helper to wrap longitude around ±180
+        func wrapLongitude(_ lon: Double) -> Double {
+            var wrapped = lon
+            while wrapped > 180.0 { wrapped -= 360.0 }
+            while wrapped < -180.0 { wrapped += 360.0 }
+            return wrapped
+        }
+
+        // Helper to clamp latitude to ±90
+        func clampLatitude(_ lat: Double) -> Double {
+            return max(-90.0, min(90.0, lat))
+        }
+
+        // Calculate 8 neighbor centers
+        let neighbors: [(lat: Double, lon: Double)] = [
+            (center.lat + latHeight, center.lon),                    // N
+            (center.lat + latHeight, center.lon + lonWidth),         // NE
+            (center.lat, center.lon + lonWidth),                     // E
+            (center.lat - latHeight, center.lon + lonWidth),         // SE
+            (center.lat - latHeight, center.lon),                    // S
+            (center.lat - latHeight, center.lon - lonWidth),         // SW
+            (center.lat, center.lon - lonWidth),                     // W
+            (center.lat + latHeight, center.lon - lonWidth)          // NW
+        ]
+
+        // Encode each neighbor, handling boundary conditions
+        return neighbors.compactMap { neighbor in
+            let lat = clampLatitude(neighbor.lat)
+            let lon = wrapLongitude(neighbor.lon)
+
+            // Skip if we've crossed a pole (latitude clamped to boundary)
+            if (neighbor.lat > 90.0 || neighbor.lat < -90.0) {
+                return nil
+            }
+
+            return encode(latitude: lat, longitude: lon, precision: precision)
+        }
+    }
 }

bitchat/Protocols/LocationChannel.swift

@@ -116,4 +116,18 @@ enum ChannelID: Equatable, Codable {
         case .location(let ch): return ch.geohash
         }
     }
+    
+    var isMesh: Bool {
+        switch self {
+        case .mesh:     true
+        case .location: false
+        }
+    }
+    
+    var isLocation: Bool {
+        switch self {
+        case .mesh:     false
+        case .location: true
+        }
+    }
 }

bitchat/Protocols/Packets.swift

@@ -6,11 +6,13 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
     let nickname: String
     let noisePublicKey: Data            // Noise static public key (Curve25519.KeyAgreement)
     let signingPublicKey: Data          // Ed25519 public key for signing
+    let directNeighbors: [Data]?        // 8-byte peer IDs
 
     private enum TLVType: UInt8 {
         case nickname = 0x01
         case noisePublicKey = 0x02
         case signingPublicKey = 0x03
+        case directNeighbors = 0x04
     }
 
     func encode() -> Data? {
@@ -35,6 +37,16 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
         data.append(TLVType.signingPublicKey.rawValue)
         data.append(UInt8(signingPublicKey.count))
         data.append(signingPublicKey)
+        
+        // TLV for direct neighbors (optional)
+        if let neighbors = directNeighbors, !neighbors.isEmpty {
+            let neighborsData = neighbors.prefix(10).reduce(Data()) { $0 + $1 }
+            if !neighborsData.isEmpty && neighborsData.count % 8 == 0 {
+                data.append(TLVType.directNeighbors.rawValue)
+                data.append(UInt8(neighborsData.count))
+                data.append(neighborsData)
+            }
+        }
 
         return data
     }
@@ -44,6 +56,7 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
         var nickname: String?
         var noisePublicKey: Data?
         var signingPublicKey: Data?
+        var directNeighbors: [Data]?
 
         while offset + 2 <= data.count {
             let typeRaw = data[offset]
@@ -63,6 +76,17 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
                     noisePublicKey = Data(value)
                 case .signingPublicKey:
                     signingPublicKey = Data(value)
+                case .directNeighbors:
+                    if length > 0 && length % 8 == 0 {
+                        var neighbors = [Data]()
+                        let count = length / 8
+                        for i in 0..<count {
+                            let start = value.startIndex + i * 8
+                            let end = start + 8
+                            neighbors.append(Data(value[start..<end]))
+                        }
+                        directNeighbors = neighbors
+                    }
                 }
             } else {
                 // Unknown TLV; skip (tolerant decoder for forward compatibility)
@@ -74,7 +98,8 @@ struct AnnouncementPacket {
         return AnnouncementPacket(
             nickname: nickname,
             noisePublicKey: noisePublicKey,
-            signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey
+            signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey,
+            directNeighbors: directNeighbors
         )
     }
 }

bitchat/Services/BLE/MimeType.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+//
+// MimeType.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import UniformTypeIdentifiers
+
+// MARK: - Extensions for missing UTTypes
+
+extension UTType {
+    static let webP = UTType(importedAs: "image/webp")
+    static let aac  = UTType(importedAs: "audio/aac")
+    static let m4a  = UTType(importedAs: "audio/m4a")
+    static let ogg  = UTType(importedAs: "audio/ogg")
+}
+
+// MARK: - MimeType Enum
+
+enum MimeType: CaseIterable, Hashable {
+    case jpeg
+    case jpg
+    case png
+    case gif
+    case webp
+    case mp4Audio
+    case m4a
+    case aac
+    case mpeg
+    case mp3
+    case wav
+    case xWav
+    case ogg
+    case pdf
+    case octetStream
+
+    var utType: UTType {
+        switch self {
+        case .jpeg, .jpg:   .jpeg
+        case .png:          .png
+        case .gif:          .gif
+        case .webp:         .webP
+        case .aac:          .aac
+        case .m4a:          .m4a
+        case .mp4Audio:     .mpeg4Audio
+        case .mp3, .mpeg:   .mp3
+        case .wav, .xWav:   .wav
+        case .ogg:          .ogg
+        case .pdf:          .pdf
+        case .octetStream:  .data
+        }
+    }
+    
+    var category: Category {
+        switch self {
+        case .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .gif, .webp:
+            return .image
+        case .aac, .m4a, .mp4Audio, .mpeg, .mp3, .wav, .xWav, .ogg:
+            return .audio
+        case .pdf, .octetStream:
+            return .file
+        }
+    }
+
+
+    var mimeString: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .jpeg, .jpg:   "image/jpeg"
+        case .png:          "image/png"
+        case .gif:          "image/gif"
+        case .webp:         "image/webp"
+        case .mp4Audio:     "audio/mp4"
+        case .m4a:          "audio/m4a"
+        case .aac:          "audio/aac"
+        case .mpeg:         "audio/mpeg"
+        case .mp3:          "audio/mp3"
+        case .wav:          "audio/wav"
+        case .xWav:         "audio/x-wav"
+        case .ogg:          "audio/ogg"
+        case .pdf:          "application/pdf"
+        case .octetStream:  "application/octet-stream"
+        }
+    }
+    
+    var defaultExtension: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .jpeg, .jpg:           "jpg"
+        case .png:                  "png"
+        case .webp:                 "webp"
+        case .gif:                  "gif"
+        case .mp4Audio, .m4a, .aac: "m4a"
+        case .mpeg, .mp3:           "mp3"
+        case .wav, .xWav:           "wav"
+        case .ogg:                  "ogg"
+        case .pdf:                  "pdf"
+        case .octetStream:          "bin"
+        }
+    }
+
+    static var allowed: Set<MimeType> = [
+        .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .gif, .webp,
+        .mp4Audio, .m4a, .aac, .mpeg, .mp3,
+        .wav, .xWav, .ogg,
+        .pdf, .octetStream
+    ]
+
+    var isAllowed: Bool {
+        Self.allowed.contains(self)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Byte signature validation
+    func matches(data: Data) -> Bool {
+        guard !data.isEmpty else { return false }
+
+        // Generic type → skip validation
+        if self == .octetStream { return true }
+
+        switch self {
+        case .jpeg, .jpg:
+            return data.count >= 3 && data[0] == 0xFF && data[1] == 0xD8 && data[2] == 0xFF
+
+        case .png:
+            return data.count >= 8 &&
+                   data[0] == 0x89 && data[1] == 0x50 && data[2] == 0x4E && data[3] == 0x47 &&
+                   data[4] == 0x0D && data[5] == 0x0A && data[6] == 0x1A && data[7] == 0x0A
+
+        case .gif:
+            return data.count >= 6 && data[0] == 0x47 && data[1] == 0x49 && data[2] == 0x46 &&
+                   data[3] == 0x38 && (data[4] == 0x37 || data[4] == 0x39) && data[5] == 0x61
+
+        case .webp:
+            return data.count >= 12 &&
+                   data[0] == 0x52 && data[1] == 0x49 && data[2] == 0x46 && data[3] == 0x46 &&
+                   data[8] == 0x57 && data[9] == 0x45 && data[10] == 0x42 && data[11] == 0x50
+
+        case .m4a, .mp4Audio, .aac:
+            // AVAudioRecorder output varies by platform - be lenient
+            // Security: size already capped + sandboxed execution
+            return data.count > 100
+
+        case .mpeg, .mp3:
+            if data.count >= 3 && data[0] == 0x49 && data[1] == 0x44 && data[2] == 0x33 {
+                return true // ID3 header
+            }
+            return data.count >= 2 && data[0] == 0xFF && (data[1] & 0xE0) == 0xE0
+
+        case .wav, .xWav:
+            return data.count >= 12 &&
+                   data[0] == 0x52 && data[1] == 0x49 && data[2] == 0x46 && data[3] == 0x46 &&
+                   data[8] == 0x57 && data[9] == 0x41 && data[10] == 0x56 && data[11] == 0x45
+
+        case .ogg:
+            return data.count >= 4 &&
+                   data[0] == 0x4F && data[1] == 0x67 && data[2] == 0x67 && data[3] == 0x53
+
+        case .pdf:
+            return data.count >= 4 &&
+                   data[0] == 0x25 && data[1] == 0x50 && data[2] == 0x44 && data[3] == 0x46
+
+        default:
+            return false
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Convenience Initializers
+
+    init?(_ mimeString: String?) {
+        guard let mimeString else { return nil }
+        
+        let normalized = mimeString.lowercased()
+
+        // Direct match with our canonical list
+        if let match = MimeType.allCases.first(where: { $0.mimeString == normalized }) {
+            self = match
+            return
+        }
+
+        // Let UTType normalize aliases like "image/jpg", "audio/x-wav", etc.
+        if let type = UTType(mimeType: normalized),
+           let match = MimeType.allCases.first(where: { type.conforms(to: $0.utType) }) {
+            self = match
+            return
+        }
+
+        return nil
+    }
+}
+
+extension MimeType {
+    enum Category: String {
+        case audio, image, file
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/CommandProcessor.swift

@@ -15,18 +15,66 @@ enum CommandResult {
     case handled  // Command handled, no message needed
 }
 
+/// Simple struct for geo participant info used by CommandProcessor
+struct CommandGeoParticipant {
+    let id: String        // pubkey hex (lowercased)
+    let displayName: String
+}
+
+/// Protocol defining what CommandProcessor needs from its context.
+/// This breaks the circular dependency between CommandProcessor and ChatViewModel.
+@MainActor
+protocol CommandContextProvider: AnyObject {
+    // MARK: - State Properties
+    var nickname: String { get }
+    var selectedPrivateChatPeer: PeerID? { get }
+    var blockedUsers: Set<String> { get }
+    var privateChats: [PeerID: [BitchatMessage]] { get set }
+    var idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge { get }
+
+    // MARK: - Peer Lookup
+    func getPeerIDForNickname(_ nickname: String) -> PeerID?
+    func getVisibleGeoParticipants() -> [CommandGeoParticipant]
+    func nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(_ displayName: String) -> String?
+
+    // MARK: - Chat Actions
+    func startPrivateChat(with peerID: PeerID)
+    func sendPrivateMessage(_ content: String, to peerID: PeerID)
+    func clearCurrentPublicTimeline()
+    func sendPublicRaw(_ content: String)
+
+    // MARK: - System Messages
+    func addLocalPrivateSystemMessage(_ content: String, to peerID: PeerID)
+    func addPublicSystemMessage(_ content: String)
+
+    // MARK: - Favorites
+    func toggleFavorite(peerID: PeerID)
+    func sendFavoriteNotification(to peerID: PeerID, isFavorite: Bool)
+}
+
 /// Processes chat commands in a focused, efficient way
 @MainActor
 final class CommandProcessor {
-    weak var chatViewModel: ChatViewModel?
+    weak var contextProvider: CommandContextProvider?
     weak var meshService: Transport?
     private let identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol
-    
-    init(chatViewModel: ChatViewModel? = nil, meshService: Transport? = nil, identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol) {
-        self.chatViewModel = chatViewModel
+
+    /// Backward-compatible property for existing code
+    weak var chatViewModel: CommandContextProvider? {
+        get { contextProvider }
+        set { contextProvider = newValue }
+    }
+
+    init(contextProvider: CommandContextProvider? = nil, meshService: Transport? = nil, identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol) {
+        self.contextProvider = contextProvider
         self.meshService = meshService
         self.identityManager = identityManager
     }
+
+    /// Backward-compatible initializer
+    convenience init(chatViewModel: ChatViewModel? = nil, meshService: Transport? = nil, identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol) {
+        self.init(contextProvider: chatViewModel, meshService: meshService, identityManager: identityManager)
+    }
     
     /// Process a command string
     @MainActor
@@ -42,7 +90,7 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
             case .location: return true
             }
         }()
-        let inGeoDM = (chatViewModel?.selectedPrivateChatPeer?.hasPrefix("nostr_") == true)
+        let inGeoDM = contextProvider?.selectedPrivateChatPeer?.isGeoDM == true
 
         switch cmd {
         case "/m", "/msg":
@@ -65,14 +113,11 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         case "/unfav":
             if inGeoPublic || inGeoDM { return .error(message: "favorites are only for mesh peers in #mesh") }
             return handleFavorite(args, add: false)
-        //
-        case "/help", "/h":
-            return .error(message: "unknown command: \(cmd)")
         default:
             return .error(message: "unknown command: \(cmd)")
         }
     }
-    
+
     // MARK: - Command Handlers
     
     private func handleMessage(_ args: String) -> CommandResult {
@@ -84,15 +129,15 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         let targetName = String(parts[0])
         let nickname = targetName.hasPrefix("@") ? String(targetName.dropFirst()) : targetName
         
-        guard let peerID = chatViewModel?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname) else {
+        guard let peerID = contextProvider?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname) else {
             return .error(message: "'\(nickname)' not found")
         }
-        
-        chatViewModel?.startPrivateChat(with: peerID)
-        
+
+        contextProvider?.startPrivateChat(with: peerID)
+
         if parts.count > 1 {
             let message = String(parts[1])
-            chatViewModel?.sendPrivateMessage(message, to: peerID)
+            contextProvider?.sendPrivateMessage(message, to: peerID)
         }
         
         return .success(message: "started private chat with \(nickname)")
@@ -103,9 +148,9 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         switch LocationChannelManager.shared.selectedChannel {
         case .location(let ch):
             // Geohash context: show visible geohash participants (exclude self)
-            guard let vm = chatViewModel else { return .success(message: "nobody around") }
-            let myHex = (try? NostrIdentityBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: ch.geohash))?.publicKeyHex.lowercased()
-            let people = vm.visibleGeohashPeople().filter { person in
+            guard let vm = contextProvider else { return .success(message: "nobody around") }
+            let myHex = (try? vm.idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: ch.geohash))?.publicKeyHex.lowercased()
+            let people = vm.getVisibleGeoParticipants().filter { person in
                 if let me = myHex { return person.id.lowercased() != me }
                 return true
             }
@@ -123,10 +168,10 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
     }
     
     private func handleClear() -> CommandResult {
-        if let peerID = chatViewModel?.selectedPrivateChatPeer {
-            chatViewModel?.privateChats[peerID]?.removeAll()
+        if let peerID = contextProvider?.selectedPrivateChatPeer {
+            contextProvider?.privateChats[peerID]?.removeAll()
         } else {
-            chatViewModel?.clearCurrentPublicTimeline()
+            contextProvider?.clearCurrentPublicTimeline()
         }
         return .handled
     }
@@ -139,18 +184,18 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         
         let nickname = targetName.hasPrefix("@") ? String(targetName.dropFirst()) : targetName
         
-        guard let targetPeerID = chatViewModel?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
-              let myNickname = chatViewModel?.nickname else {
+        guard let targetPeerID = contextProvider?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
+              let myNickname = contextProvider?.nickname else {
             return .error(message: "cannot \(command) \(nickname): not found")
         }
         
         let emoteContent = "* \(emoji) \(myNickname) \(action) \(nickname)\(suffix) *"
         
-        if chatViewModel?.selectedPrivateChatPeer != nil {
+        if contextProvider?.selectedPrivateChatPeer != nil {
             // In private chat
-            if let peerNickname = meshService?.peerNickname(peerID: PeerID(str: targetPeerID)) {
+            if let peerNickname = meshService?.peerNickname(peerID: targetPeerID) {
                 let personalMessage = "* \(emoji) \(myNickname) \(action) you\(suffix) *"
-                meshService?.sendPrivateMessage(personalMessage, to: PeerID(str: targetPeerID),
+                meshService?.sendPrivateMessage(personalMessage, to: targetPeerID,
                                                recipientNickname: peerNickname,
                                                messageID: UUID().uuidString)
                 // Also add a local system message so the sender sees a natural-language confirmation
@@ -162,13 +207,13 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
                     }
                 }()
                 let localText = "\(emoji) you \(pastAction) \(nickname)\(suffix)"
-                chatViewModel?.addLocalPrivateSystemMessage(localText, to: targetPeerID)
+                contextProvider?.addLocalPrivateSystemMessage(localText, to: targetPeerID)
             }
         } else {
             // In public chat: send to active public channel (mesh or geohash)
-            chatViewModel?.sendPublicRaw(emoteContent)
+            contextProvider?.sendPublicRaw(emoteContent)
             let publicEcho = "\(emoji) \(myNickname) \(action) \(nickname)\(suffix)"
-            chatViewModel?.addPublicSystemMessage(publicEcho)
+            contextProvider?.addPublicSystemMessage(publicEcho)
         }
         
         return .handled
@@ -179,7 +224,7 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         
         if targetName.isEmpty {
             // List blocked users (mesh) and geohash (Nostr) blocks
-            let meshBlocked = chatViewModel?.blockedUsers ?? []
+            let meshBlocked = contextProvider?.blockedUsers ?? []
             var blockedNicknames: [String] = []
             if let peers = meshService?.getPeerNicknames() {
                 for (peerID, nickname) in peers {
@@ -193,8 +238,8 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
             // Geohash blocked names (prefer visible display names; fallback to #suffix)
             let geoBlocked = Array(identityManager.getBlockedNostrPubkeys())
             var geoNames: [String] = []
-            if let vm = chatViewModel {
-                let visible = vm.visibleGeohashPeople()
+            if let vm = contextProvider {
+                let visible = vm.getVisibleGeoParticipants()
                 let visibleIndex = Dictionary(uniqueKeysWithValues: visible.map { ($0.id.lowercased(), $0.displayName) })
                 for pk in geoBlocked {
                     if let name = visibleIndex[pk.lowercased()] {
@@ -213,8 +258,8 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         
         let nickname = targetName.hasPrefix("@") ? String(targetName.dropFirst()) : targetName
         
-        if let peerID = chatViewModel?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
-           let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: PeerID(str: peerID)) {
+        if let peerID = contextProvider?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
+           let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: peerID) {
             if identityManager.isBlocked(fingerprint: fingerprint) {
                 return .success(message: "\(nickname) is already blocked")
             }
@@ -238,7 +283,7 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
             return .success(message: "blocked \(nickname). you will no longer receive messages from them")
         }
         // Mesh lookup failed; try geohash (Nostr) participant by display name
-        if let pub = chatViewModel?.nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(nickname) {
+        if let pub = contextProvider?.nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(nickname) {
             if identityManager.isNostrBlocked(pubkeyHexLowercased: pub) {
                 return .success(message: "\(nickname) is already blocked")
             }
@@ -257,8 +302,8 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         
         let nickname = targetName.hasPrefix("@") ? String(targetName.dropFirst()) : targetName
         
-        if let peerID = chatViewModel?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
-           let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: PeerID(str: peerID)) {
+        if let peerID = contextProvider?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
+           let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: peerID) {
             if !identityManager.isBlocked(fingerprint: fingerprint) {
                 return .success(message: "\(nickname) is not blocked")
             }
@@ -266,7 +311,7 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
             return .success(message: "unblocked \(nickname)")
         }
         // Try geohash unblock
-        if let pub = chatViewModel?.nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(nickname) {
+        if let pub = contextProvider?.nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(nickname) {
             if !identityManager.isNostrBlocked(pubkeyHexLowercased: pub) {
                 return .success(message: "\(nickname) is not blocked")
             }
@@ -284,8 +329,8 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
         
         let nickname = targetName.hasPrefix("@") ? String(targetName.dropFirst()) : targetName
         
-        guard let peerID = chatViewModel?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
-              let noisePublicKey = Data(hexString: peerID) else {
+        guard let peerID = contextProvider?.getPeerIDForNickname(nickname),
+              let noisePublicKey = Data(hexString: peerID.id) else {
             return .error(message: "can't find peer: \(nickname)")
         }
         
@@ -297,33 +342,18 @@ final class CommandProcessor {
                 peerNickname: nickname
             )
             
-            chatViewModel?.toggleFavorite(peerID: peerID)
-            chatViewModel?.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: true)
+            contextProvider?.toggleFavorite(peerID: peerID)
+            contextProvider?.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: true)
             
             return .success(message: "added \(nickname) to favorites")
         } else {
             FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.removeFavorite(peerNoisePublicKey: noisePublicKey)
             
-            chatViewModel?.toggleFavorite(peerID: peerID)
-            chatViewModel?.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: false)
+            contextProvider?.toggleFavorite(peerID: peerID)
+            contextProvider?.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: false)
             
             return .success(message: "removed \(nickname) from favorites")
         }
     }
     
-    private func handleHelp() -> CommandResult {
-        let helpText = """
-        commands:
-        /msg @name - start private chat
-        /who - list who's online
-        /clear - clear messages
-        /hug @name - send a hug
-        /slap @name - slap with a trout
-        /fav @name - add to favorites
-        /unfav @name - remove from favorites
-        /block @name - block
-        /unblock @name - unblock
-        """
-        return .success(message: helpText)
-    }
 }

bitchat/Services/FavoritesPersistenceService.swift

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
 
     private static let storageKey = "chat.bitchat.favorites"
     private static let keychainService = "chat.bitchat.favorites"
+    private let keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol
     
     @Published private(set) var favorites: [Data: FavoriteRelationship] = [:] // Noise pubkey -> relationship
     @Published private(set) var mutualFavorites: Set<Data> = []
@@ -34,8 +35,9 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
     private var cancellables = Set<AnyCancellable>()
     
     static let shared = FavoritesPersistenceService()
-    
-    private init() {
+
+    init(keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol = KeychainManager()) {
+        self.keychain = keychain
         loadFavorites()
         
         // Update mutual favorites when favorites change
@@ -196,7 +198,7 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
         saveFavorites()
         
         // Delete from keychain directly
-        KeychainHelper.delete(
+        keychain.delete(
             key: Self.storageKey,
             service: Self.keychainService
         )
@@ -216,10 +218,11 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
             let data = try encoder.encode(relationships)
             
             // Store in keychain for security
-            KeychainHelper.save(
+            keychain.save(
                 key: Self.storageKey,
                 data: data,
-                service: Self.keychainService
+                service: Self.keychainService,
+                accessible: nil
             )
             
             // Successfully saved favorites
@@ -231,7 +234,7 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
     private func loadFavorites() {
         // Loading favorites from keychain
         
-        guard let data = KeychainHelper.load(
+        guard let data = keychain.load(
             key: Self.storageKey,
             service: Self.keychainService
         ) else { 

bitchat/Services/GeohashBookmarksStore.swift

@@ -1,230 +0,0 @@
-import Foundation
-import Combine
-#if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
-import CoreLocation
-#endif
-
-/// Stores a user-maintained list of bookmarked geohash channels.
-/// - Persistence: UserDefaults (JSON string array)
-/// - Semantics: geohashes are normalized to lowercase base32 and de-duplicated
-final class GeohashBookmarksStore: ObservableObject {
-    static let shared = GeohashBookmarksStore()
-
-    @Published private(set) var bookmarks: [String] = []
-    @Published private(set) var bookmarkNames: [String: String] = [:] // geohash -> friendly name
-
-    private let storeKey = "locationChannel.bookmarks"
-    private let namesStoreKey = "locationChannel.bookmarkNames"
-    private var membership: Set<String> = []
-    #if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
-    private let geocoder = CLGeocoder()
-    private var resolving: Set<String> = []
-    #endif
-    
-    private let storage: UserDefaults
-
-    init(storage: UserDefaults = .standard) {
-        self.storage = storage
-        load()
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Public API
-    func isBookmarked(_ geohash: String) -> Bool {
-        return membership.contains(Self.normalize(geohash))
-    }
-
-    func toggle(_ geohash: String) {
-        let gh = Self.normalize(geohash)
-        if membership.contains(gh) {
-            remove(gh)
-        } else {
-            add(gh)
-        }
-    }
-
-    func add(_ geohash: String) {
-        let gh = Self.normalize(geohash)
-        guard !gh.isEmpty else { return }
-        guard !membership.contains(gh) else { return }
-        bookmarks.insert(gh, at: 0)
-        membership.insert(gh)
-        persist()
-        // Resolve and persist a friendly name once when added
-        resolveNameIfNeeded(for: gh)
-    }
-
-    func remove(_ geohash: String) {
-        let gh = Self.normalize(geohash)
-        guard membership.contains(gh) else { return }
-        if let idx = bookmarks.firstIndex(of: gh) { bookmarks.remove(at: idx) }
-        membership.remove(gh)
-        // Clean up stored name to avoid stale cache growth
-        if bookmarkNames.removeValue(forKey: gh) != nil {
-            persistNames()
-        }
-        persist()
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Persistence
-    private func load() {
-        guard let data = storage.data(forKey: storeKey) else { return }
-        if let arr = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String].self, from: data) {
-            // Sanitize, normalize, dedupe while preserving order (first occurrence wins)
-            var seen = Set<String>()
-            var list: [String] = []
-            for raw in arr {
-                let gh = Self.normalize(raw)
-                guard !gh.isEmpty else { continue }
-                if !seen.contains(gh) {
-                    seen.insert(gh)
-                    list.append(gh)
-                }
-            }
-            bookmarks = list
-            membership = seen
-        }
-        // Load any saved names
-        if let namesData = storage.data(forKey: namesStoreKey),
-           let dict = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String: String].self, from: namesData) {
-            bookmarkNames = dict
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func persist() {
-        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(bookmarks) {
-            storage.set(data, forKey: storeKey)
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func persistNames() {
-        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(bookmarkNames) {
-            storage.set(data, forKey: namesStoreKey)
-        }
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Helpers
-    private static func normalize(_ s: String) -> String {
-        let allowed = Set("0123456789bcdefghjkmnpqrstuvwxyz")
-        return s
-            .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
-            .lowercased()
-            .replacingOccurrences(of: "#", with: "")
-            .filter { allowed.contains($0) }
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Name Resolution
-    /// Attempt to resolve and persist a friendly place name for a bookmarked geohash.
-    func resolveNameIfNeeded(for geohash: String) {
-        let gh = Self.normalize(geohash)
-        guard !gh.isEmpty else { return }
-        if bookmarkNames[gh] != nil { return }
-        #if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
-        if resolving.contains(gh) { return }
-        resolving.insert(gh)
-        // For very coarse geohashes, sample multiple points to capture multiple admin areas
-        if gh.count <= 2 {
-            let b = Geohash.decodeBounds(gh)
-            let pts: [CLLocation] = [
-                CLLocation(latitude: (b.latMin + b.latMax) / 2, longitude: (b.lonMin + b.lonMax) / 2), // center
-                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMin, longitude: b.lonMin),
-                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMin, longitude: b.lonMax),
-                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMax, longitude: b.lonMin),
-                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMax, longitude: b.lonMax)
-            ]
-            resolveCompositeAdminName(geohash: gh, points: pts)
-        } else {
-            let center = Geohash.decodeCenter(gh)
-            let loc = CLLocation(latitude: center.lat, longitude: center.lon)
-            geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(loc) { [weak self] placemarks, _ in
-                guard let self = self else { return }
-                defer { self.resolving.remove(gh) }
-                if let pm = placemarks?.first {
-                    let name = Self.nameForGeohashLength(gh.count, from: pm)
-                    if let name = name, !name.isEmpty {
-                        DispatchQueue.main.async {
-                            self.bookmarkNames[gh] = name
-                            self.persistNames()
-                        }
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        #endif
-    }
-
-    #if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
-    private func resolveCompositeAdminName(geohash gh: String, points: [CLLocation]) {
-        var uniqueAdmins = OrderedSet<String>()
-        var idx = 0
-        func step() {
-            if idx >= points.count {
-                // Compose up to 2 names joined by ' and '
-                let finalName: String? = {
-                    let names = uniqueAdmins.array
-                    if names.count >= 2 { return names[0] + " and " + names[1] }
-                    return names.first
-                }()
-                if let finalName = finalName, !finalName.isEmpty {
-                    DispatchQueue.main.async {
-                        self.bookmarkNames[gh] = finalName
-                        self.persistNames()
-                    }
-                }
-                self.resolving.remove(gh)
-                return
-            }
-            let loc = points[idx]
-            idx += 1
-            geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(loc) { [weak self] placemarks, _ in
-                guard self != nil else { return }
-                if let pm = placemarks?.first {
-                    if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty {
-                        uniqueAdmins.insert(admin)
-                    } else if let country = pm.country, !country.isEmpty {
-                        uniqueAdmins.insert(country)
-                    }
-                }
-                // Proceed to next point
-                step()
-            }
-        }
-        step()
-    }
-
-    // Minimal ordered-set for stable joining
-    private struct OrderedSet<Element: Hashable> {
-        private var set: Set<Element> = []
-        private(set) var array: [Element] = []
-        mutating func insert(_ element: Element) {
-            if set.insert(element).inserted { array.append(element) }
-        }
-    }
-
-    private static func nameForGeohashLength(_ len: Int, from pm: CLPlacemark) -> String? {
-        switch len {
-        case 0...2:
-            // Prefer administrative area if available at this coarse level
-            return pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.country
-        case 3...4:
-            return pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.subAdministrativeArea ?? pm.country
-        case 5:
-            return pm.locality ?? pm.subAdministrativeArea ?? pm.administrativeArea
-        case 6...7:
-            return pm.subLocality ?? pm.locality ?? pm.administrativeArea
-        default:
-            return pm.subLocality ?? pm.locality ?? pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.country
-        }
-    }
-    #endif
-
-    #if DEBUG
-    /// Testing-only reset helper
-    func _resetForTesting() {
-        bookmarks.removeAll()
-        membership.removeAll()
-        bookmarkNames.removeAll()
-        persist()
-        persistNames()
-    }
-    #endif
-}

bitchat/Services/GeohashParticipantTracker.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+//
+// GeohashParticipantTracker.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Tracks participants in geohash-based location channels.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+/// Represents a participant in a geohash channel
+public struct GeoPerson: Identifiable, Equatable, Sendable {
+    public let id: String        // pubkey hex (lowercased)
+    public let displayName: String
+    public let lastSeen: Date
+
+    public init(id: String, displayName: String, lastSeen: Date) {
+        self.id = id
+        self.displayName = displayName
+        self.lastSeen = lastSeen
+    }
+}
+
+/// Protocol for resolving display names and checking block status
+@MainActor
+public protocol GeohashParticipantContext: AnyObject {
+    /// Returns display name for a Nostr pubkey (e.g., "alice#a1b2" or "anon#c3d4")
+    func displayNameForPubkey(_ pubkeyHex: String) -> String
+    /// Returns true if the pubkey is blocked
+    func isBlocked(_ pubkeyHexLowercased: String) -> Bool
+}
+
+/// Tracks participants across multiple geohash channels
+@MainActor
+public final class GeohashParticipantTracker: ObservableObject {
+
+    /// Activity cutoff duration (defaults to 5 minutes)
+    public let activityCutoff: TimeInterval
+
+    /// Per-geohash participant map: [geohash: [pubkeyHex: lastSeen]]
+    private var participants: [String: [String: Date]] = [:]
+
+    /// Currently visible people for the active geohash
+    @Published public private(set) var visiblePeople: [GeoPerson] = []
+
+    /// The currently active geohash (if any)
+    private var activeGeohash: String?
+
+    /// Context for display name resolution and block checking
+    private weak var context: GeohashParticipantContext?
+
+    /// Timer for periodic refresh
+    private var refreshTimer: Timer?
+
+    public init(activityCutoff: TimeInterval = -300) { // default 5 minutes
+        self.activityCutoff = activityCutoff
+    }
+
+    /// Configure with a context provider
+    public func configure(context: GeohashParticipantContext) {
+        self.context = context
+    }
+
+    /// Set the currently active geohash
+    public func setActiveGeohash(_ geohash: String?) {
+        activeGeohash = geohash
+        if geohash == nil {
+            visiblePeople = []
+        } else {
+            refresh()
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Record activity from a participant in the current active geohash
+    public func recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: String) {
+        guard let gh = activeGeohash else { return }
+        recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: pubkeyHex, geohash: gh)
+    }
+
+    /// Record activity from a participant in a specific geohash
+    public func recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: String, geohash: String) {
+        let key = pubkeyHex.lowercased()
+        var map = participants[geohash] ?? [:]
+        map[key] = Date()
+        participants[geohash] = map
+
+        // Only refresh visible list if this geohash is currently active
+        if activeGeohash == geohash {
+            refresh()
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Remove a participant from all geohashes (used when blocking)
+    public func removeParticipant(pubkeyHex: String) {
+        let key = pubkeyHex.lowercased()
+        for (gh, var map) in participants {
+            map.removeValue(forKey: key)
+            participants[gh] = map
+        }
+        refresh()
+    }
+
+    /// Get participant count for a specific geohash
+    public func participantCount(for geohash: String) -> Int {
+        let cutoff = Date().addingTimeInterval(activityCutoff)
+        let map = participants[geohash] ?? [:]
+        return map.values.filter { $0 >= cutoff }.count
+    }
+
+    /// Get the visible people list for the active geohash (read-only query)
+    public func getVisiblePeople() -> [GeoPerson] {
+        guard let gh = activeGeohash, let context = context else { return [] }
+        let cutoff = Date().addingTimeInterval(activityCutoff)
+        let map = (participants[gh] ?? [:])
+            .filter { $0.value >= cutoff }
+            .filter { !context.isBlocked($0.key) }
+
+        return map
+            .map { (pub, seen) in
+                GeoPerson(id: pub, displayName: context.displayNameForPubkey(pub), lastSeen: seen)
+            }
+            .sorted { $0.lastSeen > $1.lastSeen }
+    }
+
+    /// Refresh the visible people list
+    public func refresh() {
+        visiblePeople = getVisiblePeople()
+    }
+
+    /// Start the periodic refresh timer
+    public func startRefreshTimer(interval: TimeInterval = 30.0) {
+        stopRefreshTimer()
+        refreshTimer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: interval, repeats: true) { [weak self] _ in
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self?.refresh()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Stop the periodic refresh timer
+    public func stopRefreshTimer() {
+        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
+        refreshTimer = nil
+    }
+
+    /// Clear all participant data
+    public func clear() {
+        participants.removeAll()
+        visiblePeople = []
+    }
+
+    /// Clear participant data for a specific geohash
+    public func clear(geohash: String) {
+        participants.removeValue(forKey: geohash)
+        if activeGeohash == geohash {
+            visiblePeople = []
+        }
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/KeychainManager.swift

@@ -15,11 +15,19 @@ protocol KeychainManagerProtocol {
     func getIdentityKey(forKey key: String) -> Data?
     func deleteIdentityKey(forKey key: String) -> Bool
     func deleteAllKeychainData() -> Bool
-    
+
     func secureClear(_ data: inout Data)
     func secureClear(_ string: inout String)
-    
+
     func verifyIdentityKeyExists() -> Bool
+
+    // MARK: - Generic Data Storage (consolidated from KeychainHelper)
+    /// Save data with a custom service name
+    func save(key: String, data: Data, service: String, accessible: CFString?)
+    /// Load data from a custom service
+    func load(key: String, service: String) -> Data?
+    /// Delete data from a custom service
+    func delete(key: String, service: String)
 }
 
 final class KeychainManager: KeychainManagerProtocol {
@@ -27,34 +35,6 @@ final class KeychainManager: KeychainManagerProtocol {
     private let service = BitchatApp.bundleID
     private let appGroup = "group.\(BitchatApp.bundleID)"
     
-    private func isSandboxed() -> Bool {
-        #if os(macOS)
-        // More robust sandbox detection using multiple methods
-        
-        // Method 1: Check environment variable (can be spoofed)
-        let environment = ProcessInfo.processInfo.environment
-        let hasEnvVar = environment["APP_SANDBOX_CONTAINER_ID"] != nil
-        
-        // Method 2: Check if we can access a path outside sandbox
-        let homeDir = FileManager.default.homeDirectoryForCurrentUser
-        let testPath = homeDir.appendingPathComponent("../../../tmp/bitchat_sandbox_test_\(UUID().uuidString)")
-        let canWriteOutsideSandbox = FileManager.default.createFile(atPath: testPath.path, contents: nil, attributes: nil)
-        if canWriteOutsideSandbox {
-            try? FileManager.default.removeItem(at: testPath)
-        }
-        
-        // Method 3: Check container path
-        let containerPath = FileManager.default.urls(for: .libraryDirectory, in: .userDomainMask).first?.path ?? ""
-        let hasContainerPath = containerPath.contains("/Containers/")
-        
-        // If any method indicates sandbox, we consider it sandboxed
-        return hasEnvVar || !canWriteOutsideSandbox || hasContainerPath
-        #else
-        // iOS is always sandboxed
-        return true
-        #endif
-    }
-    
     // MARK: - Identity Keys
     
     func saveIdentityKey(_ keyData: Data, forKey key: String) -> Bool {
@@ -337,9 +317,54 @@ final class KeychainManager: KeychainManagerProtocol {
     }
     
     // MARK: - Debug
-    
+
     func verifyIdentityKeyExists() -> Bool {
         let key = "identity_noiseStaticKey"
         return retrieveData(forKey: key) != nil
     }
+
+    // MARK: - Generic Data Storage (consolidated from KeychainHelper)
+
+    /// Save data with a custom service name
+    func save(key: String, data: Data, service customService: String, accessible: CFString?) {
+        var query: [String: Any] = [
+            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
+            kSecAttrService as String: customService,
+            kSecAttrAccount as String: key,
+            kSecValueData as String: data
+        ]
+        if let accessible = accessible {
+            query[kSecAttrAccessible as String] = accessible
+        }
+
+        SecItemDelete(query as CFDictionary)
+        SecItemAdd(query as CFDictionary, nil)
+    }
+
+    /// Load data from a custom service
+    func load(key: String, service customService: String) -> Data? {
+        let query: [String: Any] = [
+            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
+            kSecAttrService as String: customService,
+            kSecAttrAccount as String: key,
+            kSecReturnData as String: true
+        ]
+
+        var result: AnyObject?
+        let status = SecItemCopyMatching(query as CFDictionary, &result)
+
+        guard status == errSecSuccess else { return nil }
+        return result as? Data
+    }
+
+    /// Delete data from a custom service
+    func delete(key: String, service customService: String) {
+        let query: [String: Any] = [
+            kSecClass as String: kSecClassGenericPassword,
+            kSecAttrService as String: customService,
+            kSecAttrAccount as String: key
+        ]
+
+        SecItemDelete(query as CFDictionary)
+    }
 }

bitchat/Services/LocationChannelManager.swift

@@ -1,304 +0,0 @@
-import BitLogger
-import Foundation
-import Combine
-
-#if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
-import CoreLocation
-
-/// Manages location permissions, one-shot location retrieval, and computing geohash channels.
-/// Not main-actor isolated to satisfy CLLocationManagerDelegate in Swift 6; state updates hop to MainActor.
-final class LocationChannelManager: NSObject, CLLocationManagerDelegate, ObservableObject {
-    static let shared = LocationChannelManager()
-
-    enum PermissionState: Equatable {
-        case notDetermined
-        case denied
-        case restricted
-        case authorized
-    }
-
-    private let cl = CLLocationManager()
-    private let geocoder = CLGeocoder()
-    private var lastLocation: CLLocation?
-    private var refreshTimer: Timer?
-    private let userDefaultsKey = "locationChannel.selected"
-    private let teleportedStoreKey = "locationChannel.teleportedSet"
-    private var isGeocoding: Bool = false
-
-    // Published state for UI bindings
-    @Published private(set) var permissionState: PermissionState = .notDetermined
-    @Published private(set) var availableChannels: [GeohashChannel] = []
-    @Published private(set) var selectedChannel: ChannelID = .mesh
-    // True when the current location channel was selected via manual teleport
-    @Published var teleported: Bool = false
-    @Published private(set) var locationNames: [GeohashChannelLevel: String] = [:]
-
-    // Persisted set of geohashes that were selected via teleport
-    private var teleportedSet: Set<String> = []
-
-    private override init() {
-        super.init()
-        cl.delegate = self
-        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyHundredMeters
-        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterMeters // meters; we're not tracking continuously
-        // Load selection
-        if let data = UserDefaults.standard.data(forKey: userDefaultsKey),
-           let channel = try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelID.self, from: data) {
-            selectedChannel = channel
-        }
-        // Load persisted teleported set
-        if let data = UserDefaults.standard.data(forKey: teleportedStoreKey),
-           let arr = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String].self, from: data) {
-            teleportedSet = Set(arr)
-        }
-        // Do not eagerly mark teleported on startup; wait for location to compute regional set.
-        // This avoids showing teleported for in-region channels during cold start.
-        let status: CLAuthorizationStatus
-        if #available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *) {
-            status = cl.authorizationStatus
-        } else {
-            status = CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus()
-        }
-        updatePermissionState(from: status)
-        // If we don't have location authorization at startup, fall back to persisted teleport state
-        switch status {
-        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized:
-            break // will compute from location
-        default:
-            if case .location(let ch) = selectedChannel {
-                teleported = teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash)
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Public API
-    func enableLocationChannels() {
-        let status: CLAuthorizationStatus
-        if #available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *) {
-            status = cl.authorizationStatus
-        } else {
-            status = CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus()
-        }
-        switch status {
-        case .notDetermined:
-            cl.requestWhenInUseAuthorization()
-        case .restricted:
-            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .restricted }
-        case .denied:
-            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .denied }
-        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized:
-            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .authorized }
-            requestOneShotLocation()
-        @unknown default:
-            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .restricted }
-        }
-    }
-
-    func refreshChannels() {
-        if permissionState == .authorized {
-            requestOneShotLocation()
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Begin continuous, distance-filtered updates while the channel sheet is visible.
-    /// Uses a 21m filter (configurable) to only refresh on meaningful movement.
-    func beginLiveRefresh(interval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.locationLiveRefreshInterval) {
-        guard permissionState == .authorized else { return }
-        // Stop any previous polling timer
-        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
-        refreshTimer = nil
-        // Tighten accuracy and distance filter for live view
-        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyNearestTenMeters
-        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterLiveMeters
-        // Start continuous updates
-        cl.startUpdatingLocation()
-        // Request an immediate fix to populate UI without waiting for movement
-        requestOneShotLocation()
-    }
-
-    /// Stop continuous refreshes when selector UI is dismissed.
-    func endLiveRefresh() {
-        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
-        refreshTimer = nil
-        cl.stopUpdatingLocation()
-        // Restore more relaxed defaults for background/idle state
-        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyHundredMeters
-        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterMeters
-    }
-
-    func select(_ channel: ChannelID) {
-        Task { @MainActor in
-            self.selectedChannel = channel
-            if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(channel) {
-                UserDefaults.standard.set(data, forKey: self.userDefaultsKey)
-            }
-            // Update teleported flag based on persisted state for immediate UI behavior
-            switch channel {
-            case .mesh:
-                self.teleported = false
-            case .location(let ch):
-                // If this geohash is in our current regional set, do NOT mark teleported.
-                let inRegional = self.availableChannels.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
-                if inRegional {
-                    self.teleported = false
-                    // Clear persisted teleport for this geohash to keep future selections clean
-                    if self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash) {
-                        self.teleportedSet.remove(ch.geohash)
-                        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(Array(self.teleportedSet)) {
-                            UserDefaults.standard.set(data, forKey: self.teleportedStoreKey)
-                        }
-                    }
-                } else {
-                    // Fall back to persisted mark (set by deep link or manual teleport)
-                    self.teleported = self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash)
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    // Mark or unmark a geohash as teleported in persistence and update current flag if relevant
-    func markTeleported(for geohash: String, _ flag: Bool) {
-        if flag { teleportedSet.insert(geohash) } else { teleportedSet.remove(geohash) }
-        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(Array(teleportedSet)) {
-            UserDefaults.standard.set(data, forKey: teleportedStoreKey)
-        }
-        if case .location(let ch) = selectedChannel, ch.geohash == geohash {
-            Task { @MainActor in self.teleported = flag }
-        }
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - CoreLocation
-    private func requestOneShotLocation() {
-        cl.requestLocation()
-    }
-
-    // iOS < 14
-    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didChangeAuthorization status: CLAuthorizationStatus) {
-        updatePermissionState(from: status)
-        if case .authorized = permissionState {
-            requestOneShotLocation()
-        }
-    }
-
-    // iOS 14+ / macOS 11+
-    @available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *)
-    func locationManagerDidChangeAuthorization(_ manager: CLLocationManager) {
-        updatePermissionState(from: manager.authorizationStatus)
-        if case .authorized = permissionState {
-            requestOneShotLocation()
-        }
-    }
-
-    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didUpdateLocations locations: [CLLocation]) {
-        guard let loc = locations.last else { return }
-        lastLocation = loc
-        computeChannels(from: loc.coordinate)
-        reverseGeocodeIfNeeded(location: loc)
-    }
-
-    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didFailWithError error: Error) {
-        // Surface as denied/restricted if relevant; otherwise keep previous state
-        SecureLogger.error("LocationChannelManager: location error: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
-    }
-
-    // MARK: - Helpers
-    private func updatePermissionState(from status: CLAuthorizationStatus) {
-        let newState: PermissionState
-        switch status {
-        case .notDetermined: newState = .notDetermined
-        case .restricted: newState = .restricted
-        case .denied: newState = .denied
-        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized: newState = .authorized
-        @unknown default: newState = .restricted
-        }
-        Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = newState }
-    }
-
-    private func computeChannels(from coord: CLLocationCoordinate2D) {
-        let levels = GeohashChannelLevel.allCases
-        var result: [GeohashChannel] = []
-        for level in levels {
-            let gh = Geohash.encode(latitude: coord.latitude, longitude: coord.longitude, precision: level.precision)
-            result.append(GeohashChannel(level: level, geohash: gh))
-        }
-        Task { @MainActor in
-            self.availableChannels = result
-            // Recompute teleported status based on whether the selected geohash is in our regional set
-            switch self.selectedChannel {
-            case .mesh:
-                self.teleported = false
-            case .location(let ch):
-                // Membership check using freshly computed regional channels; avoids precision/rename drift
-                let inRegional = result.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
-                if inRegional {
-                    self.teleported = false
-                    // Clear persisted teleport flag if present
-                    if self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash) {
-                        self.teleportedSet.remove(ch.geohash)
-                        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(Array(self.teleportedSet)) {
-                            UserDefaults.standard.set(data, forKey: self.teleportedStoreKey)
-                        }
-                    }
-                } else {
-                    self.teleported = true
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func reverseGeocodeIfNeeded(location: CLLocation) {
-        // Always cancel previous to keep latest fresh while user moves
-        geocoder.cancelGeocode()
-        isGeocoding = true
-        geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(location) { [weak self] placemarks, error in
-            guard let self = self else { return }
-            self.isGeocoding = false
-            if let pm = placemarks?.first {
-                let names = self.namesByLevel(from: pm)
-                Task { @MainActor in self.locationNames = names }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func namesByLevel(from pm: CLPlacemark) -> [GeohashChannelLevel: String] {
-        var dict: [GeohashChannelLevel: String] = [:]
-        // Region (country)
-        if let country = pm.country, !country.isEmpty {
-            dict[.region] = country
-        }
-        // Province (state/province or county)
-        if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty {
-            dict[.province] = admin
-        } else if let subAdmin = pm.subAdministrativeArea, !subAdmin.isEmpty {
-            dict[.province] = subAdmin
-        }
-        // City (locality)
-        if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
-            dict[.city] = locality
-        } else if let subAdmin = pm.subAdministrativeArea, !subAdmin.isEmpty {
-            dict[.city] = subAdmin
-        } else if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty {
-            dict[.city] = admin
-        }
-        // Neighborhood
-        if let subLocality = pm.subLocality, !subLocality.isEmpty {
-            dict[.neighborhood] = subLocality
-        } else if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
-            dict[.neighborhood] = locality
-        }
-        // Block: reuse neighborhood/locality granularity
-        if let subLocality = pm.subLocality, !subLocality.isEmpty {
-            dict[.block] = subLocality
-        } else if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
-            dict[.block] = locality
-        }
-        // Building: prefer place name/street/venue when available
-        if let name = pm.name, !name.isEmpty {
-            dict[.building] = name
-        } else if let thoroughfare = pm.thoroughfare, !thoroughfare.isEmpty {
-            dict[.building] = thoroughfare
-        }
-        return dict
-    }
-}
-#endif

bitchat/Services/LocationNotesCounter.swift

@@ -1,104 +0,0 @@
-import BitLogger
-import Foundation
-
-struct LocationNotesCounterDependencies {
-    typealias RelayLookup = @MainActor (_ geohash: String, _ count: Int) -> [String]
-    typealias Subscribe = @MainActor (_ filter: NostrFilter, _ id: String, _ relays: [String], _ handler: @escaping (NostrEvent) -> Void, _ onEOSE: (() -> Void)?) -> Void
-    typealias Unsubscribe = @MainActor (_ id: String) -> Void
-
-    var relayLookup: RelayLookup
-    var subscribe: Subscribe
-    var unsubscribe: Unsubscribe
-
-    static let live = LocationNotesCounterDependencies(
-        relayLookup: { geohash, count in
-            GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(toGeohash: geohash, count: count)
-        },
-        subscribe: { filter, id, relays, handler, onEOSE in
-            NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(
-                filter: filter,
-                id: id,
-                relayUrls: relays,
-                handler: handler,
-                onEOSE: onEOSE
-            )
-        },
-        unsubscribe: { id in
-            NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: id)
-        }
-    )
-}
-
-/// Lightweight background counter for location notes (kind 1) at building-level geohash (8 chars).
-@MainActor
-final class LocationNotesCounter: ObservableObject {
-    static let shared = LocationNotesCounter()
-
-    @Published private(set) var geohash: String? = nil
-    @Published private(set) var count: Int? = 0
-    @Published private(set) var initialLoadComplete: Bool = false
-    @Published private(set) var relayAvailable: Bool = true
-
-    private var subscriptionID: String? = nil
-    private var noteIDs = Set<String>()
-    private let dependencies: LocationNotesCounterDependencies
-
-    private init(dependencies: LocationNotesCounterDependencies = .live) {
-        self.dependencies = dependencies
-    }
-
-    init(testDependencies: LocationNotesCounterDependencies) {
-        self.dependencies = testDependencies
-    }
-
-    func subscribe(geohash gh: String) {
-        let norm = gh.lowercased()
-        if geohash == norm, subscriptionID != nil { return }
-        // Validate geohash (building-level precision: 8 chars)
-        guard Geohash.isValidBuildingGeohash(norm) else {
-            SecureLogger.warning("LocationNotesCounter: rejecting invalid geohash '\(norm)' (expected 8 valid base32 chars)", category: .session)
-            return
-        }
-        // Unsubscribe previous without clearing count to avoid flicker
-        if let sub = subscriptionID { dependencies.unsubscribe(sub) }
-        subscriptionID = nil
-        geohash = norm
-        noteIDs.removeAll()
-        initialLoadComplete = false
-        relayAvailable = true
-
-        // Subscribe only to the building geohash (precision 8)
-        let subID = "locnotes-count-\(norm)-\(UUID().uuidString.prefix(6))"
-        let relays = dependencies.relayLookup(norm, TransportConfig.nostrGeoRelayCount)
-        guard !relays.isEmpty else {
-            relayAvailable = false
-            initialLoadComplete = true
-            count = 0
-            SecureLogger.warning("LocationNotesCounter: no geo relays for geohash=\(norm)", category: .session)
-            return
-        }
-
-        subscriptionID = subID
-        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashNotes(norm, since: nil, limit: 200)
-        dependencies.subscribe(filter, subID, relays, { [weak self] event in
-            guard let self = self else { return }
-            guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.textNote.rawValue else { return }
-            guard event.tags.contains(where: { $0.count >= 2 && $0[0].lowercased() == "g" && $0[1].lowercased() == norm }) else { return }
-            if !self.noteIDs.contains(event.id) {
-                self.noteIDs.insert(event.id)
-                self.count = self.noteIDs.count
-            }
-        }, { [weak self] in
-            self?.initialLoadComplete = true
-        })
-    }
-
-    func cancel() {
-        if let sub = subscriptionID { dependencies.unsubscribe(sub) }
-        subscriptionID = nil
-        geohash = nil
-        count = 0
-        noteIDs.removeAll()
-        relayAvailable = true
-    }
-}

bitchat/Services/LocationNotesManager.swift

@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ struct LocationNotesDependencies {
     var sendEvent: SendEvent
     var deriveIdentity: (_ geohash: String) throws -> NostrIdentity
     var now: () -> Date
+    
+    private static let idBridge = NostrIdentityBridge()
 
     static let live = LocationNotesDependencies(
         relayLookup: { geohash, count in
@@ -35,7 +37,7 @@ struct LocationNotesDependencies {
             NostrRelayManager.shared.sendEvent(event, to: relays)
         },
         deriveIdentity: { geohash in
-            try NostrIdentityBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: geohash)
+            try idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: geohash)
         },
         now: { Date() }
     )
@@ -161,14 +163,22 @@ final class LocationNotesManager: ObservableObject {
 
         subscriptionID = subID
         initialLoadComplete = false
-        // For persistent notes, allow relays to return recent history without an aggressive time cutoff
-        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashNotes(geohash, since: nil, limit: 200)
+
+        // Subscribe to center + 8 neighbors (± 1 grid)
+        let neighbors = Geohash.neighbors(of: geohash)
+        let allGeohashes = [geohash] + neighbors
+        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashNotes(allGeohashes, since: nil, limit: 200)
+
+        // Build a set of valid geohashes for tag matching (includes all 9 cells)
+        let validGeohashes = Set(allGeohashes.map { $0.lowercased() })
 
         dependencies.subscribe(filter, subID, relays, { [weak self] event in
             guard let self = self else { return }
             guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.textNote.rawValue else { return }
-            // Ensure matching tag
-            guard event.tags.contains(where: { $0.count >= 2 && $0[0].lowercased() == "g" && $0[1].lowercased() == self.geohash }) else { return }
+            // Ensure matching tag - accept any of our 9 geohashes
+            guard event.tags.contains(where: { tag in
+                tag.count >= 2 && tag[0].lowercased() == "g" && validGeohashes.contains(tag[1].lowercased())
+            }) else { return }
             guard !self.noteIDs.contains(event.id) else { return }
             self.noteIDs.insert(event.id)
             let nick = event.tags.first(where: { $0.first?.lowercased() == "n" && $0.count >= 2 })?.dropFirst().first

bitchat/Services/LocationStateManager.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,545 @@
+import BitLogger
+import Foundation
+import Combine
+
+#if os(iOS) || os(macOS)
+import CoreLocation
+
+/// Unified manager for location-based channel state including:
+/// - CoreLocation permissions and one-shot location retrieval
+/// - Geohash channel computation from coordinates
+/// - Channel selection and teleport state
+/// - Bookmark persistence and friendly name resolution
+///
+/// Consolidates LocationChannelManager + GeohashBookmarksStore into a single source of truth.
+final class LocationStateManager: NSObject, CLLocationManagerDelegate, ObservableObject {
+    static let shared = LocationStateManager()
+
+    // MARK: - Permission State
+
+    enum PermissionState: Equatable {
+        case notDetermined
+        case denied
+        case restricted
+        case authorized
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Properties (CoreLocation)
+
+    private let cl = CLLocationManager()
+    private let geocoder = CLGeocoder()
+    private var lastLocation: CLLocation?
+    private var refreshTimer: Timer?
+    private var isGeocoding: Bool = false
+
+    // MARK: - Persistence Keys
+
+    private let selectedChannelKey = "locationChannel.selected"
+    private let teleportedStoreKey = "locationChannel.teleportedSet"
+    private let bookmarksKey = "locationChannel.bookmarks"
+    private let bookmarkNamesKey = "locationChannel.bookmarkNames"
+
+    // MARK: - Published State (Channel)
+
+    @Published private(set) var permissionState: PermissionState = .notDetermined
+    @Published private(set) var availableChannels: [GeohashChannel] = []
+    @Published private(set) var selectedChannel: ChannelID = .mesh
+    @Published var teleported: Bool = false
+    @Published private(set) var locationNames: [GeohashChannelLevel: String] = [:]
+
+    // MARK: - Published State (Bookmarks)
+
+    @Published private(set) var bookmarks: [String] = []
+    @Published private(set) var bookmarkNames: [String: String] = [:]
+
+    // MARK: - Private State
+
+    private var teleportedSet: Set<String> = []
+    private var bookmarkMembership: Set<String> = []
+    private var resolvingNames: Set<String> = []
+    private let storage: UserDefaults
+
+    /// Returns true if running in test environment
+    private static var isRunningTests: Bool {
+        let env = ProcessInfo.processInfo.environment
+        return NSClassFromString("XCTestCase") != nil ||
+               env["XCTestConfigurationFilePath"] != nil ||
+               env["XCTestBundlePath"] != nil ||
+               env["GITHUB_ACTIONS"] != nil ||
+               env["CI"] != nil
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Initialization
+
+    private override init() {
+        self.storage = .standard
+        super.init()
+
+        // Skip CoreLocation setup in test environments
+        guard !Self.isRunningTests else {
+            loadPersistedState()
+            return
+        }
+
+        cl.delegate = self
+        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyHundredMeters
+        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterMeters
+
+        loadPersistedState()
+        initializePermissionState()
+    }
+
+    /// Internal initializer for testing with custom storage
+    init(storage: UserDefaults) {
+        self.storage = storage
+        super.init()
+        loadPersistedState()
+    }
+
+    private func loadPersistedState() {
+        // Load selected channel
+        if let data = storage.data(forKey: selectedChannelKey),
+           let channel = try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelID.self, from: data) {
+            selectedChannel = channel
+        }
+
+        // Load teleported set
+        if let data = storage.data(forKey: teleportedStoreKey),
+           let arr = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String].self, from: data) {
+            teleportedSet = Set(arr)
+        }
+
+        // Load bookmarks
+        if let data = storage.data(forKey: bookmarksKey),
+           let arr = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String].self, from: data) {
+            var seen = Set<String>()
+            var list: [String] = []
+            for raw in arr {
+                let gh = Self.normalizeGeohash(raw)
+                guard !gh.isEmpty, !seen.contains(gh) else { continue }
+                seen.insert(gh)
+                list.append(gh)
+            }
+            bookmarks = list
+            bookmarkMembership = seen
+        }
+
+        // Load bookmark names
+        if let data = storage.data(forKey: bookmarkNamesKey),
+           let dict = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String: String].self, from: data) {
+            bookmarkNames = dict
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func initializePermissionState() {
+        let status: CLAuthorizationStatus
+        if #available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *) {
+            status = cl.authorizationStatus
+        } else {
+            status = CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus()
+        }
+        updatePermissionState(from: status)
+
+        // Fall back to persisted teleport state if no location authorization
+        switch status {
+        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized:
+            break
+        case .notDetermined, .restricted, .denied:
+            fallthrough
+        @unknown default:
+            if case .location(let ch) = selectedChannel {
+                teleported = teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Public API (Permissions & Location)
+
+    func enableLocationChannels() {
+        let status: CLAuthorizationStatus
+        if #available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *) {
+            status = cl.authorizationStatus
+        } else {
+            status = CLLocationManager.authorizationStatus()
+        }
+        switch status {
+        case .notDetermined:
+            cl.requestWhenInUseAuthorization()
+        case .restricted:
+            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .restricted }
+        case .denied:
+            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .denied }
+        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized:
+            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .authorized }
+            requestOneShotLocation()
+        @unknown default:
+            Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = .restricted }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func refreshChannels() {
+        if permissionState == .authorized {
+            requestOneShotLocation()
+        }
+    }
+
+    func beginLiveRefresh(interval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.locationLiveRefreshInterval) {
+        guard permissionState == .authorized else { return }
+        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
+        refreshTimer = nil
+        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyNearestTenMeters
+        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterLiveMeters
+        cl.startUpdatingLocation()
+        requestOneShotLocation()
+    }
+
+    func endLiveRefresh() {
+        refreshTimer?.invalidate()
+        refreshTimer = nil
+        cl.stopUpdatingLocation()
+        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyHundredMeters
+        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterMeters
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Public API (Channel Selection)
+
+    func select(_ channel: ChannelID) {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            self.selectedChannel = channel
+            if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(channel) {
+                self.storage.set(data, forKey: self.selectedChannelKey)
+            }
+
+            switch channel {
+            case .mesh:
+                self.teleported = false
+            case .location(let ch):
+                let inRegional = self.availableChannels.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
+                if inRegional {
+                    self.teleported = false
+                    if self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash) {
+                        self.teleportedSet.remove(ch.geohash)
+                        self.persistTeleportedSet()
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    self.teleported = self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func markTeleported(for geohash: String, _ flag: Bool) {
+        if flag {
+            teleportedSet.insert(geohash)
+        } else {
+            teleportedSet.remove(geohash)
+        }
+        persistTeleportedSet()
+        if case .location(let ch) = selectedChannel, ch.geohash == geohash {
+            Task { @MainActor in self.teleported = flag }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Public API (Bookmarks)
+
+    func isBookmarked(_ geohash: String) -> Bool {
+        bookmarkMembership.contains(Self.normalizeGeohash(geohash))
+    }
+
+    func toggleBookmark(_ geohash: String) {
+        let gh = Self.normalizeGeohash(geohash)
+        if bookmarkMembership.contains(gh) {
+            removeBookmark(gh)
+        } else {
+            addBookmark(gh)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func addBookmark(_ geohash: String) {
+        let gh = Self.normalizeGeohash(geohash)
+        guard !gh.isEmpty, !bookmarkMembership.contains(gh) else { return }
+        bookmarks.insert(gh, at: 0)
+        bookmarkMembership.insert(gh)
+        persistBookmarks()
+        resolveBookmarkNameIfNeeded(for: gh)
+    }
+
+    func removeBookmark(_ geohash: String) {
+        let gh = Self.normalizeGeohash(geohash)
+        guard bookmarkMembership.contains(gh) else { return }
+        if let idx = bookmarks.firstIndex(of: gh) {
+            bookmarks.remove(at: idx)
+        }
+        bookmarkMembership.remove(gh)
+        if bookmarkNames.removeValue(forKey: gh) != nil {
+            persistBookmarkNames()
+        }
+        persistBookmarks()
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - CLLocationManagerDelegate
+
+    private func requestOneShotLocation() {
+        cl.requestLocation()
+    }
+
+    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didChangeAuthorization status: CLAuthorizationStatus) {
+        updatePermissionState(from: status)
+        if case .authorized = permissionState {
+            requestOneShotLocation()
+        }
+    }
+
+    @available(iOS 14.0, macOS 11.0, *)
+    func locationManagerDidChangeAuthorization(_ manager: CLLocationManager) {
+        updatePermissionState(from: manager.authorizationStatus)
+        if case .authorized = permissionState {
+            requestOneShotLocation()
+        }
+    }
+
+    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didUpdateLocations locations: [CLLocation]) {
+        guard let loc = locations.last else { return }
+        lastLocation = loc
+        computeChannels(from: loc.coordinate)
+        reverseGeocodeLocation(loc)
+    }
+
+    func locationManager(_ manager: CLLocationManager, didFailWithError error: Error) {
+        SecureLogger.error("LocationStateManager: location error: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers (Permission)
+
+    private func updatePermissionState(from status: CLAuthorizationStatus) {
+        let newState: PermissionState
+        switch status {
+        case .notDetermined: newState = .notDetermined
+        case .restricted: newState = .restricted
+        case .denied: newState = .denied
+        case .authorizedAlways, .authorizedWhenInUse, .authorized: newState = .authorized
+        @unknown default: newState = .restricted
+        }
+        Task { @MainActor in self.permissionState = newState }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers (Channel Computation)
+
+    private func computeChannels(from coord: CLLocationCoordinate2D) {
+        let levels = GeohashChannelLevel.allCases
+        var result: [GeohashChannel] = []
+        for level in levels {
+            let gh = Geohash.encode(latitude: coord.latitude, longitude: coord.longitude, precision: level.precision)
+            result.append(GeohashChannel(level: level, geohash: gh))
+        }
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            self.availableChannels = result
+            switch self.selectedChannel {
+            case .mesh:
+                self.teleported = false
+            case .location(let ch):
+                let inRegional = result.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
+                if inRegional {
+                    self.teleported = false
+                    if self.teleportedSet.contains(ch.geohash) {
+                        self.teleportedSet.remove(ch.geohash)
+                        self.persistTeleportedSet()
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    self.teleported = true
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers (Geocoding)
+
+    private func reverseGeocodeLocation(_ location: CLLocation) {
+        geocoder.cancelGeocode()
+        isGeocoding = true
+        geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(location) { [weak self] placemarks, _ in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.isGeocoding = false
+            if let pm = placemarks?.first {
+                let names = self.locationNamesByLevel(from: pm)
+                Task { @MainActor in self.locationNames = names }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func locationNamesByLevel(from pm: CLPlacemark) -> [GeohashChannelLevel: String] {
+        var dict: [GeohashChannelLevel: String] = [:]
+        if let country = pm.country, !country.isEmpty {
+            dict[.region] = country
+        }
+        if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty {
+            dict[.province] = admin
+        } else if let subAdmin = pm.subAdministrativeArea, !subAdmin.isEmpty {
+            dict[.province] = subAdmin
+        }
+        if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
+            dict[.city] = locality
+        } else if let subAdmin = pm.subAdministrativeArea, !subAdmin.isEmpty {
+            dict[.city] = subAdmin
+        } else if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty {
+            dict[.city] = admin
+        }
+        if let subLocality = pm.subLocality, !subLocality.isEmpty {
+            dict[.neighborhood] = subLocality
+        } else if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
+            dict[.neighborhood] = locality
+        }
+        if let subLocality = pm.subLocality, !subLocality.isEmpty {
+            dict[.block] = subLocality
+        } else if let locality = pm.locality, !locality.isEmpty {
+            dict[.block] = locality
+        }
+        if let name = pm.name, !name.isEmpty {
+            dict[.building] = name
+        } else if let thoroughfare = pm.thoroughfare, !thoroughfare.isEmpty {
+            dict[.building] = thoroughfare
+        }
+        return dict
+    }
+
+    func resolveBookmarkNameIfNeeded(for geohash: String) {
+        let gh = Self.normalizeGeohash(geohash)
+        guard !gh.isEmpty, bookmarkNames[gh] == nil, !resolvingNames.contains(gh) else { return }
+        resolvingNames.insert(gh)
+
+        if gh.count <= 2 {
+            let b = Geohash.decodeBounds(gh)
+            let pts: [CLLocation] = [
+                CLLocation(latitude: (b.latMin + b.latMax) / 2, longitude: (b.lonMin + b.lonMax) / 2),
+                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMin, longitude: b.lonMin),
+                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMin, longitude: b.lonMax),
+                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMax, longitude: b.lonMin),
+                CLLocation(latitude: b.latMax, longitude: b.lonMax)
+            ]
+            resolveCompositeAdminName(geohash: gh, points: pts)
+        } else {
+            let center = Geohash.decodeCenter(gh)
+            let loc = CLLocation(latitude: center.lat, longitude: center.lon)
+            geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(loc) { [weak self] placemarks, _ in
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+                defer { self.resolvingNames.remove(gh) }
+                if let pm = placemarks?.first,
+                   let name = Self.nameForGeohashLength(gh.count, from: pm),
+                   !name.isEmpty {
+                    DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                        self.bookmarkNames[gh] = name
+                        self.persistBookmarkNames()
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func resolveCompositeAdminName(geohash gh: String, points: [CLLocation]) {
+        var uniqueAdmins: [String] = []
+        var seenAdmins = Set<String>()
+        var idx = 0
+
+        func step() {
+            if idx >= points.count {
+                let finalName: String? = {
+                    if uniqueAdmins.count >= 2 { return uniqueAdmins[0] + " and " + uniqueAdmins[1] }
+                    return uniqueAdmins.first
+                }()
+                if let finalName = finalName, !finalName.isEmpty {
+                    DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                        self.bookmarkNames[gh] = finalName
+                        self.persistBookmarkNames()
+                    }
+                }
+                self.resolvingNames.remove(gh)
+                return
+            }
+            let loc = points[idx]
+            idx += 1
+            geocoder.reverseGeocodeLocation(loc) { [weak self] placemarks, _ in
+                guard self != nil else { return }
+                if let pm = placemarks?.first {
+                    if let admin = pm.administrativeArea, !admin.isEmpty, !seenAdmins.contains(admin) {
+                        seenAdmins.insert(admin)
+                        uniqueAdmins.append(admin)
+                    } else if let country = pm.country, !country.isEmpty, !seenAdmins.contains(country) {
+                        seenAdmins.insert(country)
+                        uniqueAdmins.append(country)
+                    }
+                }
+                step()
+            }
+        }
+        step()
+    }
+
+    private static func nameForGeohashLength(_ len: Int, from pm: CLPlacemark) -> String? {
+        switch len {
+        case 0...2:
+            return pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.country
+        case 3...4:
+            return pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.subAdministrativeArea ?? pm.country
+        case 5:
+            return pm.locality ?? pm.subAdministrativeArea ?? pm.administrativeArea
+        case 6...7:
+            return pm.subLocality ?? pm.locality ?? pm.administrativeArea
+        default:
+            return pm.subLocality ?? pm.locality ?? pm.administrativeArea ?? pm.country
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers (Persistence)
+
+    private func persistTeleportedSet() {
+        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(Array(teleportedSet)) {
+            storage.set(data, forKey: teleportedStoreKey)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func persistBookmarks() {
+        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(bookmarks) {
+            storage.set(data, forKey: bookmarksKey)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func persistBookmarkNames() {
+        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(bookmarkNames) {
+            storage.set(data, forKey: bookmarkNamesKey)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func normalizeGeohash(_ s: String) -> String {
+        let allowed = Set("0123456789bcdefghjkmnpqrstuvwxyz")
+        return s
+            .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+            .lowercased()
+            .replacingOccurrences(of: "#", with: "")
+            .filter { allowed.contains($0) }
+    }
+}
+
+// MARK: - Backward Compatibility Typealiases
+
+typealias LocationChannelManager = LocationStateManager
+typealias GeohashBookmarksStore = LocationStateManager
+
+// MARK: - Backward Compatibility Extensions
+
+extension LocationStateManager {
+    /// Backward compatibility: toggle bookmark (was GeohashBookmarksStore.toggle)
+    func toggle(_ geohash: String) {
+        toggleBookmark(geohash)
+    }
+
+    /// Backward compatibility: add bookmark (was GeohashBookmarksStore.add)
+    func add(_ geohash: String) {
+        addBookmark(geohash)
+    }
+
+    /// Backward compatibility: remove bookmark (was GeohashBookmarksStore.remove)
+    func remove(_ geohash: String) {
+        removeBookmark(geohash)
+    }
+}
+#endif

bitchat/Services/MeshTopologyTracker.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Tracks observed mesh topology and computes hop-by-hop routes.
+final class MeshTopologyTracker {
+    private typealias RoutingID = Data
+
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "mesh.topology", attributes: .concurrent)
+    private let hopSize = 8
+    private var adjacency: [RoutingID: Set<RoutingID>] = [:]
+
+    func reset() {
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            self.adjacency.removeAll()
+        }
+    }
+
+    func recordDirectLink(between a: Data?, and b: Data?) {
+        guard let left = sanitize(a), let right = sanitize(b), left != right else { return }
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            var setA = self.adjacency[left] ?? []
+            setA.insert(right)
+            self.adjacency[left] = setA
+
+            var setB = self.adjacency[right] ?? []
+            setB.insert(left)
+            self.adjacency[right] = setB
+        }
+    }
+
+    func removeDirectLink(between a: Data?, and b: Data?) {
+        guard let left = sanitize(a), let right = sanitize(b), left != right else { return }
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            if var setA = self.adjacency[left] {
+                setA.remove(right)
+                self.adjacency[left] = setA.isEmpty ? nil : setA
+            }
+            if var setB = self.adjacency[right] {
+                setB.remove(left)
+                self.adjacency[right] = setB.isEmpty ? nil : setB
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func removePeer(_ data: Data?) {
+        guard let peer = sanitize(data) else { return }
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            guard let neighbors = self.adjacency.removeValue(forKey: peer) else { return }
+            for neighbor in neighbors {
+                if var set = self.adjacency[neighbor] {
+                    set.remove(peer)
+                    self.adjacency[neighbor] = set.isEmpty ? nil : set
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func recordRoute(_ hops: [Data]) {
+        let sanitized = hops.compactMap { sanitize($0) }
+        guard sanitized.count >= 2 else { return }
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            for idx in 0..<(sanitized.count - 1) {
+                let left = sanitized[idx]
+                let right = sanitized[idx + 1]
+                guard left != right else { continue }
+
+                var setA = self.adjacency[left] ?? []
+                setA.insert(right)
+                self.adjacency[left] = setA
+
+                var setB = self.adjacency[right] ?? []
+                setB.insert(left)
+                self.adjacency[right] = setB
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func computeRoute(from start: Data?, to goal: Data?, maxHops: Int = 255) -> [Data]? {
+        guard let source = sanitize(start), let target = sanitize(goal) else { return nil }
+        if source == target { return [source] }
+
+        let graph = queue.sync { adjacency }
+        guard graph[source] != nil, graph[target] != nil else { return nil }
+
+        var visited: Set<RoutingID> = [source]
+        var queuePaths: [[RoutingID]] = [[source]]
+        var index = 0
+
+        while index < queuePaths.count {
+            let path = queuePaths[index]
+            index += 1
+            guard path.count <= maxHops else { continue }
+            guard let last = path.last, let neighbors = graph[last] else { continue }
+
+            for neighbor in neighbors {
+                if visited.contains(neighbor) { continue }
+                var nextPath = path
+                nextPath.append(neighbor)
+                if neighbor == target { return nextPath }
+                if nextPath.count <= maxHops {
+                    queuePaths.append(nextPath)
+                }
+                visited.insert(neighbor)
+            }
+        }
+
+        return nil
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Helpers
+
+    private func sanitize(_ data: Data?) -> Data? {
+        guard var value = data, !value.isEmpty else { return nil }
+        if value.count > hopSize {
+            value = Data(value.prefix(hopSize))
+        } else if value.count < hopSize {
+            value.append(Data(repeating: 0, count: hopSize - value.count))
+        }
+        return value
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/MessageDeduplicationService.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,278 @@
+//
+// MessageDeduplicationService.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Handles message deduplication using LRU caches.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+// MARK: - LRU Deduplication Cache
+
+/// Generic LRU (Least Recently Used) cache for deduplication.
+/// Uses an efficient O(1) lookup with periodic compaction.
+/// Thread-safe via @MainActor - all callers are already on main actor.
+@MainActor
+final class LRUDeduplicationCache<Value> {
+    private var map: [String: Value] = [:]
+    private var order: [String] = []
+    private var head: Int = 0
+    private let capacity: Int
+
+    /// Creates a new LRU cache with the specified capacity.
+    /// - Parameter capacity: Maximum number of entries before eviction
+    init(capacity: Int) {
+        precondition(capacity > 0, "LRU cache capacity must be positive")
+        self.capacity = capacity
+    }
+
+    /// Number of active entries in the cache
+    var count: Int {
+        order.count - head
+    }
+
+    /// Checks if a key exists in the cache
+    func contains(_ key: String) -> Bool {
+        map[key] != nil
+    }
+
+    /// Gets the value for a key, or nil if not present
+    func value(for key: String) -> Value? {
+        map[key]
+    }
+
+    /// Records a key-value pair, updating if exists or inserting if new
+    func record(_ key: String, value: Value) {
+        if map[key] == nil {
+            order.append(key)
+        }
+        map[key] = value
+        trimIfNeeded()
+    }
+
+    /// Removes a specific key from the cache
+    func remove(_ key: String) {
+        map.removeValue(forKey: key)
+        // Note: key remains in order array but will be skipped during eviction
+    }
+
+    /// Clears all entries from the cache
+    func clear() {
+        map.removeAll()
+        order.removeAll()
+        head = 0
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private
+
+    private func trimIfNeeded() {
+        let activeCount = order.count - head
+        guard activeCount > capacity else { return }
+
+        let overflow = activeCount - capacity
+        for _ in 0..<overflow {
+            guard let victim = popOldest() else { break }
+            map.removeValue(forKey: victim)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func popOldest() -> String? {
+        // Skip keys that were already removed from map
+        while head < order.count {
+            let key = order[head]
+            head += 1
+
+            // Periodically compact the backing storage
+            if head >= 32 && head * 2 >= order.count {
+                order.removeFirst(head)
+                head = 0
+            }
+
+            // Only return if key is still in map
+            if map[key] != nil {
+                return key
+            }
+        }
+        return nil
+    }
+}
+
+// MARK: - Content Normalizer
+
+/// Normalizes message content for near-duplicate detection.
+enum ContentNormalizer {
+
+    /// Regex to simplify HTTP URLs by stripping query strings and fragments
+    private static let simplifyHTTPURL: NSRegularExpression = {
+        try! NSRegularExpression(
+            pattern: "https?://[^\\s?#]+(?:[?#][^\\s]*)?",
+            options: [.caseInsensitive]
+        )
+    }()
+
+    /// Normalizes content for deduplication comparison.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - content: The raw message content
+    ///   - prefixLength: Maximum characters to consider (default from TransportConfig)
+    /// - Returns: A hash-based key for comparison
+    static func normalizedKey(
+        _ content: String,
+        prefixLength: Int = TransportConfig.contentKeyPrefixLength
+    ) -> String {
+        // Lowercase for case-insensitive comparison
+        let lowered = content.lowercased()
+        let ns = lowered as NSString
+        let range = NSRange(location: 0, length: ns.length)
+
+        // Simplify URLs by stripping query/fragment
+        var simplified = ""
+        var last = 0
+        for match in simplifyHTTPURL.matches(in: lowered, options: [], range: range) {
+            if match.range.location > last {
+                simplified += ns.substring(with: NSRange(location: last, length: match.range.location - last))
+            }
+            let url = ns.substring(with: match.range)
+            if let queryIndex = url.firstIndex(where: { $0 == "?" || $0 == "#" }) {
+                simplified += String(url[..<queryIndex])
+            } else {
+                simplified += url
+            }
+            last = match.range.location + match.range.length
+        }
+        if last < ns.length {
+            simplified += ns.substring(with: NSRange(location: last, length: ns.length - last))
+        }
+
+        // Trim and collapse whitespace
+        let trimmed = simplified.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        let collapsed = trimmed.replacingOccurrences(of: "\\s+", with: " ", options: .regularExpression)
+
+        // Take prefix and hash
+        let prefix = String(collapsed.prefix(prefixLength))
+        let hash = prefix.djb2()
+        return String(format: "h:%016llx", hash)
+    }
+}
+
+// MARK: - Message Deduplication Service
+
+/// Service that manages message deduplication using LRU caches.
+/// Provides separate caches for content-based dedup and Nostr event ID dedup.
+/// Thread-safe via @MainActor - all callers are already on main actor.
+@MainActor
+final class MessageDeduplicationService {
+
+    /// Cache for content-based near-duplicate detection
+    private let contentCache: LRUDeduplicationCache<Date>
+
+    /// Cache for Nostr event ID deduplication
+    private let nostrEventCache: LRUDeduplicationCache<Bool>
+
+    /// Cache for Nostr ACK deduplication (messageId:ackType:senderPubkey format)
+    private let nostrAckCache: LRUDeduplicationCache<Bool>
+
+    /// Creates a new deduplication service with specified capacities.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - contentCapacity: Max entries for content cache
+    ///   - nostrEventCapacity: Max entries for Nostr event cache
+    init(
+        contentCapacity: Int = TransportConfig.contentLRUCap,
+        nostrEventCapacity: Int = TransportConfig.uiProcessedNostrEventsCap
+    ) {
+        self.contentCache = LRUDeduplicationCache(capacity: contentCapacity)
+        self.nostrEventCache = LRUDeduplicationCache(capacity: nostrEventCapacity)
+        self.nostrAckCache = LRUDeduplicationCache(capacity: nostrEventCapacity)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Content Deduplication
+
+    /// Records content with its timestamp for near-duplicate detection.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - content: The message content
+    ///   - timestamp: When the content was received
+    func recordContent(_ content: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        let key = ContentNormalizer.normalizedKey(content)
+        contentCache.record(key, value: timestamp)
+    }
+
+    /// Records a pre-normalized content key with its timestamp.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - key: The normalized content key
+    ///   - timestamp: When the content was received
+    func recordContentKey(_ key: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        contentCache.record(key, value: timestamp)
+    }
+
+    /// Gets the timestamp for previously seen content.
+    /// - Parameter content: The message content
+    /// - Returns: The timestamp when first seen, or nil if not seen
+    func contentTimestamp(for content: String) -> Date? {
+        let key = ContentNormalizer.normalizedKey(content)
+        return contentCache.value(for: key)
+    }
+
+    /// Gets the timestamp for a pre-normalized content key.
+    /// - Parameter key: The normalized content key
+    /// - Returns: The timestamp when first seen, or nil if not seen
+    func contentTimestamp(forKey key: String) -> Date? {
+        contentCache.value(for: key)
+    }
+
+    /// Normalizes content to a deduplication key.
+    /// - Parameter content: The raw content
+    /// - Returns: A normalized hash key
+    func normalizedContentKey(_ content: String) -> String {
+        ContentNormalizer.normalizedKey(content)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Nostr Event Deduplication
+
+    /// Checks if a Nostr event has already been processed.
+    /// - Parameter eventId: The event ID
+    /// - Returns: true if already processed
+    func hasProcessedNostrEvent(_ eventId: String) -> Bool {
+        nostrEventCache.contains(eventId)
+    }
+
+    /// Records a Nostr event as processed.
+    /// - Parameter eventId: The event ID
+    func recordNostrEvent(_ eventId: String) {
+        nostrEventCache.record(eventId, value: true)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Nostr ACK Deduplication
+
+    /// Checks if a Nostr ACK has already been processed.
+    /// - Parameter ackKey: The ACK key in format "messageId:ackType:senderPubkey"
+    /// - Returns: true if already processed
+    func hasProcessedNostrAck(_ ackKey: String) -> Bool {
+        nostrAckCache.contains(ackKey)
+    }
+
+    /// Records a Nostr ACK as processed.
+    /// - Parameter ackKey: The ACK key in format "messageId:ackType:senderPubkey"
+    func recordNostrAck(_ ackKey: String) {
+        nostrAckCache.record(ackKey, value: true)
+    }
+
+    /// Creates an ACK key from components.
+    static func ackKey(messageId: String, ackType: String, senderPubkey: String) -> String {
+        "\(messageId):\(ackType):\(senderPubkey)"
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Clear
+
+    /// Clears all caches
+    func clearAll() {
+        contentCache.clear()
+        nostrEventCache.clear()
+        nostrAckCache.clear()
+    }
+
+    /// Clears only the Nostr caches (events and ACKs)
+    func clearNostrCaches() {
+        nostrEventCache.clear()
+        nostrAckCache.clear()
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/MessageFormattingEngine.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,471 @@
+//
+// MessageFormattingEngine.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Handles message text formatting, including mentions, hashtags, URLs, and tokens.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+import SwiftUI
+
+// MARK: - Formatting Context Protocol
+
+/// Protocol defining the context needed for message formatting.
+/// Implemented by ChatViewModel to provide runtime state.
+@MainActor
+protocol MessageFormattingContext: AnyObject {
+    /// The user's current nickname
+    var nickname: String { get }
+
+    /// Determines if a message was sent by the current user
+    func isSelfMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage) -> Bool
+
+    /// Gets the color for a message's sender
+    func senderColor(for message: BitchatMessage, isDark: Bool) -> Color
+
+    /// Resolves a peer ID to a clickable URL
+    func peerURL(for peerID: PeerID) -> URL?
+}
+
+// MARK: - Formatting Engine
+
+/// Handles rich text formatting for chat messages.
+/// Extracts mentions, hashtags, URLs, Lightning invoices, and Cashu tokens.
+final class MessageFormattingEngine {
+
+    // MARK: - Precompiled Regexes
+
+    /// Precompiled regex patterns for message content parsing
+    enum Patterns {
+        static let hashtag: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "#([a-zA-Z0-9_]+)", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let mention: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "@([\\p{L}0-9_]+(?:#[a-fA-F0-9]{4})?)", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let cashu: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "\\bcashu[AB][A-Za-z0-9._-]{40,}\\b", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let bolt11: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "(?i)\\bln(bc|tb|bcrt)[0-9][a-z0-9]{50,}\\b", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let lnurl: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "(?i)\\blnurl1[a-z0-9]{20,}\\b", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let lightningScheme: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "(?i)\\blightning:[^\\s]+", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let linkDetector: NSDataDetector? = {
+            try? NSDataDetector(types: NSTextCheckingResult.CheckingType.link.rawValue)
+        }()
+
+        static let quickCashuPresence: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "\\bcashu[AB][A-Za-z0-9._-]{40,}\\b", options: [])
+        }()
+
+        static let simplifyHTTPURL: NSRegularExpression = {
+            try! NSRegularExpression(pattern: "https?://[^\\s?#]+(?:[?#][^\\s]*)?", options: [.caseInsensitive])
+        }()
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Match Types
+
+    /// Types of matches found in message content
+    enum MatchType: String {
+        case hashtag
+        case mention
+        case url
+        case cashu
+        case lightning
+        case bolt11
+        case lnurl
+    }
+
+    /// A match found in message content
+    struct ContentMatch {
+        let range: NSRange
+        let type: MatchType
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Public API
+
+    /// Formats a message with rich text styling
+    @MainActor
+    static func formatMessage(
+        _ message: BitchatMessage,
+        context: MessageFormattingContext,
+        colorScheme: ColorScheme
+    ) -> AttributedString {
+        let isDark = colorScheme == .dark
+        let isSelf = context.isSelfMessage(message)
+
+        // Check cache first
+        if let cached = message.getCachedFormattedText(isDark: isDark, isSelf: isSelf) {
+            return cached
+        }
+
+        var result = AttributedString()
+        let baseColor: Color = isSelf ? .orange : context.senderColor(for: message, isDark: isDark)
+
+        // Format system messages differently
+        if message.sender == "system" {
+            result = formatSystemMessage(message, isDark: isDark)
+        } else {
+            // Format sender header
+            result = formatSenderHeader(
+                message: message,
+                baseColor: baseColor,
+                isSelf: isSelf,
+                context: context
+            )
+
+            // Format content
+            let contentResult = formatContent(
+                message.content,
+                baseColor: baseColor,
+                isSelf: isSelf,
+                isMentioned: message.mentions?.contains(context.nickname) ?? false
+            )
+            result.append(contentResult)
+
+            // Add timestamp
+            result.append(formatTimestamp(message.formattedTimestamp))
+        }
+
+        // Cache the result
+        message.setCachedFormattedText(result, isDark: isDark, isSelf: isSelf)
+
+        return result
+    }
+
+    /// Formats just the message header (sender portion)
+    @MainActor
+    static func formatHeader(
+        _ message: BitchatMessage,
+        context: MessageFormattingContext,
+        colorScheme: ColorScheme
+    ) -> AttributedString {
+        let isDark = colorScheme == .dark
+        let isSelf = context.isSelfMessage(message)
+        let baseColor: Color = isSelf ? .orange : context.senderColor(for: message, isDark: isDark)
+
+        if message.sender == "system" {
+            var style = AttributeContainer()
+            style.foregroundColor = baseColor
+            style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .medium, design: .monospaced)
+            return AttributedString(message.sender).mergingAttributes(style)
+        }
+
+        return formatSenderHeader(
+            message: message,
+            baseColor: baseColor,
+            isSelf: isSelf,
+            context: context
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Extracts mentions from message content
+    static func extractMentions(from content: String) -> [String] {
+        let nsContent = content as NSString
+        let range = NSRange(location: 0, length: nsContent.length)
+        let matches = Patterns.mention.matches(in: content, options: [], range: range)
+
+        return matches.compactMap { match -> String? in
+            guard match.numberOfRanges > 1 else { return nil }
+            let captureRange = match.range(at: 1)
+            guard let swiftRange = Range(captureRange, in: content) else { return nil }
+            return String(content[swiftRange])
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Checks if content contains a Cashu token
+    static func containsCashuToken(_ content: String) -> Bool {
+        let nsContent = content as NSString
+        let range = NSRange(location: 0, length: nsContent.length)
+        return Patterns.quickCashuPresence.numberOfMatches(in: content, options: [], range: range) > 0
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Private Helpers
+
+    private static func formatSystemMessage(_ message: BitchatMessage, isDark: Bool) -> AttributedString {
+        var result = AttributedString()
+
+        let content = AttributedString("* \(message.content) *")
+        var contentStyle = AttributeContainer()
+        contentStyle.foregroundColor = Color.gray
+        contentStyle.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 12, design: .monospaced).italic()
+        result.append(content.mergingAttributes(contentStyle))
+
+        // Add timestamp
+        let timestamp = AttributedString(" [\(message.formattedTimestamp)]")
+        var timestampStyle = AttributeContainer()
+        timestampStyle.foregroundColor = Color.gray.opacity(0.5)
+        timestampStyle.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 10, design: .monospaced)
+        result.append(timestamp.mergingAttributes(timestampStyle))
+
+        return result
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private static func formatSenderHeader(
+        message: BitchatMessage,
+        baseColor: Color,
+        isSelf: Bool,
+        context: MessageFormattingContext
+    ) -> AttributedString {
+        var result = AttributedString()
+
+        let (baseName, suffix) = message.sender.splitSuffix()
+        var senderStyle = AttributeContainer()
+        senderStyle.foregroundColor = baseColor
+        let fontWeight: Font.Weight = isSelf ? .bold : .medium
+        senderStyle.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: fontWeight, design: .monospaced)
+
+        // Make sender clickable
+        if let spid = message.senderPeerID, let url = context.peerURL(for: spid) {
+            senderStyle.link = url
+        }
+
+        // Build: "<@baseName#suffix> "
+        result.append(AttributedString("<@").mergingAttributes(senderStyle))
+        result.append(AttributedString(baseName).mergingAttributes(senderStyle))
+
+        if !suffix.isEmpty {
+            var suffixStyle = senderStyle
+            suffixStyle.foregroundColor = baseColor.opacity(0.6)
+            result.append(AttributedString(suffix).mergingAttributes(suffixStyle))
+        }
+
+        result.append(AttributedString("> ").mergingAttributes(senderStyle))
+
+        return result
+    }
+
+    private static func formatContent(
+        _ content: String,
+        baseColor: Color,
+        isSelf: Bool,
+        isMentioned: Bool
+    ) -> AttributedString {
+        // For very long content without special tokens, use plain formatting
+        let containsCashu = containsCashuToken(content)
+        if (content.count > 4000 || content.hasVeryLongToken(threshold: 1024)) && !containsCashu {
+            return formatPlainContent(content, baseColor: baseColor, isSelf: isSelf)
+        }
+
+        // Find all matches
+        let matches = findAllMatches(in: content)
+
+        // Build formatted content
+        var result = AttributedString()
+        var lastEnd = content.startIndex
+
+        for match in matches {
+            guard let swiftRange = Range(match.range, in: content) else { continue }
+
+            // Add text before match
+            if lastEnd < swiftRange.lowerBound {
+                let beforeText = String(content[lastEnd..<swiftRange.lowerBound])
+                result.append(formatPlainText(beforeText, baseColor: baseColor, isSelf: isSelf, isMentioned: isMentioned))
+            }
+
+            // Add styled match
+            let matchText = String(content[swiftRange])
+            result.append(formatMatch(matchText, type: match.type, baseColor: baseColor, isSelf: isSelf))
+
+            lastEnd = swiftRange.upperBound
+        }
+
+        // Add remaining text
+        if lastEnd < content.endIndex {
+            let remainingText = String(content[lastEnd...])
+            result.append(formatPlainText(remainingText, baseColor: baseColor, isSelf: isSelf, isMentioned: isMentioned))
+        }
+
+        return result
+    }
+
+    private static func findAllMatches(in content: String) -> [ContentMatch] {
+        let nsContent = content as NSString
+        let nsLen = nsContent.length
+        let fullRange = NSRange(location: 0, length: nsLen)
+
+        // Quick hints to avoid unnecessary regex work
+        let hasMentions = content.contains("@")
+        let hasHashtags = content.contains("#")
+        let hasURLs = content.contains("://") || content.contains("www.") || content.contains("http")
+        let hasLightning = content.lowercased().contains("ln") || content.lowercased().contains("lightning:")
+        let hasCashu = content.lowercased().contains("cashu")
+
+        // Collect matches
+        let mentionMatches = hasMentions ? Patterns.mention.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+        let hashtagMatches = hasHashtags ? Patterns.hashtag.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+        let urlMatches = hasURLs ? (Patterns.linkDetector?.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) ?? []) : []
+        let cashuMatches = hasCashu ? Patterns.cashu.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+        let lightningMatches = hasLightning ? Patterns.lightningScheme.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+        let bolt11Matches = hasLightning ? Patterns.bolt11.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+        let lnurlMatches = hasLightning ? Patterns.lnurl.matches(in: content, options: [], range: fullRange) : []
+
+        // Build mention ranges for overlap checking
+        let mentionRanges = mentionMatches.map { $0.range(at: 0) }
+
+        func overlapsMention(_ r: NSRange) -> Bool {
+            mentionRanges.contains { NSIntersectionRange(r, $0).length > 0 }
+        }
+
+        func isStandaloneHashtag(_ r: NSRange) -> Bool {
+            guard let swiftRange = Range(r, in: content) else { return false }
+            if swiftRange.lowerBound == content.startIndex { return true }
+            let prev = content.index(before: swiftRange.lowerBound)
+            return content[prev].isWhitespace || content[prev].isNewline
+        }
+
+        func attachedToMention(_ r: NSRange) -> Bool {
+            guard let swiftRange = Range(r, in: content), swiftRange.lowerBound > content.startIndex else { return false }
+            var i = content.index(before: swiftRange.lowerBound)
+            while true {
+                let ch = content[i]
+                if ch.isWhitespace || ch.isNewline { break }
+                if ch == "@" { return true }
+                if i == content.startIndex { break }
+                i = content.index(before: i)
+            }
+            return false
+        }
+
+        var allMatches: [ContentMatch] = []
+
+        // Add hashtags (excluding those attached to mentions)
+        for match in hashtagMatches {
+            let range = match.range(at: 0)
+            if !overlapsMention(range) && !attachedToMention(range) && isStandaloneHashtag(range) {
+                allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: range, type: .hashtag))
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Add mentions
+        for match in mentionMatches {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range(at: 0), type: .mention))
+        }
+
+        // Add URLs
+        for match in urlMatches where !overlapsMention(match.range) {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range, type: .url))
+        }
+
+        // Add Cashu tokens
+        for match in cashuMatches where !overlapsMention(match.range(at: 0)) {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range(at: 0), type: .cashu))
+        }
+
+        // Add Lightning scheme URLs
+        for match in lightningMatches where !overlapsMention(match.range(at: 0)) {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range(at: 0), type: .lightning))
+        }
+
+        // Add bolt11/lnurl (avoiding overlaps with lightning scheme and URLs)
+        let occupied = urlMatches.map { $0.range } + lightningMatches.map { $0.range(at: 0) }
+        func overlapsOccupied(_ r: NSRange) -> Bool {
+            occupied.contains { NSIntersectionRange(r, $0).length > 0 }
+        }
+
+        for match in bolt11Matches where !overlapsMention(match.range(at: 0)) && !overlapsOccupied(match.range(at: 0)) {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range(at: 0), type: .bolt11))
+        }
+
+        for match in lnurlMatches where !overlapsMention(match.range(at: 0)) && !overlapsOccupied(match.range(at: 0)) {
+            allMatches.append(ContentMatch(range: match.range(at: 0), type: .lnurl))
+        }
+
+        // Sort by position
+        return allMatches.sorted { $0.range.location < $1.range.location }
+    }
+
+    private static func formatPlainContent(_ content: String, baseColor: Color, isSelf: Bool) -> AttributedString {
+        var style = AttributeContainer()
+        style.foregroundColor = baseColor
+        style.font = isSelf
+            ? .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .bold, design: .monospaced)
+            : .bitchatSystem(size: 14, design: .monospaced)
+        return AttributedString(content).mergingAttributes(style)
+    }
+
+    private static func formatPlainText(_ text: String, baseColor: Color, isSelf: Bool, isMentioned: Bool) -> AttributedString {
+        guard !text.isEmpty else { return AttributedString() }
+
+        var style = AttributeContainer()
+        style.foregroundColor = baseColor
+        style.font = isSelf
+            ? .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .bold, design: .monospaced)
+            : .bitchatSystem(size: 14, design: .monospaced)
+
+        if isMentioned {
+            style.font = style.font?.bold()
+        }
+
+        return AttributedString(text).mergingAttributes(style)
+    }
+
+    private static func formatMatch(_ text: String, type: MatchType, baseColor: Color, isSelf: Bool) -> AttributedString {
+        var style = AttributeContainer()
+
+        switch type {
+        case .mention:
+            // Split optional '#abcd' suffix
+            let (baseName, suffix) = text.splitSuffix()
+            var result = AttributedString()
+
+            var mentionStyle = AttributeContainer()
+            mentionStyle.foregroundColor = .blue
+            mentionStyle.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .semibold, design: .monospaced)
+            result.append(AttributedString(baseName).mergingAttributes(mentionStyle))
+
+            if !suffix.isEmpty {
+                var suffixStyle = mentionStyle
+                suffixStyle.foregroundColor = Color.gray.opacity(0.7)
+                result.append(AttributedString(suffix).mergingAttributes(suffixStyle))
+            }
+
+            return result
+
+        case .hashtag:
+            style.foregroundColor = .purple
+            style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .medium, design: .monospaced)
+
+        case .url:
+            style.foregroundColor = .blue
+            style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, design: .monospaced)
+            style.underlineStyle = .single
+            if let url = URL(string: text) {
+                style.link = url
+            }
+
+        case .cashu:
+            style.foregroundColor = .green
+            style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .medium, design: .monospaced)
+            style.backgroundColor = Color.green.opacity(0.1)
+
+        case .lightning, .bolt11, .lnurl:
+            style.foregroundColor = .yellow
+            style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 14, weight: .medium, design: .monospaced)
+            style.backgroundColor = Color.yellow.opacity(0.1)
+        }
+
+        return AttributedString(text).mergingAttributes(style)
+    }
+
+    private static func formatTimestamp(_ timestamp: String) -> AttributedString {
+        let text = AttributedString(" [\(timestamp)]")
+        var style = AttributeContainer()
+        style.foregroundColor = Color.gray.opacity(0.5)
+        style.font = .bitchatSystem(size: 10, design: .monospaced)
+        return text.mergingAttributes(style)
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/MessageRouter.swift

@@ -1,17 +1,14 @@
 import BitLogger
 import Foundation
 
-/// Routes messages between BLE and Nostr transports
+/// Routes messages using available transports (Mesh, Nostr, etc.)
 @MainActor
 final class MessageRouter {
-    private let mesh: Transport
-    private let nostr: NostrTransport
+    private let transports: [Transport]
     private var outbox: [PeerID: [(content: String, nickname: String, messageID: String)]] = [:] // peerID -> queued messages
 
-    init(mesh: Transport, nostr: NostrTransport) {
-        self.mesh = mesh
-        self.nostr = nostr
-        self.nostr.senderPeerID = mesh.myPeerID
+    init(transports: [Transport]) {
+        self.transports = transports
 
         // Observe favorites changes to learn Nostr mapping and flush queued messages
         NotificationCenter.default.addObserver(
@@ -38,88 +35,70 @@ final class MessageRouter {
     }
 
     func sendPrivate(_ content: String, to peerID: PeerID, recipientNickname: String, messageID: String) {
-        let reachableMesh = mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID)
-        if reachableMesh {
-            SecureLogger.debug("Routing PM via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            // BLEService will initiate a handshake if needed and queue the message
-            mesh.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
-        } else if canSendViaNostr(peerID: peerID) {
-            SecureLogger.debug("Routing PM via Nostr to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            nostr.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
+        // Try to find a reachable transport
+        if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerReachable(peerID) }) {
+            SecureLogger.debug("Routing PM via \(type(of: transport)) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+            transport.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
         } else {
-            // Queue for later (when mesh connects or Nostr mapping appears)
+            // Queue for later
             if outbox[peerID] == nil { outbox[peerID] = [] }
             outbox[peerID]?.append((content, recipientNickname, messageID))
-            SecureLogger.debug("Queued PM for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… (no mesh, no Nostr mapping) id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+            SecureLogger.debug("Queued PM for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… (no reachable transport) id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
         }
     }
 
     func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: PeerID) {
-        // Prefer mesh for reachable peers; BLE will queue if handshake is needed
-        if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
-            SecureLogger.debug("Routing READ ack via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            mesh.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: peerID)
-        } else {
-            SecureLogger.debug("Routing READ ack via Nostr to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            nostr.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: peerID)
+        if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerReachable(peerID) }) {
+            SecureLogger.debug("Routing READ ack via \(type(of: transport)) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+            transport.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: peerID)
+        } else if !transports.isEmpty {
+            // Fallback to last transport (usually Nostr) if neither is explicitly reachable?
+            // Or better: just try the first one that supports it?
+            // Existing logic preferred mesh, then nostr.
+            // If neither reachable, existing logic queued it (via mesh usually) or sent via nostr.
+            // Let's stick to "try reachable". If none, maybe pick the first one to queue?
+            // Actually, for READ receipts, we might want to just fire-and-forget on the "best effort" transport.
+            // But let's stick to the reachable check.
+            SecureLogger.debug("No reachable transport for READ ack to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
         }
     }
 
     func sendDeliveryAck(_ messageID: String, to peerID: PeerID) {
-        if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
-            SecureLogger.debug("Routing DELIVERED ack via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            mesh.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
-        } else {
-            nostr.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
+        if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerReachable(peerID) }) {
+            SecureLogger.debug("Routing DELIVERED ack via \(type(of: transport)) to \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+            transport.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
         }
     }
 
     func sendFavoriteNotification(to peerID: PeerID, isFavorite: Bool) {
-        // Route via mesh when connected; else use Nostr
-        if mesh.isPeerConnected(peerID) {
-            mesh.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
+        if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerConnected(peerID) }) {
+            transport.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
+        } else if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerReachable(peerID) }) {
+             transport.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
         } else {
-            nostr.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
+            // Fallback: try all? or just the last one?
+            // Old logic: if mesh connected, mesh. Else nostr.
+            // Note: NostrTransport.isPeerReachable now returns true if mapped.
+            // If not mapped, we can't send via Nostr anyway.
         }
     }
 
     // MARK: - Outbox Management
-    private func canSendViaNostr(peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
-        // Two forms are supported:
-        // - 64-hex Noise public key (32 bytes)
-        // - 16-hex short peer ID (derived from Noise pubkey)
-        if let noiseKey = peerID.noiseKey {
-            if let fav = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: noiseKey),
-               fav.peerNostrPublicKey != nil {
-                return true
-            }
-        } else if peerID.isShort {
-            if let fav = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(forPeerID: peerID),
-               fav.peerNostrPublicKey != nil {
-                return true
-            }
-        }
-        return false
-    }
 
     func flushOutbox(for peerID: PeerID) {
         guard let queued = outbox[peerID], !queued.isEmpty else { return }
         SecureLogger.debug("Flushing outbox for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… count=\(queued.count)", category: .session)
         var remaining: [(content: String, nickname: String, messageID: String)] = []
-        // Prefer mesh if connected; else try Nostr if mapping exists
+        
         for (content, nickname, messageID) in queued {
-            if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
-                SecureLogger.debug("Outbox -> mesh for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-                mesh.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: nickname, messageID: messageID)
-            } else if canSendViaNostr(peerID: peerID) {
-                SecureLogger.debug("Outbox -> Nostr for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-                nostr.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: nickname, messageID: messageID)
+            if let transport = transports.first(where: { $0.isPeerReachable(peerID) }) {
+                SecureLogger.debug("Outbox -> \(type(of: transport)) for \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+                transport.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: nickname, messageID: messageID)
             } else {
-                // Keep unsent items queued
                 remaining.append((content, nickname, messageID))
             }
         }
-        // Persist only items we could not send
+        
         if remaining.isEmpty {
             outbox.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
         } else {

bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift

@@ -177,18 +177,18 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
     private let rekeyCheckInterval: TimeInterval = 60.0 // Check every minute
     
     // Callbacks
-    private var onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers: [((String, String) -> Void)] = [] // Array of handlers for peer authentication
+    private var onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers: [((PeerID, String) -> Void)] = [] // Array of handlers for peer authentication
     var onHandshakeRequired: ((PeerID) -> Void)? // peerID needs handshake
     
     // Add a handler for peer authentication
-    func addOnPeerAuthenticatedHandler(_ handler: @escaping (String, String) -> Void) {
+    func addOnPeerAuthenticatedHandler(_ handler: @escaping (PeerID, String) -> Void) {
         serviceQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
             self?.onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers.append(handler)
         }
     }
     
     // Legacy support - setting this will add to the handlers array
-    var onPeerAuthenticated: ((String, String) -> Void)? {
+    var onPeerAuthenticated: ((PeerID, String) -> Void)? {
         get { nil } // Always return nil for backward compatibility
         set {
             if let handler = newValue {
@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@ final class NoiseEncryptionService {
         // Notify all handlers about authentication
         serviceQueue.async { [weak self] in
             self?.onPeerAuthenticatedHandlers.forEach { handler in
-                handler(peerID.id, fingerprint)
+                handler(peerID, fingerprint)
             }
         }
     }

bitchat/Services/NostrTransport.swift

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import Foundation
 import Combine
 
 // Minimal Nostr transport conforming to Transport for offline sending
-final class NostrTransport: Transport {
+final class NostrTransport: Transport, @unchecked Sendable {
     // Provide BLE short peer ID for BitChat embedding
     var senderPeerID = PeerID(str: "")
 
@@ -16,9 +16,51 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
     private var isSendingReadAcks = false
     private let readAckInterval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.nostrReadAckInterval
     private let keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol
+    private let idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge
 
-    init(keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol) {
+    // Reachability Cache (thread-safe)
+    private var reachablePeers: Set<PeerID> = []
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "nostr.transport.state", attributes: .concurrent)
+
+    @MainActor
+    init(keychain: KeychainManagerProtocol, idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge) {
         self.keychain = keychain
+        self.idBridge = idBridge
+        
+        setupObservers()
+        
+        // Synchronously warm the cache to avoid startup race
+        let favorites = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.favorites
+        let reachable = favorites.values
+            .filter { $0.peerNostrPublicKey != nil }
+            .map { PeerID(publicKey: $0.peerNoisePublicKey) }
+            
+        queue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            self.reachablePeers = Set(reachable)
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func setupObservers() {
+        NotificationCenter.default.addObserver(
+            forName: .favoriteStatusChanged,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: nil
+        ) { [weak self] _ in
+            self?.refreshReachablePeers()
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func refreshReachablePeers() {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            let favorites = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.favorites
+            let reachable = favorites.values
+                .filter { $0.peerNostrPublicKey != nil }
+                .map { PeerID(publicKey: $0.peerNoisePublicKey) }
+            
+            self.queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                self?.reachablePeers = Set(reachable)
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     // MARK: - Transport Protocol Conformance
@@ -40,7 +82,19 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
     func emergencyDisconnectAll() { /* no-op */ }
 
     func isPeerConnected(_ peerID: PeerID) -> Bool { false }
-    func isPeerReachable(_ peerID: PeerID) -> Bool { false }
+    
+    func isPeerReachable(_ peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        queue.sync {
+            // Check if exact match
+            if reachablePeers.contains(peerID) { return true }
+            // Check for short ID match
+            if peerID.isShort {
+                return reachablePeers.contains(where: { $0.toShort() == peerID })
+            }
+            return false
+        }
+    }
+    
     func peerNickname(peerID: PeerID) -> String? { nil }
     func getPeerNicknames() -> [PeerID : String] { [:] }
 
@@ -65,7 +119,7 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
     func sendPrivateMessage(_ content: String, to peerID: PeerID, recipientNickname: String, messageID: String) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             guard let recipientNpub = resolveRecipientNpub(for: peerID) else { return }
-            guard let senderIdentity = try? NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
+            guard let senderIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
             SecureLogger.debug("NostrTransport: preparing PM to \(recipientNpub.prefix(16))… for peerID \(peerID.id.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
             // Convert recipient npub -> hex (x-only)
             let recipientHex: String
@@ -80,7 +134,7 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to decode npub -> hex: \(error)", category: .session)
                 return
             }
-            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostr(content: content, messageID: messageID, recipientPeerID: peerID.id, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else {
+            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostr(content: content, messageID: messageID, recipientPeerID: peerID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to embed PM packet", category: .session)
                 return
             }
@@ -95,14 +149,17 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
 
     func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: PeerID) {
         // Enqueue and process with throttling to avoid relay rate limits
-        readQueue.append(QueuedRead(receipt: receipt, peerID: peerID))
-        processReadQueueIfNeeded()
+        // Use barrier to synchronize access to readQueue
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            self?.readQueue.append(QueuedRead(receipt: receipt, peerID: peerID))
+            self?.processReadQueueIfNeeded()
+        }
     }
 
     func sendFavoriteNotification(to peerID: PeerID, isFavorite: Bool) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             guard let recipientNpub = resolveRecipientNpub(for: peerID) else { return }
-            guard let senderIdentity = try? NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
+            guard let senderIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
             let content = isFavorite ? "[FAVORITED]:\(senderIdentity.npub)" : "[UNFAVORITED]:\(senderIdentity.npub)"
             SecureLogger.debug("NostrTransport: preparing FAVORITE(\(isFavorite)) to \(recipientNpub.prefix(16))…", category: .session)
             // Convert recipient npub -> hex
@@ -111,8 +168,11 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
                 let (hrp, data) = try Bech32.decode(recipientNpub)
                 guard hrp == "npub" else { return }
                 recipientHex = data.hexEncodedString()
-            } catch { return }
-            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostr(content: content, messageID: UUID().uuidString, recipientPeerID: peerID.id, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else {
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to decode recipient npub for favorite notification: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
+                return
+            }
+            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostr(content: content, messageID: UUID().uuidString, recipientPeerID: peerID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to embed favorite notification", category: .session)
                 return
             }
@@ -129,15 +189,18 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
     func sendDeliveryAck(for messageID: String, to peerID: PeerID) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             guard let recipientNpub = resolveRecipientNpub(for: peerID) else { return }
-            guard let senderIdentity = try? NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
+            guard let senderIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
             SecureLogger.debug("NostrTransport: preparing DELIVERED ack for id=\(messageID.prefix(8))… to \(recipientNpub.prefix(16))…", category: .session)
             let recipientHex: String
             do {
                 let (hrp, data) = try Bech32.decode(recipientNpub)
                 guard hrp == "npub" else { return }
                 recipientHex = data.hexEncodedString()
-            } catch { return }
-            guard let ack = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostr(type: .delivered, messageID: messageID, recipientPeerID: peerID.id, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else {
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to decode recipient npub for delivery ack: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
+                return
+            }
+            guard let ack = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostr(type: .delivered, messageID: messageID, recipientPeerID: peerID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to embed DELIVERED ack", category: .session)
                 return
             }
@@ -159,7 +222,7 @@ extension NostrTransport {
     func sendDeliveryAckGeohash(for messageID: String, toRecipientHex recipientHex: String, from identity: NostrIdentity) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             SecureLogger.debug("GeoDM: send DELIVERED -> recip=\(recipientHex.prefix(8))… mid=\(messageID.prefix(8))… from=\(identity.publicKeyHex.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: .delivered, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else { return }
+            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: .delivered, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else { return }
             guard let event = try? NostrProtocol.createPrivateMessage(content: embedded, recipientPubkey: recipientHex, senderIdentity: identity) else { return }
             NostrRelayManager.registerPendingGiftWrap(id: event.id)
             NostrRelayManager.shared.sendEvent(event)
@@ -169,7 +232,7 @@ extension NostrTransport {
     func sendReadReceiptGeohash(_ messageID: String, toRecipientHex recipientHex: String, from identity: NostrIdentity) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             SecureLogger.debug("GeoDM: send READ -> recip=\(recipientHex.prefix(8))… mid=\(messageID.prefix(8))… from=\(identity.publicKeyHex.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
-            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: .readReceipt, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else { return }
+            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostrNoRecipient(type: .readReceipt, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else { return }
             guard let event = try? NostrProtocol.createPrivateMessage(content: embedded, recipientPubkey: recipientHex, senderIdentity: identity) else { return }
             NostrRelayManager.registerPendingGiftWrap(id: event.id)
             NostrRelayManager.shared.sendEvent(event)
@@ -182,7 +245,7 @@ extension NostrTransport {
             guard !recipientHex.isEmpty else { return }
             SecureLogger.debug("GeoDM: send PM -> recip=\(recipientHex.prefix(8))… mid=\(messageID.prefix(8))… from=\(identity.publicKeyHex.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
             // Build embedded BitChat packet without recipient peer ID
-            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostrNoRecipient(content: content, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else {
+            guard let embedded = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodePMForNostrNoRecipient(content: content, messageID: messageID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to embed geohash PM packet", category: .session)
                 return
             }
@@ -200,19 +263,20 @@ extension NostrTransport {
 // MARK: - Private Helpers
 
 extension NostrTransport {
+    /// Must be called within a barrier on `queue`
     private func processReadQueueIfNeeded() {
         guard !isSendingReadAcks else { return }
         guard !readQueue.isEmpty else { return }
         isSendingReadAcks = true
-        sendNextReadAck()
+        let item = readQueue.removeFirst()
+        sendReadAckItem(item)
     }
 
-    private func sendNextReadAck() {
-        guard !readQueue.isEmpty else { isSendingReadAcks = false; return }
-        let item = readQueue.removeFirst()
+    /// Sends a single read ack item (called after extraction from queue within barrier)
+    private func sendReadAckItem(_ item: QueuedRead) {
         Task { @MainActor in
             guard let recipientNpub = resolveRecipientNpub(for: item.peerID) else { scheduleNextReadAck(); return }
-            guard let senderIdentity = try? NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { scheduleNextReadAck(); return }
+            guard let senderIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { scheduleNextReadAck(); return }
             SecureLogger.debug("NostrTransport: preparing READ ack for id=\(item.receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))… to \(recipientNpub.prefix(16))…", category: .session)
             // Convert recipient npub -> hex
             let recipientHex: String
@@ -220,8 +284,12 @@ extension NostrTransport {
                 let (hrp, data) = try Bech32.decode(recipientNpub)
                 guard hrp == "npub" else { scheduleNextReadAck(); return }
                 recipientHex = data.hexEncodedString()
-            } catch { scheduleNextReadAck(); return }
-            guard let ack = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostr(type: .readReceipt, messageID: item.receipt.originalMessageID, recipientPeerID: item.peerID.id, senderPeerID: senderPeerID.id) else {
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to decode recipient npub for read ack: \(error.localizedDescription)", category: .session)
+                scheduleNextReadAck()
+                return
+            }
+            guard let ack = NostrEmbeddedBitChat.encodeAckForNostr(type: .readReceipt, messageID: item.receipt.originalMessageID, recipientPeerID: item.peerID, senderPeerID: senderPeerID) else {
                 SecureLogger.error("NostrTransport: failed to embed READ ack", category: .session)
                 scheduleNextReadAck(); return
             }
@@ -237,9 +305,10 @@ extension NostrTransport {
 
     private func scheduleNextReadAck() {
         DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + readAckInterval) { [weak self] in
-            guard let self = self else { return }
-            self.isSendingReadAcks = false
-            self.processReadQueueIfNeeded()
+            self?.queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                self?.isSendingReadAcks = false
+                self?.processReadQueueIfNeeded()
+            }
         }
     }
 

bitchat/Services/NotificationService.swift

@@ -16,10 +16,21 @@ import AppKit
 
 final class NotificationService {
     static let shared = NotificationService()
-    
+
+    /// Returns true if running in test environment (XCTest, Swift Testing, or CI)
+    private var isRunningTests: Bool {
+        let env = ProcessInfo.processInfo.environment
+        return NSClassFromString("XCTestCase") != nil ||
+               env["XCTestConfigurationFilePath"] != nil ||
+               env["XCTestBundlePath"] != nil ||
+               env["GITHUB_ACTIONS"] != nil ||
+               env["CI"] != nil
+    }
+
     private init() {}
-    
+
     func requestAuthorization() {
+        guard !isRunningTests else { return }
         UNUserNotificationCenter.current().requestAuthorization(options: [.alert, .sound, .badge]) { granted, error in
             if granted {
                 // Permission granted
@@ -29,28 +40,31 @@ final class NotificationService {
         }
     }
     
-    func sendLocalNotification(title: String, body: String, identifier: String, userInfo: [String: Any]? = nil) {
-        // For now, skip app state check entirely to avoid thread issues
-        // The NotificationDelegate will handle foreground presentation
-        DispatchQueue.main.async {
-            let content = UNMutableNotificationContent()
-            content.title = title
-            content.body = body
-            content.sound = .default
-            if let userInfo = userInfo {
-                content.userInfo = userInfo
-            }
-            
-            let request = UNNotificationRequest(
-                identifier: identifier,
-                content: content,
-                trigger: nil // Deliver immediately
-            )
-            
-            UNUserNotificationCenter.current().add(request) { _ in
-                // Notification added
-            }
+    func sendLocalNotification(
+        title: String,
+        body: String,
+        identifier: String,
+        userInfo: [String: Any]? = nil,
+        interruptionLevel: UNNotificationInterruptionLevel = .active
+    ) {
+        guard !isRunningTests else { return }
+        let content = UNMutableNotificationContent()
+        content.title = title
+        content.body = body
+        content.sound = .default
+        content.interruptionLevel = interruptionLevel
+
+        if let userInfo = userInfo {
+            content.userInfo = userInfo
         }
+
+        let request = UNNotificationRequest(
+            identifier: identifier,
+            content: content,
+            trigger: nil // Deliver immediately
+        )
+
+        UNUserNotificationCenter.current().add(request)
     }
     
     func sendMentionNotification(from sender: String, message: String) {
@@ -61,11 +75,11 @@ final class NotificationService {
         sendLocalNotification(title: title, body: body, identifier: identifier)
     }
     
-    func sendPrivateMessageNotification(from sender: String, message: String, peerID: String) {
+    func sendPrivateMessageNotification(from sender: String, message: String, peerID: PeerID) {
         let title = "🔒 DM from \(sender)"
         let body = message
         let identifier = "private-\(UUID().uuidString)"
-        let userInfo = ["peerID": peerID, "senderName": sender]
+        let userInfo = ["peerID": peerID.id, "senderName": sender]
         
         sendLocalNotification(title: title, body: body, identifier: identifier, userInfo: userInfo)
     }
@@ -83,25 +97,12 @@ final class NotificationService {
         let title = "👥 bitchatters nearby!"
         let body = peerCount == 1 ? "1 person around" : "\(peerCount) people around"
         let identifier = "network-available-\(Date().timeIntervalSince1970)"
-        
-        // For network notifications, we want to show them even in foreground
-        // No app state check - let the notification delegate handle presentation
-        DispatchQueue.main.async {
-            let content = UNMutableNotificationContent()
-            content.title = title
-            content.body = body
-            content.sound = .default
-            content.interruptionLevel = .timeSensitive  // Make it more prominent
-            
-            let request = UNNotificationRequest(
-                identifier: identifier,
-                content: content,
-                trigger: nil // Deliver immediately
-            )
-            
-            UNUserNotificationCenter.current().add(request) { _ in
-                // Notification added
-            }
-        }
+
+        sendLocalNotification(
+            title: title,
+            body: body,
+            identifier: identifier,
+            interruptionLevel: .timeSensitive
+        )
     }
 }

bitchat/Services/NotificationStreamAssembler.swift

@@ -6,10 +6,19 @@
 // For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
 //
 
+import BitLogger
 import Foundation
 
 struct NotificationStreamAssembler {
     private var buffer = Data()
+    private var pendingFrameStartedAt: DispatchTime?
+    private var pendingFrameExpectedLength: Int = 0
+
+    private mutating func resetState() {
+        buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+        pendingFrameStartedAt = nil
+        pendingFrameExpectedLength = 0
+    }
 
     mutating func append(_ chunk: Data) -> (frames: [Data], droppedPrefixes: [UInt8], reset: Bool) {
         guard !chunk.isEmpty else { return ([], [], false) }
@@ -18,64 +27,107 @@ struct NotificationStreamAssembler {
 
         var frames: [Data] = []
         var dropped: [UInt8] = []
-        var reset = false
-        let maxFrameLength = TransportConfig.blePendingWriteBufferCapBytes
+        var didReset = false
+        let now = DispatchTime.now()
+        let maxFrameLength = TransportConfig.bleNotificationAssemblerHardCapBytes
+        let minimumFramePrefix = BinaryProtocol.v1HeaderSize + BinaryProtocol.senderIDSize
 
-        let minHeaderBytes = 14 // version + type + ttl + timestamp(8) + flags + length(2)
-        let minFramePrefix = minHeaderBytes + BinaryProtocol.senderIDSize
+        if buffer.count > TransportConfig.bleNotificationAssemblerHardCapBytes {
+            SecureLogger.error("❌ Notification assembler overflow (\(buffer.count) bytes); dropping partial frame", category: .session)
+            resetState()
+            return ([], [], true)
+        }
 
-        while buffer.count >= minFramePrefix {
-            guard let first = buffer.first else { break }
-            if first != 1 {
+        while buffer.count >= minimumFramePrefix {
+            guard let version = buffer.first else { break }
+            guard version == 1 || version == 2 else {
                 dropped.append(buffer.removeFirst())
+                pendingFrameStartedAt = nil
+                pendingFrameExpectedLength = 0
                 continue
             }
 
-            guard buffer.count >= minHeaderBytes else { break }
+            guard let headerSize = BinaryProtocol.headerSize(for: version) else {
+                dropped.append(buffer.removeFirst())
+                pendingFrameStartedAt = nil
+                pendingFrameExpectedLength = 0
+                continue
+            }
+            let framePrefix = headerSize + BinaryProtocol.senderIDSize
+            guard buffer.count >= framePrefix else { break }
 
-            let headerBytes = Array(buffer.prefix(minFramePrefix))
-            guard headerBytes.count == minFramePrefix else { break }
-
-            let flags = headerBytes[11]
+            let flagsIndex = buffer.startIndex + BinaryProtocol.Offsets.flags
+            guard flagsIndex < buffer.endIndex else { break }
+            let flags = buffer[flagsIndex]
             let hasRecipient = (flags & BinaryProtocol.Flags.hasRecipient) != 0
             let hasSignature = (flags & BinaryProtocol.Flags.hasSignature) != 0
-            let payloadLen = (Int(headerBytes[12]) << 8) | Int(headerBytes[13])
+            let isCompressed = (flags & BinaryProtocol.Flags.isCompressed) != 0
 
-            var frameLength = minFramePrefix + payloadLen
+            let lengthOffset = 12
+            let payloadLength: Int
+            if version == 2 {
+                let lengthIndex = buffer.startIndex + lengthOffset
+                payloadLength =
+                    (Int(buffer[lengthIndex]) << 24) |
+                    (Int(buffer[lengthIndex + 1]) << 16) |
+                    (Int(buffer[lengthIndex + 2]) << 8) |
+                    Int(buffer[lengthIndex + 3])
+            } else {
+                let lengthIndex = buffer.startIndex + lengthOffset
+                payloadLength = (Int(buffer[lengthIndex]) << 8) | Int(buffer[lengthIndex + 1])
+            }
+
+            var frameLength = framePrefix + payloadLength
             if hasRecipient { frameLength += BinaryProtocol.recipientIDSize }
             if hasSignature { frameLength += BinaryProtocol.signatureSize }
+            if isCompressed {
+                let rawLengthFieldBytes = (version == 2) ? 4 : 2
+                if payloadLength < rawLengthFieldBytes {
+                    SecureLogger.error("❌ Invalid compressed payload length (\(payloadLength))", category: .session)
+                    resetState()
+                    didReset = true
+                    break
+                }
+            }
 
             guard frameLength > 0, frameLength <= maxFrameLength else {
-                buffer.removeAll()
-                reset = true
+                SecureLogger.error("❌ Notification frame length \(frameLength) invalid (cap=\(maxFrameLength)); resetting stream", category: .session)
+                resetState()
+                didReset = true
                 break
             }
 
             if buffer.count < frameLength {
-                // Check if a new frame start exists within the incomplete buffer; if so, drop leading partial bytes.
-                if let nextStart = buffer.dropFirst().firstIndex(of: 1) {
-                    let dropCount = buffer.distance(from: buffer.startIndex, to: nextStart)
-                    if dropCount > 0 {
-                        buffer.removeFirst(dropCount)
-                        dropped.append(1) // treat as dropped partial start
+                let remaining = frameLength - buffer.count
+                if pendingFrameStartedAt == nil || frameLength != pendingFrameExpectedLength {
+                    pendingFrameStartedAt = now
+                    pendingFrameExpectedLength = frameLength
+                } else if let started = pendingFrameStartedAt {
+                    let elapsed = now.uptimeNanoseconds - started.uptimeNanoseconds
+                    let threshold = UInt64(TransportConfig.bleAssemblerStallResetMs) * 1_000_000
+                    if elapsed >= threshold {
+                        SecureLogger.debug("📉 Resetting notification assembler after waiting \(remaining)B for \(TransportConfig.bleAssemblerStallResetMs)ms", category: .session)
+                        resetState()
+                        didReset = true
+                    } else {
+                        SecureLogger.debug("⌛ Waiting for remaining \(remaining)B to complete BLE frame", category: .session)
                     }
                 }
                 break
             }
 
+            pendingFrameStartedAt = nil
+            pendingFrameExpectedLength = 0
+
             let frame = Data(buffer.prefix(frameLength))
             frames.append(frame)
             buffer.removeFirst(frameLength)
         }
 
         if !buffer.isEmpty, buffer.allSatisfy({ $0 == 0 }) {
-            buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+            resetState()
         }
 
-        return (frames, dropped, reset)
-    }
-
-    mutating func reset() {
-        buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+        return (frames, dropped, didReset)
     }
 }

bitchat/Services/PrivateChatManager.swift

@@ -12,30 +12,184 @@ import SwiftUI
 
 /// Manages all private chat functionality
 final class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
-    @Published var privateChats: [String: [BitchatMessage]] = [:]
-    @Published var selectedPeer: String? = nil
-    @Published var unreadMessages: Set<String> = []
-    
+    @Published var privateChats: [PeerID: [BitchatMessage]] = [:]
+    @Published var selectedPeer: PeerID? = nil
+    @Published var unreadMessages: Set<PeerID> = []
+
     private var selectedPeerFingerprint: String? = nil
     var sentReadReceipts: Set<String> = []  // Made accessible for ChatViewModel
-    
+
     weak var meshService: Transport?
     // Route acks/receipts via MessageRouter (chooses mesh or Nostr)
     weak var messageRouter: MessageRouter?
-    
+    // Peer service for looking up peer info during consolidation
+    weak var unifiedPeerService: UnifiedPeerService?
+
     init(meshService: Transport? = nil) {
         self.meshService = meshService
     }
 
     // Cap for messages stored per private chat
     private let privateChatCap = TransportConfig.privateChatCap
+
+    // MARK: - Message Consolidation
+
+    /// Consolidates messages from different peer ID representations into a single chat.
+    /// This ensures messages from stable Noise keys and temporary Nostr peer IDs are merged.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - peerID: The target peer ID to consolidate messages into
+    ///   - peerNickname: The peer's display name (lowercased for matching)
+    ///   - persistedReadReceipts: The persisted read receipts set from ChatViewModel (UserDefaults-backed)
+    /// - Returns: True if any unread messages were found during consolidation
+    @MainActor
+    func consolidateMessages(for peerID: PeerID, peerNickname: String, persistedReadReceipts: Set<String>) -> Bool {
+        guard let meshService = meshService else { return false }
+        var hasUnreadMessages = false
+
+        // 1. Consolidate from stable Noise key (64-char hex)
+        if let peer = unifiedPeerService?.getPeer(by: peerID) {
+            let noiseKeyHex = PeerID(hexData: peer.noisePublicKey)
+
+            if noiseKeyHex != peerID, let nostrMessages = privateChats[noiseKeyHex], !nostrMessages.isEmpty {
+                if privateChats[peerID] == nil {
+                    privateChats[peerID] = []
+                }
+
+                let existingMessageIds = Set(privateChats[peerID]?.map { $0.id } ?? [])
+                for message in nostrMessages {
+                    if !existingMessageIds.contains(message.id) {
+                        // Update senderPeerID for correct read receipts
+                        let updatedMessage = BitchatMessage(
+                            id: message.id,
+                            sender: message.sender,
+                            content: message.content,
+                            timestamp: message.timestamp,
+                            isRelay: message.isRelay,
+                            originalSender: message.originalSender,
+                            isPrivate: message.isPrivate,
+                            recipientNickname: message.recipientNickname,
+                            senderPeerID: message.senderPeerID == meshService.myPeerID ? meshService.myPeerID : peerID,
+                            mentions: message.mentions,
+                            deliveryStatus: message.deliveryStatus
+                        )
+                        privateChats[peerID]?.append(updatedMessage)
+
+                        // Check for recent unread messages (< 60s, not sent by us, not already read)
+                        // Use persistedReadReceipts to correctly identify already-read messages after app restart
+                        if message.senderPeerID != meshService.myPeerID {
+                            let messageAge = Date().timeIntervalSince(message.timestamp)
+                            if messageAge < 60 && !persistedReadReceipts.contains(message.id) {
+                                hasUnreadMessages = true
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+
+                privateChats[peerID]?.sort { $0.timestamp < $1.timestamp }
+
+                if hasUnreadMessages {
+                    unreadMessages.insert(peerID)
+                } else if unreadMessages.contains(noiseKeyHex) {
+                    unreadMessages.remove(noiseKeyHex)
+                }
+
+                privateChats.removeValue(forKey: noiseKeyHex)
+            }
+        }
+
+        // 2. Consolidate from temporary Nostr peer IDs (nostr_* prefixed)
+        let normalizedNickname = peerNickname.lowercased()
+        var tempPeerIDsToConsolidate: [PeerID] = []
+
+        for (storedPeerID, messages) in privateChats {
+            if storedPeerID.isGeoDM && storedPeerID != peerID {
+                let nicknamesMatch = messages.allSatisfy { $0.sender.lowercased() == normalizedNickname }
+                if nicknamesMatch && !messages.isEmpty {
+                    tempPeerIDsToConsolidate.append(storedPeerID)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if !tempPeerIDsToConsolidate.isEmpty {
+            if privateChats[peerID] == nil {
+                privateChats[peerID] = []
+            }
+
+            let existingMessageIds = Set(privateChats[peerID]?.map { $0.id } ?? [])
+            var consolidatedCount = 0
+            var hadUnreadTemp = false
+
+            for tempPeerID in tempPeerIDsToConsolidate {
+                if unreadMessages.contains(tempPeerID) {
+                    hadUnreadTemp = true
+                }
+
+                if let tempMessages = privateChats[tempPeerID] {
+                    for message in tempMessages {
+                        if !existingMessageIds.contains(message.id) {
+                            let updatedMessage = BitchatMessage(
+                                id: message.id,
+                                sender: message.sender,
+                                content: message.content,
+                                timestamp: message.timestamp,
+                                isRelay: message.isRelay,
+                                originalSender: message.originalSender,
+                                isPrivate: message.isPrivate,
+                                recipientNickname: message.recipientNickname,
+                                senderPeerID: peerID,
+                                mentions: message.mentions,
+                                deliveryStatus: message.deliveryStatus
+                            )
+                            privateChats[peerID]?.append(updatedMessage)
+                            consolidatedCount += 1
+                        }
+                    }
+                    privateChats.removeValue(forKey: tempPeerID)
+                    unreadMessages.remove(tempPeerID)
+                }
+            }
+
+            if hadUnreadTemp {
+                unreadMessages.insert(peerID)
+                hasUnreadMessages = true
+                SecureLogger.debug("📬 Transferred unread status from temp peer IDs to \(peerID)", category: .session)
+            }
+
+            if consolidatedCount > 0 {
+                privateChats[peerID]?.sort { $0.timestamp < $1.timestamp }
+                SecureLogger.info("📥 Consolidated \(consolidatedCount) Nostr messages from temporary peer IDs to \(peerNickname)", category: .session)
+            }
+        }
+
+        return hasUnreadMessages
+    }
+
+    /// Syncs the read receipt tracking between manager and view model for sent messages
+    @MainActor
+    func syncReadReceiptsForSentMessages(peerID: PeerID, nickname: String, externalReceipts: inout Set<String>) {
+        guard let messages = privateChats[peerID] else { return }
+
+        for message in messages {
+            if message.sender == nickname {
+                if let status = message.deliveryStatus {
+                    switch status {
+                    case .read, .delivered:
+                        externalReceipts.insert(message.id)
+                        sentReadReceipts.insert(message.id)
+                    case .failed, .partiallyDelivered, .sending, .sent:
+                        break
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
     
     /// Start a private chat with a peer
-    func startChat(with peerID: String) {
+    func startChat(with peerID: PeerID) {
         selectedPeer = peerID
         
         // Store fingerprint for persistence across reconnections
-        if let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: PeerID(str: peerID)) {
+        if let fingerprint = meshService?.getFingerprint(for: peerID) {
             selectedPeerFingerprint = fingerprint
         }
         
@@ -55,7 +209,7 @@ final class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
     }
 
     /// Remove duplicate messages by ID and keep chronological order
-    func sanitizeChat(for peerID: String) {
+    func sanitizeChat(for peerID: PeerID) {
         guard let arr = privateChats[peerID] else { return }
         if arr.count <= 1 {
             return
@@ -79,7 +233,7 @@ final class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
     }
     
     /// Mark messages from a peer as read
-    func markAsRead(from peerID: String) {
+    func markAsRead(from peerID: PeerID) {
         unreadMessages.remove(peerID)
         
         // Send read receipts for unread messages that haven't been sent yet
@@ -105,7 +259,7 @@ final class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
         // Create read receipt using the simplified method
         let receipt = ReadReceipt(
             originalMessageID: message.id,
-            readerID: meshService?.myPeerID.id ?? "",
+            readerID: meshService?.myPeerID ?? PeerID(str: ""),
             readerNickname: meshService?.myNickname ?? ""
         )
         

bitchat/Services/RelayController.swift

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ struct RelayController {
                        senderIsSelf: Bool,
                        isEncrypted: Bool,
                        isDirectedEncrypted: Bool,
+                       isFragment: Bool,
                        isDirectedFragment: Bool,
                        isHandshake: Bool,
                        isAnnounce: Bool,
@@ -36,6 +37,16 @@ struct RelayController {
             return RelayDecision(shouldRelay: true, newTTL: newTTL, delayMs: delayMs)
         }
 
+        if isFragment {
+            let ttlLimit = min(ttlCap, TransportConfig.bleFragmentRelayTtlCap)
+            guard ttlLimit > 1 else {
+                return RelayDecision(shouldRelay: false, newTTL: ttlLimit, delayMs: 0)
+            }
+            let newTTL = ttlLimit &- 1
+            let delayMs = Int.random(in: TransportConfig.bleFragmentRelayMinDelayMs...TransportConfig.bleFragmentRelayMaxDelayMs)
+            return RelayDecision(shouldRelay: true, newTTL: newTTL, delayMs: delayMs)
+        }
+
         // TTL clamping for broadcast
         // - Dense graphs: keep lower but still allow multi-hop bridging
         // - Announces get a bit more headroom

bitchat/Services/TransferProgressManager.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+import Foundation
+import Combine
+
+/// Centralized progress bus for Bluetooth file transfers.
+/// Emits Combine events consumed by ChatViewModel to update UI progress indicators.
+final class TransferProgressManager {
+    static let shared = TransferProgressManager()
+
+    enum Event {
+        case started(id: String, totalFragments: Int)
+        case updated(id: String, sentFragments: Int, totalFragments: Int)
+        case completed(id: String, totalFragments: Int)
+        case cancelled(id: String, sentFragments: Int, totalFragments: Int)
+    }
+
+    private let subject = PassthroughSubject<Event, Never>()
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "com.bitchat.transfer-progress", attributes: .concurrent)
+    private var states: [String: (sent: Int, total: Int)] = [:]
+
+    var publisher: AnyPublisher<Event, Never> {
+        subject.eraseToAnyPublisher()
+    }
+
+    func start(id: String, totalFragments: Int) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.states[id] = (sent: 0, total: totalFragments)
+            self.subject.send(.started(id: id, totalFragments: totalFragments))
+        }
+    }
+
+    func recordFragmentSent(id: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self, var state = self.states[id] else { return }
+            state.sent = min(state.sent + 1, state.total)
+            self.states[id] = state
+            self.subject.send(.updated(id: id, sentFragments: state.sent, totalFragments: state.total))
+            if state.sent >= state.total {
+                self.states.removeValue(forKey: id)
+                self.subject.send(.completed(id: id, totalFragments: state.total))
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func cancel(id: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self, let state = self.states.removeValue(forKey: id) else { return }
+            self.subject.send(.cancelled(id: id, sentFragments: state.sent, totalFragments: state.total))
+        }
+    }
+
+    func reset(id: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            self?.states.removeValue(forKey: id)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func snapshot(id: String) -> (sent: Int, total: Int)? {
+        var result: (sent: Int, total: Int)?
+        queue.sync {
+            result = states[id]
+        }
+        return result
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/Transport.swift

@@ -45,11 +45,15 @@ protocol Transport: AnyObject {
 
     // Messaging
     func sendMessage(_ content: String, mentions: [String])
+    func sendMessage(_ content: String, mentions: [String], messageID: String, timestamp: Date)
     func sendPrivateMessage(_ content: String, to peerID: PeerID, recipientNickname: String, messageID: String)
     func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: PeerID)
     func sendFavoriteNotification(to peerID: PeerID, isFavorite: Bool)
     func sendBroadcastAnnounce()
     func sendDeliveryAck(for messageID: String, to peerID: PeerID)
+    func sendFileBroadcast(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, transferId: String)
+    func sendFilePrivate(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, to peerID: PeerID, transferId: String)
+    func cancelTransfer(_ transferId: String)
 
     // QR verification (optional for transports)
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data)
@@ -59,6 +63,13 @@ protocol Transport: AnyObject {
 extension Transport {
     func sendVerifyChallenge(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data) {}
     func sendVerifyResponse(to peerID: PeerID, noiseKeyHex: String, nonceA: Data) {}
+    func sendFileBroadcast(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, transferId: String) {}
+    func sendFilePrivate(_ packet: BitchatFilePacket, to peerID: PeerID, transferId: String) {}
+    func cancelTransfer(_ transferId: String) {}
+
+    func sendMessage(_ content: String, mentions: [String], messageID: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        sendMessage(content, mentions: mentions)
+    }
 }
 
 protocol TransportPeerEventsDelegate: AnyObject {

bitchat/Services/TransportConfig.swift

@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let messageTTLDefault: UInt8 = 7                 // Default TTL for mesh flooding
     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
+    static let bleFragmentRelayMinDelayMs: Int = 8          // Faster forwarding for media fragments
+    static let bleFragmentRelayMaxDelayMs: Int = 25         // Upper jitter bound for fragment relays
+    static let bleFragmentRelayTtlCap: UInt8 = 5            // Clamp fragment TTL to contain floods
 
     // UI / Storage Caps
     static let privateChatCap: Int = 1337
@@ -30,7 +34,11 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let bleDynamicRSSIThresholdDefault: Int = -90
     static let bleConnectionCandidatesMax: Int = 100
     static let blePendingWriteBufferCapBytes: Int = 1_000_000
-    static let blePendingNotificationsCapCount: Int = 20
+    static let bleNotificationAssemblerHardCapBytes: Int = 8 * 1024 * 1024
+    static let bleAssemblerStallResetMs: Int = 250
+    static let blePendingNotificationsCapCount: Int = 128
+    static let bleNotificationRetryDelayMs: Int = 25
+    static let bleNotificationRetryMaxAttempts: Int = 80
 
     // Nostr
     static let nostrReadAckInterval: TimeInterval = 0.35 // ~3 per second
@@ -62,6 +70,7 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let uiAnimationMediumSeconds: TimeInterval = 0.2
     static let uiAnimationSidebarSeconds: TimeInterval = 0.25
     static let uiRecentCutoffFiveMinutesSeconds: TimeInterval = 5 * 60
+    static let uiMeshEmptyConfirmationSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
 
     // BLE maintenance & thresholds
     static let bleMaintenanceInterval: TimeInterval = 5.0
@@ -141,6 +150,9 @@ enum TransportConfig {
 
     // Geo relay directory
     static let geoRelayFetchIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 60 * 60 * 24
+    static let geoRelayRefreshCheckIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 60 * 60
+    static let geoRelayRetryInitialSeconds: TimeInterval = 60
+    static let geoRelayRetryMaxSeconds: TimeInterval = 60 * 60
 
     // BLE operational delays
     static let bleInitialAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.6

bitchat/Services/UnifiedPeerService.swift

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ final class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     private var peerIndex: [PeerID: BitchatPeer] = [:]
     private var fingerprintCache: [PeerID: String] = [:]
     private let meshService: Transport
+    private let idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge
     private let identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol
     weak var messageRouter: MessageRouter?
     private let favoritesService = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared
@@ -34,8 +35,13 @@ final class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     
     // MARK: - Initialization
     
-    init(meshService: Transport, identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol) {
+    init(
+        meshService: Transport,
+        idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge,
+        identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManagerProtocol
+    ) {
         self.meshService = meshService
+        self.idBridge = idBridge
         self.identityManager = identityManager
         
         // Subscribe to changes from both services
@@ -229,10 +235,10 @@ final class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     }
     
     /// Get peer ID for nickname
-    func getPeerID(for nickname: String) -> String? {
+    func getPeerID(for nickname: String) -> PeerID? {
         for peer in peers {
             if peer.displayName == nickname || peer.nickname == nickname {
-                return peer.peerID.id
+                return peer.peerID
             }
         }
         return nil
@@ -285,7 +291,7 @@ final class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
             var peerNostrKey = peer.nostrPublicKey
             if peerNostrKey == nil {
                 // Try to get from NostrIdentityBridge association
-                peerNostrKey = NostrIdentityBridge.getNostrPublicKey(for: peer.noisePublicKey)
+                peerNostrKey = idBridge.getNostrPublicKey(for: peer.noisePublicKey)
             }
             
             // Add favorite
@@ -341,7 +347,7 @@ final class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     // MARK: - Compatibility Methods (for easy migration)
     
     var allPeers: [BitchatPeer] { peers }
-    var connectedPeers: [PeerID] { Array(connectedPeerIDs) }
+    var connectedPeers: Set<PeerID> { connectedPeerIDs }
     var favoritePeers: Set<String> {
         Set(favorites.compactMap { getFingerprint(for: $0.peerID) })
     }

bitchat/Sync/GossipSyncManager.swift

@@ -8,38 +8,109 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
         func signPacketForBroadcast(_ packet: BitchatPacket) -> BitchatPacket
     }
 
+    private struct PacketStore {
+        private(set) var packets: [String: BitchatPacket] = [:]
+        private(set) var order: [String] = []
+
+        mutating func insert(idHex: String, packet: BitchatPacket, capacity: Int) {
+            guard capacity > 0 else { return }
+            if packets[idHex] != nil {
+                packets[idHex] = packet
+                return
+            }
+            packets[idHex] = packet
+            order.append(idHex)
+            while order.count > capacity {
+                let victim = order.removeFirst()
+                packets.removeValue(forKey: victim)
+            }
+        }
+
+        func allPackets(isFresh: (BitchatPacket) -> Bool) -> [BitchatPacket] {
+            order.compactMap { key in
+                guard let packet = packets[key], isFresh(packet) else { return nil }
+                return packet
+            }
+        }
+
+        mutating func remove(where shouldRemove: (BitchatPacket) -> Bool) {
+            var nextOrder: [String] = []
+            for key in order {
+                guard let packet = packets[key] else { continue }
+                if shouldRemove(packet) {
+                    packets.removeValue(forKey: key)
+                } else {
+                    nextOrder.append(key)
+                }
+            }
+            order = nextOrder
+        }
+
+        mutating func removeExpired(isFresh: (BitchatPacket) -> Bool) {
+            remove { !isFresh($0) }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private struct SyncSchedule {
+        let types: SyncTypeFlags
+        let interval: TimeInterval
+        var lastSent: Date
+    }
+
     struct Config {
         var seenCapacity: Int = 1000          // max packets per sync (cap across types)
         var gcsMaxBytes: Int = 400           // filter size budget (128..1024)
         var gcsTargetFpr: Double = 0.01      // 1%
         var maxMessageAgeSeconds: TimeInterval = 900  // 15 min - discard older messages
+        var maintenanceIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
+        var stalePeerCleanupIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 60.0
+        var stalePeerTimeoutSeconds: TimeInterval = 60.0
+        var fragmentCapacity: Int = 600
+        var fileTransferCapacity: Int = 200
+        var fragmentSyncIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
+        var fileTransferSyncIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 60.0
+        var messageSyncIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 15.0
     }
 
     private let myPeerID: PeerID
     private let config: Config
     weak var delegate: Delegate?
 
-    // Storage: broadcast messages (ordered by insert), and latest announce per sender
-    private var messages: [String: BitchatPacket] = [:] // idHex -> packet
-    private var messageOrder: [String] = []
-    private var latestAnnouncementByPeer: [String: (id: String, packet: BitchatPacket)] = [:]
+    // Storage: broadcast packets by type, and latest announce per sender
+    private var messages = PacketStore()
+    private var fragments = PacketStore()
+    private var fileTransfers = PacketStore()
+    private var latestAnnouncementByPeer: [PeerID: (id: String, packet: BitchatPacket)] = [:]
 
     // Timer
     private var periodicTimer: DispatchSourceTimer?
     private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "mesh.sync", qos: .utility)
+    private var lastStalePeerCleanup: Date = .distantPast
+    private var syncSchedules: [SyncSchedule] = []
 
     init(myPeerID: PeerID, config: Config = Config()) {
         self.myPeerID = myPeerID
         self.config = config
+        var schedules: [SyncSchedule] = []
+        if config.seenCapacity > 0 && config.messageSyncIntervalSeconds > 0 {
+            schedules.append(SyncSchedule(types: .publicMessages, interval: config.messageSyncIntervalSeconds, lastSent: .distantPast))
+        }
+        if config.fragmentCapacity > 0 && config.fragmentSyncIntervalSeconds > 0 {
+            schedules.append(SyncSchedule(types: .fragment, interval: config.fragmentSyncIntervalSeconds, lastSent: .distantPast))
+        }
+        if config.fileTransferCapacity > 0 && config.fileTransferSyncIntervalSeconds > 0 {
+            schedules.append(SyncSchedule(types: .fileTransfer, interval: config.fileTransferSyncIntervalSeconds, lastSent: .distantPast))
+        }
+        syncSchedules = schedules
     }
 
     func start() {
         stop()
         let timer = DispatchSource.makeTimerSource(queue: queue)
-        timer.schedule(deadline: .now() + 30.0, repeating: 30.0, leeway: .seconds(1))
+        let interval = max(0.1, config.maintenanceIntervalSeconds)
+        timer.schedule(deadline: .now() + interval, repeating: interval, leeway: .seconds(1))
         timer.setEventHandler { [weak self] in
-            self?.cleanupExpiredMessages()
-            self?.sendRequestSync()
+            self?.performPeriodicMaintenance()
         }
         timer.resume()
         periodicTimer = timer
@@ -51,7 +122,18 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
 
     func scheduleInitialSyncToPeer(_ peerID: PeerID, delaySeconds: TimeInterval = 5.0) {
         queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + delaySeconds) { [weak self] in
-            self?.sendRequestSync(to: peerID)
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            self.sendRequestSync(to: peerID, types: .publicMessages)
+            if self.config.fragmentCapacity > 0 && self.config.fragmentSyncIntervalSeconds > 0 {
+                self.queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 0.5) { [weak self] in
+                    self?.sendRequestSync(to: peerID, types: .fragment)
+                }
+            }
+            if self.config.fileTransferCapacity > 0 && self.config.fileTransferSyncIntervalSeconds > 0 {
+                self.queue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 1.0) { [weak self] in
+                    self?.sendRequestSync(to: peerID, types: .fileTransfer)
+                }
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -73,40 +155,55 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
         return packet.timestamp >= cutoffMs
     }
 
+    private func isAnnouncementFresh(_ packet: BitchatPacket) -> Bool {
+        guard config.stalePeerTimeoutSeconds > 0 else { return true }
+        let nowMs = UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000)
+        let timeoutMs = UInt64(config.stalePeerTimeoutSeconds * 1000)
+        guard nowMs >= timeoutMs else { return true }
+        let cutoffMs = nowMs - timeoutMs
+        return packet.timestamp >= cutoffMs
+    }
+
     private func _onPublicPacketSeen(_ packet: BitchatPacket) {
-        let mt = MessageType(rawValue: packet.type)
+        guard let messageType = MessageType(rawValue: packet.type) else { return }
         let isBroadcastRecipient: Bool = {
             guard let r = packet.recipientID else { return true }
             return r.count == 8 && r.allSatisfy { $0 == 0xFF }
         }()
-        let isBroadcastMessage = (mt == .message && isBroadcastRecipient)
-        let isAnnounce = (mt == .announce)
-        guard isBroadcastMessage || isAnnounce else { return }
 
-        // Reject expired packets to prevent ghost peers and old messages
-        guard isPacketFresh(packet) else { return }
-
-        let idHex = PacketIdUtil.computeId(packet).hexEncodedString()
-
-        if isBroadcastMessage {
-            if messages[idHex] == nil {
-                messages[idHex] = packet
-                messageOrder.append(idHex)
-                // Enforce capacity
-                let cap = max(1, config.seenCapacity)
-                while messageOrder.count > cap {
-                    let victim = messageOrder.removeFirst()
-                    messages.removeValue(forKey: victim)
-                }
+        switch messageType {
+        case .announce:
+            guard isPacketFresh(packet) else { return }
+            guard isAnnouncementFresh(packet) else {
+                let sender = PeerID(hexData: packet.senderID)
+                removeState(for: sender)
+                return
             }
-        } else if isAnnounce {
-            let sender = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
+            let idHex = PacketIdUtil.computeId(packet).hexEncodedString()
+            let sender = PeerID(hexData: packet.senderID)
             latestAnnouncementByPeer[sender] = (id: idHex, packet: packet)
+        case .message:
+            guard isBroadcastRecipient else { return }
+            guard isPacketFresh(packet) else { return }
+            let idHex = PacketIdUtil.computeId(packet).hexEncodedString()
+            messages.insert(idHex: idHex, packet: packet, capacity: max(1, config.seenCapacity))
+        case .fragment:
+            guard isBroadcastRecipient else { return }
+            guard isPacketFresh(packet) else { return }
+            let idHex = PacketIdUtil.computeId(packet).hexEncodedString()
+            fragments.insert(idHex: idHex, packet: packet, capacity: max(1, config.fragmentCapacity))
+        case .fileTransfer:
+            guard isBroadcastRecipient else { return }
+            guard isPacketFresh(packet) else { return }
+            let idHex = PacketIdUtil.computeId(packet).hexEncodedString()
+            fileTransfers.insert(idHex: idHex, packet: packet, capacity: max(1, config.fileTransferCapacity))
+        default:
+            break
         }
     }
 
-    private func sendRequestSync() {
-        let payload = buildGcsPayload()
+    private func sendRequestSync(for types: SyncTypeFlags) {
+        let payload = buildGcsPayload(for: types)
         let pkt = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.requestSync.rawValue,
             senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID.id) ?? Data(),
@@ -120,8 +217,8 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
         delegate?.sendPacket(signed)
     }
 
-    private func sendRequestSync(to peerID: PeerID) {
-        let payload = buildGcsPayload()
+    private func sendRequestSync(to peerID: PeerID, types: SyncTypeFlags) {
+        let payload = buildGcsPayload(for: types)
         var recipient = Data()
         var temp = peerID.id
         while temp.count >= 2 && recipient.count < 8 {
@@ -149,6 +246,7 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
     }
 
     private func _handleRequestSync(from peerID: PeerID, request: RequestSyncPacket) {
+        let requestedTypes = (request.types ?? .publicMessages)
         // Decode GCS into sorted set and prepare membership checker
         let sorted = GCSFilter.decodeToSortedSet(p: request.p, m: request.m, data: request.data)
         func mightContain(_ id: Data) -> Bool {
@@ -156,60 +254,100 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
             return GCSFilter.contains(sortedValues: sorted, candidate: bucket)
         }
 
-        // 1) Announcements: send latest per peer if requester lacks them (and not expired)
-        for (_, pair) in latestAnnouncementByPeer {
-            let (idHex, pkt) = pair
-            guard isPacketFresh(pkt) else { continue }
-            let idBytes = Data(hexString: idHex) ?? Data()
-            if !mightContain(idBytes) {
-                var toSend = pkt
-                toSend.ttl = 0
-                delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+        if requestedTypes.contains(.announce) {
+            for (_, pair) in latestAnnouncementByPeer {
+                let (idHex, pkt) = pair
+                guard isPacketFresh(pkt) else { continue }
+                let idBytes = Data(hexString: idHex) ?? Data()
+                if !mightContain(idBytes) {
+                    var toSend = pkt
+                    toSend.ttl = 0
+                    delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+                }
             }
         }
 
-        // 2) Broadcast messages: send all missing (and not expired)
-        let toSendMsgs = messageOrder.compactMap { messages[$0] }
-        for pkt in toSendMsgs {
-            guard isPacketFresh(pkt) else { continue }
-            let idBytes = PacketIdUtil.computeId(pkt)
-            if !mightContain(idBytes) {
-                var toSend = pkt
-                toSend.ttl = 0
-                delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+        if requestedTypes.contains(.message) {
+            let toSendMsgs = messages.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+            for pkt in toSendMsgs {
+                let idBytes = PacketIdUtil.computeId(pkt)
+                if !mightContain(idBytes) {
+                    var toSend = pkt
+                    toSend.ttl = 0
+                    delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if requestedTypes.contains(.fragment) {
+            let frags = fragments.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+            for pkt in frags {
+                let idBytes = PacketIdUtil.computeId(pkt)
+                if !mightContain(idBytes) {
+                    var toSend = pkt
+                    toSend.ttl = 0
+                    delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if requestedTypes.contains(.fileTransfer) {
+            let files = fileTransfers.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+            for pkt in files {
+                let idBytes = PacketIdUtil.computeId(pkt)
+                if !mightContain(idBytes) {
+                    var toSend = pkt
+                    toSend.ttl = 0
+                    delegate?.sendPacket(to: peerID, packet: toSend)
+                }
             }
         }
     }
 
     // Build REQUEST_SYNC payload using current candidates and GCS params
-    private func buildGcsPayload() -> Data {
-        // Collect candidates: latest announce per peer + broadcast messages (only fresh)
+    private func buildGcsPayload(for types: SyncTypeFlags) -> Data {
         var candidates: [BitchatPacket] = []
-        candidates.reserveCapacity(latestAnnouncementByPeer.count + messageOrder.count)
-        for (_, pair) in latestAnnouncementByPeer {
-            if isPacketFresh(pair.packet) {
+        if types.contains(.announce) {
+            for (_, pair) in latestAnnouncementByPeer where isPacketFresh(pair.packet) {
                 candidates.append(pair.packet)
             }
         }
-        for id in messageOrder {
-            if let p = messages[id], isPacketFresh(p) {
-                candidates.append(p)
-            }
+        if types.contains(.message) {
+            candidates.append(contentsOf: messages.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh))
         }
+        if types.contains(.fragment) {
+            candidates.append(contentsOf: fragments.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh))
+        }
+        if types.contains(.fileTransfer) {
+            candidates.append(contentsOf: fileTransfers.allPackets(isFresh: isPacketFresh))
+        }
+        if candidates.isEmpty {
+            let p = GCSFilter.deriveP(targetFpr: config.gcsTargetFpr)
+            let req = RequestSyncPacket(p: p, m: 1, data: Data(), types: types)
+            return req.encode()
+        }
+
         // Sort by timestamp desc
         candidates.sort { $0.timestamp > $1.timestamp }
 
         let p = GCSFilter.deriveP(targetFpr: config.gcsTargetFpr)
         let nMax = GCSFilter.estimateMaxElements(sizeBytes: config.gcsMaxBytes, p: p)
-        let cap = max(1, config.seenCapacity)
+        let cap: Int
+        if types == .fragment {
+            cap = max(1, config.fragmentCapacity)
+        } else if types == .fileTransfer {
+            cap = max(1, config.fileTransferCapacity)
+        } else {
+            cap = max(1, config.seenCapacity)
+        }
         let takeN = min(candidates.count, min(nMax, cap))
         if takeN <= 0 {
-            let req = RequestSyncPacket(p: p, m: 1, data: Data())
+            let req = RequestSyncPacket(p: p, m: 1, data: Data(), types: types)
             return req.encode()
         }
         let ids: [Data] = candidates.prefix(takeN).map { PacketIdUtil.computeId($0) }
         let params = GCSFilter.buildFilter(ids: ids, maxBytes: config.gcsMaxBytes, targetFpr: config.gcsTargetFpr)
-        let req = RequestSyncPacket(p: params.p, m: params.m, data: params.data)
+        let req = RequestSyncPacket(p: params.p, m: params.m, data: params.data, types: types)
         return req.encode()
     }
 
@@ -220,37 +358,78 @@ final class GossipSyncManager {
             isPacketFresh(pair.packet)
         }
 
-        // Remove expired messages
-        let expiredMessageIds = messages.compactMap { id, pkt in
-            isPacketFresh(pkt) ? nil : id
+        messages.removeExpired(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+        fragments.removeExpired(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+        fileTransfers.removeExpired(isFresh: isPacketFresh)
+    }
+
+    private func performPeriodicMaintenance(now: Date = Date()) {
+        cleanupExpiredMessages()
+        cleanupStaleAnnouncementsIfNeeded(now: now)
+        for index in syncSchedules.indices {
+            guard syncSchedules[index].interval > 0 else { continue }
+            if syncSchedules[index].lastSent == .distantPast || now.timeIntervalSince(syncSchedules[index].lastSent) >= syncSchedules[index].interval {
+                syncSchedules[index].lastSent = now
+                sendRequestSync(for: syncSchedules[index].types)
+            }
         }
-        for id in expiredMessageIds {
-            messages.removeValue(forKey: id)
-            messageOrder.removeAll { $0 == id }
+    }
+
+    private func cleanupStaleAnnouncementsIfNeeded(now: Date) {
+        guard now.timeIntervalSince(lastStalePeerCleanup) >= config.stalePeerCleanupIntervalSeconds else {
+            return
+        }
+        lastStalePeerCleanup = now
+        cleanupStaleAnnouncements(now: now)
+    }
+
+    private func cleanupStaleAnnouncements(now: Date) {
+        let timeoutMs = UInt64(config.stalePeerTimeoutSeconds * 1000)
+        let nowMs = UInt64(now.timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000)
+        guard nowMs >= timeoutMs else { return }
+        let cutoff = nowMs - timeoutMs
+        let stalePeerIDs = latestAnnouncementByPeer.compactMap { peerID, pair in
+            pair.packet.timestamp < cutoff ? peerID : nil
+        }
+        guard !stalePeerIDs.isEmpty else { return }
+        for peerKey in stalePeerIDs {
+            removeState(for: peerKey)
         }
     }
 
     // Explicit removal hook for LEAVE/stale peer
     func removeAnnouncementForPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
         queue.async { [weak self] in
-            self?._removeAnnouncementForPeer(peerID)
+            self?.removeState(for: peerID)
         }
     }
 
-    private func _removeAnnouncementForPeer(_ peerID: PeerID) {
-        let normalizedPeerID = peerID.id.lowercased()
-        _ = latestAnnouncementByPeer.removeValue(forKey: normalizedPeerID)
+    private func removeState(for peerID: PeerID) {
+        _ = latestAnnouncementByPeer.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+        messages.remove { PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == peerID }
+        fragments.remove { PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == peerID }
+        fileTransfers.remove { PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == peerID }
+    }
+}
 
-        // Remove messages from this peer
-        // Collect IDs to remove first to avoid concurrent modification
-        let messageIdsToRemove = messages.compactMap { (id, message) -> String? in
-            message.senderID.hexEncodedString().lowercased() == normalizedPeerID ? id : nil
+#if DEBUG
+extension GossipSyncManager {
+    func _performMaintenanceSynchronously(now: Date = Date()) {
+        queue.sync {
+            performPeriodicMaintenance(now: now)
         }
-        
-        // Remove messages and update messageOrder
-        for id in messageIdsToRemove {
-            messages.removeValue(forKey: id)
-            messageOrder.removeAll { $0 == id }
+    }
+
+    func _hasAnnouncement(for peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        queue.sync {
+            latestAnnouncementByPeer[peerID] != nil
+        }
+    }
+
+    func _messageCount(for peerID: PeerID) -> Int {
+        queue.sync {
+            messages.allPackets { _ in true }.filter { PeerID(hexData: $0.senderID) == peerID }.count
         }
     }
 }
+#endif

bitchat/Sync/SyncTypeFlags.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Bitfield describing which message types are covered by a REQUEST_SYNC round.
+/// Matches the Android mapping (bit index -> message type).
+struct SyncTypeFlags: OptionSet {
+    let rawValue: UInt64
+
+    init(rawValue: UInt64) {
+        self.rawValue = rawValue & 0x00FF_FFFF_FFFF_FFFF // Trim to max 8 bytes
+    }
+
+    private static func bitIndex(for type: MessageType) -> Int? {
+        switch type {
+        case .announce: return 0
+        case .message: return 1
+        case .leave: return 2
+        case .noiseHandshake: return 3
+        case .noiseEncrypted: return 4
+        case .fragment: return 5
+        case .requestSync: return 6
+        case .fileTransfer: return 7
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func type(forBit index: Int) -> MessageType? {
+        switch index {
+        case 0: return .announce
+        case 1: return .message
+        case 2: return .leave
+        case 3: return .noiseHandshake
+        case 4: return .noiseEncrypted
+        case 5: return .fragment
+        case 6: return .requestSync
+        case 7: return .fileTransfer
+        default:
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+
+    static let announce = SyncTypeFlags(messageTypes: [.announce])
+    static let message = SyncTypeFlags(messageTypes: [.message])
+    static let fragment = SyncTypeFlags(messageTypes: [.fragment])
+    static let fileTransfer = SyncTypeFlags(messageTypes: [.fileTransfer])
+
+    static let publicMessages = SyncTypeFlags(messageTypes: [.announce, .message])
+
+    init(messageTypes: [MessageType]) {
+        var raw: UInt64 = 0
+        for type in messageTypes {
+            guard let bit = SyncTypeFlags.bitIndex(for: type) else { continue }
+            raw |= (1 << UInt64(bit))
+        }
+        self.init(rawValue: raw)
+    }
+
+    func contains(_ type: MessageType) -> Bool {
+        guard let bit = SyncTypeFlags.bitIndex(for: type) else { return false }
+        return contains(SyncTypeFlags(rawValue: 1 << UInt64(bit)))
+    }
+
+    func union(_ other: SyncTypeFlags) -> SyncTypeFlags {
+        SyncTypeFlags(rawValue: rawValue | other.rawValue)
+    }
+
+    func intersection(_ other: SyncTypeFlags) -> SyncTypeFlags {
+        SyncTypeFlags(rawValue: rawValue & other.rawValue)
+    }
+
+    func toMessageTypes() -> [MessageType] {
+        guard rawValue != 0 else { return [] }
+        var types: [MessageType] = []
+        for bit in 0..<64 {
+            guard (rawValue & (1 << UInt64(bit))) != 0 else { continue }
+            if let type = SyncTypeFlags.type(forBit: bit) {
+                types.append(type)
+            }
+        }
+        return types
+    }
+
+    func toData() -> Data? {
+        guard rawValue != 0 else { return nil }
+        var value = rawValue
+        var bytes: [UInt8] = []
+        while value > 0 && bytes.count < 8 {
+            bytes.append(UInt8(value & 0xFF))
+            value >>= 8
+        }
+        while let last = bytes.last, last == 0 {
+            bytes.removeLast()
+        }
+        guard !bytes.isEmpty, bytes.count <= 8 else { return nil }
+        return Data(bytes)
+    }
+
+    static func decode(_ data: Data) -> SyncTypeFlags? {
+        guard (1...8).contains(data.count) else { return nil }
+        var raw: UInt64 = 0
+        for (index, byte) in data.enumerated() {
+            raw |= UInt64(byte) << UInt64(index * 8)
+        }
+        return SyncTypeFlags(rawValue: raw)
+    }
+}

bitchat/Utils/CompressionUtil.swift

@@ -61,15 +61,13 @@ struct CompressionUtil {
         // 1. Data is too small
         // 2. Data appears to be already compressed (high entropy)
         guard data.count >= compressionThreshold else { return false }
-        
-        // Simple entropy check - count unique bytes
-        var byteFrequency = [UInt8: Int]()
-        for byte in data {
-            byteFrequency[byte, default: 0] += 1
-        }
-        
-        // If we have very high byte diversity, data is likely already compressed
-        let uniqueByteRatio = Double(byteFrequency.count) / Double(min(data.count, 256))
+
+        // Quick uniqueness check — a high diversity of bytes usually means the
+        // payload is already compressed. We only need to know how many unique
+        // values exist rather than keeping full frequency counts.
+        let uniqueByteCount = Set(data).count
+        let sampleSize = min(data.count, 256)
+        let uniqueByteRatio = Double(uniqueByteCount) / Double(sampleSize)
         return uniqueByteRatio < 0.9 // Compress if less than 90% unique bytes
     }
 }

bitchat/Utils/FileTransferLimits.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Centralized thresholds for Bluetooth file transfers to keep payload sizes sane on constrained radios.
+enum FileTransferLimits {
+    /// Absolute ceiling enforced for any file payload (voice, image, other).
+    static let maxPayloadBytes: Int = 1 * 1024 * 1024 // 1 MiB
+    /// Voice notes stay small for low-latency relays.
+    static let maxVoiceNoteBytes: Int = 512 * 1024 // 512 KiB
+    /// Compressed images after downscaling should comfortably fit under this budget.
+    static let maxImageBytes: Int = 512 * 1024 // 512 KiB
+    /// Worst-case size once TLV metadata and binary packet framing are included for the largest payloads.
+    static let maxFramedFileBytes: Int = {
+        let maxMetadataBytes = Int(UInt16.max) * 2 // fileName + mimeType TLVs
+        let tlvEnvelopeOverhead = 18 + maxMetadataBytes // TLV tags + lengths + metadata bytes
+        let binaryEnvelopeOverhead = BinaryProtocol.v2HeaderSize
+            + BinaryProtocol.senderIDSize
+            + BinaryProtocol.recipientIDSize
+            + BinaryProtocol.signatureSize
+        return maxPayloadBytes + tlvEnvelopeOverhead + binaryEnvelopeOverhead
+    }()
+
+    static func isValidPayload(_ size: Int) -> Bool {
+        size <= maxPayloadBytes
+    }
+}

bitchat/Utils/InputValidator.swift

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import Foundation
+import BitLogger
 
 /// Comprehensive input validation for BitChat protocol
 /// Prevents injection attacks, buffer overflows, and malformed data
@@ -16,29 +17,28 @@ struct InputValidator {
     // MARK: - String Content Validation
     
     /// Validates and sanitizes user-provided strings used in UI
+    ///
+    /// Rejects strings containing control characters to prevent potential security issues
+    /// and UI rendering problems. This strict approach ensures data integrity at input time.
     static func validateUserString(_ string: String, maxLength: Int) -> String? {
-        // Check empty
-        guard !string.isEmpty else { return nil }
-
-        // Trim whitespace
         let trimmed = string.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
         guard !trimmed.isEmpty else { return nil }
-
-        // Check length
         guard trimmed.count <= maxLength else { return nil }
 
-        // Remove control characters
+        // Reject control characters outright instead of rewriting the string.
+        // This prevents injection attacks and ensures consistent UI rendering.
         let controlChars = CharacterSet.controlCharacters
-        let cleaned = trimmed.components(separatedBy: controlChars).joined()
-        
-        // Ensure valid UTF-8 (should already be, but double-check)
-        guard cleaned.data(using: .utf8) != nil else { return nil }
-        
-        // Prevent zero-width characters and other invisible unicode
-        let invisibleChars = CharacterSet(charactersIn: "\u{200B}\u{200C}\u{200D}\u{FEFF}")
-        let visible = cleaned.components(separatedBy: invisibleChars).joined()
-        
-        return visible.isEmpty ? nil : visible
+        if !trimmed.unicodeScalars.allSatisfy({ !controlChars.contains($0) }) {
+            // Log rejection for monitoring, without exposing actual content for privacy
+            let controlCharCount = trimmed.unicodeScalars.filter { controlChars.contains($0) }.count
+            SecureLogger.debug(
+                "Input validation rejected string (length: \(trimmed.count), control chars: \(controlCharCount))",
+                category: .security
+            )
+            return nil
+        }
+
+        return trimmed
     }
     
     /// Validates nickname

bitchat/Utils/MessageDeduplicator.swift

@@ -2,66 +2,112 @@ import Foundation
 
 // MARK: - Message Deduplicator (shared)
 
+/// Thread-safe deduplicator with LRU eviction and time-based expiry.
+/// Used for both message ID deduplication (network layer) and content key deduplication (UI layer).
 final class MessageDeduplicator {
-    private struct Entry {
-        let messageID: String
+    private struct Entry: Equatable {
+        let id: String
         let timestamp: Date
     }
 
     private var entries: [Entry] = []
     private var head: Int = 0
-    private var lookup = Set<String>()
+    private var lookup: [String: Date] = [:]  // id -> timestamp for O(1) lookup
     private let lock = NSLock()
-    private let maxAge: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.messageDedupMaxAgeSeconds  // 5 minutes
-    private let maxCount = TransportConfig.messageDedupMaxCount
+    private let maxAge: TimeInterval
+    private let maxCount: Int
 
-    /// Check if message is duplicate and add if not
-    func isDuplicate(_ messageID: String) -> Bool {
+    /// Initialize with default config from TransportConfig
+    convenience init() {
+        self.init(
+            maxAge: TransportConfig.messageDedupMaxAgeSeconds,
+            maxCount: TransportConfig.messageDedupMaxCount
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Initialize with custom config for content deduplication
+    init(maxAge: TimeInterval, maxCount: Int) {
+        self.maxAge = maxAge
+        self.maxCount = maxCount
+    }
+
+    /// Check if message is duplicate and add if not.
+    /// - Parameter id: The message identifier to check.
+    /// - Returns: `true` if the message was already seen, `false` otherwise.
+    func isDuplicate(_ id: String) -> Bool {
         lock.lock()
         defer { lock.unlock() }
 
-        cleanupOldEntries()
+        let now = Date()
+        cleanupOldEntries(before: now.addingTimeInterval(-maxAge))
 
-        if lookup.contains(messageID) {
+        if lookup[id] != nil {
             return true
         }
 
-        entries.append(Entry(messageID: messageID, timestamp: Date()))
-        lookup.insert(messageID)
-
-        // Soft-cap and advance head by a chunk to avoid O(n) shifting
-        if (entries.count - head) > maxCount {
-            let removeCount = min(100, entries.count - head)
-            for i in head..<(head + removeCount) {
-                lookup.remove(entries[i].messageID)
-            }
-            head += removeCount
-            // Periodically compact to reclaim memory
-            if head > entries.count / 2 {
-                entries.removeFirst(head)
-                head = 0
-            }
-        }
+        entries.append(Entry(id: id, timestamp: now))
+        lookup[id] = now
+        trimIfNeeded()
 
         return false
     }
 
-    /// Add an ID without checking (for announce-back tracking)
-    func markProcessed(_ messageID: String) {
+    /// Record an ID with a specific timestamp (for content key tracking)
+    func record(_ id: String, timestamp: Date) {
         lock.lock()
         defer { lock.unlock() }
 
-        if !lookup.contains(messageID) {
-            entries.append(Entry(messageID: messageID, timestamp: Date()))
-            lookup.insert(messageID)
+        if lookup[id] == nil {
+            entries.append(Entry(id: id, timestamp: timestamp))
+        }
+        lookup[id] = timestamp
+        trimIfNeeded()
+    }
+
+    /// Add an ID without checking (for announce-back tracking)
+    func markProcessed(_ id: String) {
+        lock.lock()
+        defer { lock.unlock() }
+
+        if lookup[id] == nil {
+            let now = Date()
+            entries.append(Entry(id: id, timestamp: now))
+            lookup[id] = now
         }
     }
 
     /// Check if ID exists without adding
-    func contains(_ messageID: String) -> Bool {
+    func contains(_ id: String) -> Bool {
         lock.lock()
         defer { lock.unlock() }
-        return lookup.contains(messageID)
+        return lookup[id] != nil
+    }
+
+    /// Get timestamp for an ID (for content deduplication time-window checks)
+    func timestampFor(_ id: String) -> Date? {
+        lock.lock()
+        defer { lock.unlock() }
+        return lookup[id]
+    }
+
+    private func trimIfNeeded() {
+        let activeCount = entries.count - head
+        guard activeCount > maxCount else { return }
+
+        // Remove down to 75% of maxCount for better amortization
+        let targetCount = (maxCount * 3) / 4
+        let removeCount = activeCount - targetCount
+
+        for i in head..<(head + removeCount) {
+            lookup.removeValue(forKey: entries[i].id)
+        }
+        head += removeCount
+
+        // Compact when head exceeds half the array to reclaim memory
+        if head > entries.count / 2 {
+            entries.removeFirst(head)
+            head = 0
+        }
     }
 
     /// Clear all entries
@@ -74,24 +120,25 @@ final class MessageDeduplicator {
         lookup.removeAll()
     }
 
-    /// Periodic cleanup
+    /// Periodic cleanup of expired entries and memory optimization.
     func cleanup() {
         lock.lock()
         defer { lock.unlock() }
 
-        cleanupOldEntries()
+        cleanupOldEntries(before: Date().addingTimeInterval(-maxAge))
 
-        if entries.capacity > maxCount * 2 {
+        // Shrink capacity if significantly oversized
+        if entries.capacity > maxCount * 2 && entries.count < maxCount {
             entries.reserveCapacity(maxCount)
         }
     }
 
-    private func cleanupOldEntries() {
-        let cutoff = Date().addingTimeInterval(-maxAge)
+    private func cleanupOldEntries(before cutoff: Date) {
         while head < entries.count, entries[head].timestamp < cutoff {
-            lookup.remove(entries[head].messageID)
+            lookup.removeValue(forKey: entries[head].id)
             head += 1
         }
+        // Compact when head exceeds half the array
         if head > 0 && head > entries.count / 2 {
             entries.removeFirst(head)
             head = 0

bitchat/ViewModels/Extensions/ChatViewModel+Nostr.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,814 @@
+//
+// ChatViewModel+Nostr.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Geohash and Nostr logic for ChatViewModel
+//
+
+import Foundation
+import Combine
+import BitLogger
+import SwiftUI
+import Tor
+
+extension ChatViewModel {
+
+    // MARK: - Geohash Subscription
+
+    // Resubscribe to the active geohash channel without clearing timeline
+    @MainActor
+    func resubscribeCurrentGeohash() {
+        guard case .location(let ch) = activeChannel else { return }
+        guard let subID = geoSubscriptionID else {
+            // No existing subscription; set it up
+            switchLocationChannel(to: activeChannel)
+            return
+        }
+        // Ensure participant decay timer is running
+        participantTracker.startRefreshTimer()
+        // Unsubscribe + resubscribe
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: subID)
+        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashEphemeral(
+            ch.geohash,
+            since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrGeohashInitialLookbackSeconds),
+            limit: TransportConfig.nostrGeohashInitialLimit
+        )
+        let subRelays = GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(
+            toGeohash: ch.geohash,
+            count: TransportConfig.nostrGeoRelayCount
+        )
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: filter, id: subID, relayUrls: subRelays) { [weak self] event in
+            self?.subscribeNostrEvent(event)
+        }
+        // Resubscribe geohash DMs for this identity
+        if let dmSub = geoDmSubscriptionID {
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: dmSub); geoDmSubscriptionID = nil
+        }
+        
+        if let id = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: ch.geohash) {
+            let dmSub = "geo-dm-\(ch.geohash)"
+            geoDmSubscriptionID = dmSub
+            let dmFilter = NostrFilter.giftWrapsFor(pubkey: id.publicKeyHex, since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrDMSubscribeLookbackSeconds))
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: dmFilter, id: dmSub) { [weak self] giftWrap in
+                self?.subscribeGiftWrap(giftWrap, id: id)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func subscribeNostrEvent(_ event: NostrEvent) {
+        guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.ephemeralEvent.rawValue,
+              !deduplicationService.hasProcessedNostrEvent(event.id)
+        else {
+            return
+        }
+
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(event.id)
+        
+        if let gh = currentGeohash,
+           let myGeoIdentity = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: gh),
+           myGeoIdentity.publicKeyHex.lowercased() == event.pubkey.lowercased() {
+            // Skip very recent self-echo from relay, but allow older events (e.g., after app restart)
+            let eventTime = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+            if Date().timeIntervalSince(eventTime) < 15 {
+                return
+            }
+        }
+        
+        if let nickTag = event.tags.first(where: { $0.first == "n" }), nickTag.count >= 2 {
+            let nick = nickTag[1].trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+            geoNicknames[event.pubkey.lowercased()] = nick
+        }
+        
+        // Store mapping for geohash sender IDs used in messages (ensures consistent colors)
+        nostrKeyMapping[PeerID(nostr_: event.pubkey)] = event.pubkey
+        nostrKeyMapping[PeerID(nostr: event.pubkey)] = event.pubkey
+
+        // Update participants last-seen for this pubkey
+        participantTracker.recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: event.pubkey)
+        
+        // Track teleported tag (only our format ["t","teleport"]) for icon state
+        let hasTeleportTag = event.tags.contains(where: { tag in
+            tag.count >= 2 && tag[0].lowercased() == "t" && tag[1].lowercased() == "teleport"
+        })
+        
+        if hasTeleportTag {
+            let key = event.pubkey.lowercased()
+            // Do not mark our own key from historical events; rely on manager.teleported for self
+            let isSelf: Bool = {
+                if let gh = currentGeohash, let my = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: gh) {
+                    return my.publicKeyHex.lowercased() == key
+                }
+                return false
+            }()
+            if !isSelf {
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    teleportedGeo = teleportedGeo.union([key])
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        
+        let senderName = displayNameForNostrPubkey(event.pubkey)
+        let content = event.content.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        
+        // Clamp future timestamps to now to avoid future-dated messages skewing order
+        let rawTs = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+        let timestamp = min(rawTs, Date())
+        let mentions = parseMentions(from: content)
+        let msg = BitchatMessage(
+            id: event.id,
+            sender: senderName,
+            content: content,
+            timestamp: timestamp,
+            isRelay: false,
+            senderPeerID: PeerID(nostr: event.pubkey),
+            mentions: mentions.isEmpty ? nil : mentions
+        )
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            handlePublicMessage(msg)
+            checkForMentions(msg)
+            sendHapticFeedback(for: msg)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func subscribeGiftWrap(_ giftWrap: NostrEvent, id: NostrIdentity) {
+        guard !deduplicationService.hasProcessedNostrEvent(giftWrap.id) else { return }
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(giftWrap.id)
+        
+        guard let (content, senderPubkey, rumorTs) = try? NostrProtocol.decryptPrivateMessage(giftWrap: giftWrap, recipientIdentity: id),
+              content.hasPrefix("bitchat1:"),
+              let packetData = Self.base64URLDecode(String(content.dropFirst("bitchat1:".count))),
+              let packet = BitchatPacket.from(packetData),
+              packet.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+              let noisePayload = NoisePayload.decode(packet.payload)
+        else {
+            return
+        }
+        
+        let messageTimestamp = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(rumorTs))
+        let convKey = PeerID(nostr_: senderPubkey)
+        nostrKeyMapping[convKey] = senderPubkey
+        
+        switch noisePayload.type {
+        case .privateMessage:
+            handlePrivateMessage(noisePayload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey, id: id, messageTimestamp: messageTimestamp)
+        case .delivered:
+            handleDelivered(noisePayload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey)
+        case .readReceipt:
+            handleReadReceipt(noisePayload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey)
+        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse:
+            // QR verification payloads over Nostr are not supported; ignore in geohash DMs
+            break
+        }
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Geohash Channel Handling
+
+    @MainActor
+    func switchLocationChannel(to channel: ChannelID) {
+        // Reset pending public batches to avoid cross-channel bleed
+        publicMessagePipeline.reset()
+        
+        activeChannel = channel
+        publicMessagePipeline.updateActiveChannel(channel)
+        
+        // Reset deduplication set and optionally hydrate timeline for mesh
+        deduplicationService.clearNostrCaches()
+        switch channel {
+        case .mesh:
+            refreshVisibleMessages(from: .mesh)
+            // Debug: log if any empty messages are present
+            let emptyMesh = messages.filter { $0.content.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).isEmpty }.count
+            if emptyMesh > 0 {
+                SecureLogger.debug("RenderGuard: mesh timeline contains \(emptyMesh) empty messages", category: .session)
+            }
+            participantTracker.stopRefreshTimer()
+            participantTracker.setActiveGeohash(nil)
+            teleportedGeo.removeAll()
+        case .location:
+            refreshVisibleMessages(from: channel)
+        }
+        // If switching to a location channel, flush any pending geohash-only system messages
+        if case .location = channel {
+            for content in timelineStore.drainPendingGeohashSystemMessages() {
+                addPublicSystemMessage(content)
+            }
+        }
+        // Unsubscribe previous
+        if let sub = geoSubscriptionID {
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: sub)
+            geoSubscriptionID = nil
+        }
+        if let dmSub = geoDmSubscriptionID {
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: dmSub)
+            geoDmSubscriptionID = nil
+        }
+        currentGeohash = nil
+        participantTracker.setActiveGeohash(nil)
+        // Reset nickname cache for geochat participants
+        geoNicknames.removeAll()
+
+        guard case .location(let ch) = channel else { return }
+        currentGeohash = ch.geohash
+        participantTracker.setActiveGeohash(ch.geohash)
+        
+        // Ensure self appears immediately in the people list; mark teleported state only when truly teleported
+        if let id = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: ch.geohash) {
+            participantTracker.recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: id.publicKeyHex)
+            let hasRegional = !LocationChannelManager.shared.availableChannels.isEmpty
+            let inRegional = LocationChannelManager.shared.availableChannels.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
+            let key = id.publicKeyHex.lowercased()
+            if LocationChannelManager.shared.teleported && hasRegional && !inRegional {
+                teleportedGeo = teleportedGeo.union([key])
+                SecureLogger.info("GeoTeleport: channel switch mark self teleported key=\(key.prefix(8))… total=\(teleportedGeo.count)", category: .session)
+            } else {
+                teleportedGeo.remove(key)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        let subID = "geo-\(ch.geohash)"
+        geoSubscriptionID = subID
+        participantTracker.startRefreshTimer()
+        let ts = Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrGeohashInitialLookbackSeconds)
+        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashEphemeral(ch.geohash, since: ts, limit: TransportConfig.nostrGeohashInitialLimit)
+        let subRelays = GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(toGeohash: ch.geohash, count: 5)
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: filter, id: subID, relayUrls: subRelays) { [weak self] event in
+            self?.handleNostrEvent(event)
+        }
+
+        subscribeToGeoChat(ch)
+    }
+    
+    func handleNostrEvent(_ event: NostrEvent) {
+        // Only handle ephemeral kind 20000 with matching tag
+        guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.ephemeralEvent.rawValue else { return }
+        
+        // Deduplicate
+        if deduplicationService.hasProcessedNostrEvent(event.id) { return }
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(event.id)
+        
+        // Log incoming tags for diagnostics
+        let tagSummary = event.tags.map { "[" + $0.joined(separator: ",") + "]" }.joined(separator: ",")
+        SecureLogger.debug("GeoTeleport: recv pub=\(event.pubkey.prefix(8))… tags=\(tagSummary)", category: .session)
+        
+        // Track teleport tag for participants – only our format ["t", "teleport"]
+        let hasTeleportTag: Bool = event.tags.contains { tag in
+            tag.count >= 2 && tag[0].lowercased() == "t" && tag[1].lowercased() == "teleport"
+        }
+        
+        let isSelf: Bool = {
+            if let gh = currentGeohash, let my = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: gh) {
+                return my.publicKeyHex.lowercased() == event.pubkey.lowercased()
+            }
+            return false
+        }()
+
+        if hasTeleportTag {
+            // Avoid marking our own key from historical events; rely on manager.teleported for self
+            if !isSelf {
+                let key = event.pubkey.lowercased()
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    teleportedGeo = teleportedGeo.union([key])
+                    SecureLogger.info("GeoTeleport: mark peer teleported key=\(key.prefix(8))… total=\(teleportedGeo.count)", category: .session)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        
+        // Skip only very recent self-echo from relay; include older self events for hydration
+        if isSelf {
+            let eventTime = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+            if Date().timeIntervalSince(eventTime) < 15 {
+                return
+            }
+        }
+        
+        // Cache nickname from tag if present
+        if let nickTag = event.tags.first(where: { $0.first == "n" }), nickTag.count >= 2 {
+            let nick = nickTag[1].trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+            geoNicknames[event.pubkey.lowercased()] = nick
+        }
+        
+        // If this pubkey is blocked, skip mapping, participants, and timeline
+        if identityManager.isNostrBlocked(pubkeyHexLowercased: event.pubkey) {
+            return
+        }
+        
+        // Store mapping for geohash DM initiation
+        nostrKeyMapping[PeerID(nostr_: event.pubkey)] = event.pubkey
+        nostrKeyMapping[PeerID(nostr: event.pubkey)] = event.pubkey
+        
+        // Update participants last-seen for this pubkey
+        participantTracker.recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: event.pubkey)
+        
+        let senderName = displayNameForNostrPubkey(event.pubkey)
+        let content = event.content
+        
+        // If this is a teleport presence event (no content), don't add to timeline
+        if let teleTag = event.tags.first(where: { $0.first == "t" }), teleTag.count >= 2, (teleTag[1] == "teleport"),
+           content.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).isEmpty {
+            return
+        }
+        
+        // Clamp future timestamps
+        let rawTs = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+        let mentions = parseMentions(from: content)
+        let msg = BitchatMessage(
+            id: event.id,
+            sender: senderName,
+            content: content,
+            timestamp: min(rawTs, Date()),
+            isRelay: false,
+            senderPeerID: PeerID(nostr: event.pubkey),
+            mentions: mentions.isEmpty ? nil : mentions
+        )
+        
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            handlePublicMessage(msg)
+            checkForMentions(msg)
+            sendHapticFeedback(for: msg)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    @MainActor
+    func subscribeToGeoChat(_ ch: GeohashChannel) {
+        guard let id = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: ch.geohash) else { return }
+        
+        let dmSub = "geo-dm-\(ch.geohash)"
+        geoDmSubscriptionID = dmSub
+        // pared back logging: subscribe debug only
+        // Log GeoDM subscribe only when Tor is ready to avoid early noise
+        if TorManager.shared.isReady {
+            SecureLogger.debug("GeoDM: subscribing DMs pub=\(id.publicKeyHex.prefix(8))… sub=\(dmSub)", category: .session)
+        }
+        let dmFilter = NostrFilter.giftWrapsFor(pubkey: id.publicKeyHex, since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrDMSubscribeLookbackSeconds))
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: dmFilter, id: dmSub) { [weak self] giftWrap in
+            self?.handleGiftWrap(giftWrap, id: id)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func handleGiftWrap(_ giftWrap: NostrEvent, id: NostrIdentity) {
+        if deduplicationService.hasProcessedNostrEvent(giftWrap.id) {
+            return
+        }
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(giftWrap.id)
+        
+        // Decrypt with per-geohash identity
+        guard let (content, senderPubkey, rumorTs) = try? NostrProtocol.decryptPrivateMessage(giftWrap: giftWrap, recipientIdentity: id) else {
+            SecureLogger.warning("GeoDM: failed decrypt giftWrap id=\(giftWrap.id.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+            return
+        }
+        
+        SecureLogger.debug("GeoDM: decrypted gift-wrap id=\(giftWrap.id.prefix(16))... from=\(senderPubkey.prefix(8))...", category: .session)
+        
+        guard content.hasPrefix("bitchat1:"),
+              let packetData = Self.base64URLDecode(String(content.dropFirst("bitchat1:".count))),
+              let packet = BitchatPacket.from(packetData),
+              packet.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+              let payload = NoisePayload.decode(packet.payload)
+        else {
+            return
+        }
+        
+        let convKey = PeerID(nostr_: senderPubkey)
+        nostrKeyMapping[convKey] = senderPubkey
+        
+        switch payload.type {
+        case .privateMessage:
+            let messageTimestamp = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(rumorTs))
+            handlePrivateMessage(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey, id: id, messageTimestamp: messageTimestamp)
+        case .delivered:
+            handleDelivered(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey)
+        case .readReceipt:
+            handleReadReceipt(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: convKey)
+        
+        // Explicitly list other cases so we get compile-time check if a new case is added in the future
+        case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse:
+            break
+        }
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func sendGeohash(context: GeoOutgoingContext) {
+        let ch = context.channel
+        let event = context.event
+        let identity = context.identity
+
+        let targetRelays = GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(
+            toGeohash: ch.geohash,
+            count: TransportConfig.nostrGeoRelayCount
+        )
+
+        if targetRelays.isEmpty {
+            SecureLogger.warning("Geo: no geohash relays available for \(ch.geohash); not sending", category: .session)
+        } else {
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.sendEvent(event, to: targetRelays)
+        }
+
+        // Track ourselves as active participant
+        participantTracker.recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: identity.publicKeyHex)
+        nostrKeyMapping[PeerID(nostr: identity.publicKeyHex)] = identity.publicKeyHex
+        SecureLogger.debug("GeoTeleport: sent geo message pub=\(identity.publicKeyHex.prefix(8))… teleported=\(context.teleported)", category: .session)
+
+        // If we tagged this as teleported, also mark our pubkey in teleportedGeo for UI
+        // Only when not in our regional set (and regional list is known)
+        let hasRegional = !LocationChannelManager.shared.availableChannels.isEmpty
+        let inRegional = LocationChannelManager.shared.availableChannels.contains { $0.geohash == ch.geohash }
+
+        if context.teleported && hasRegional && !inRegional {
+            let key = identity.publicKeyHex.lowercased()
+            teleportedGeo = teleportedGeo.union([key])
+            SecureLogger.info("GeoTeleport: mark self teleported key=\(key.prefix(8))… total=\(teleportedGeo.count)", category: .session)
+        }
+
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(event.id)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Sampling
+
+    /// Begin sampling multiple geohashes (used by channel sheet) without changing active channel.
+    @MainActor
+    func beginGeohashSampling(for geohashes: [String]) {
+        // Disable sampling when app is backgrounded (Tor is stopped there)
+        if !TorManager.shared.isForeground() {
+            endGeohashSampling()
+            return
+        }
+        // Determine which to add and which to remove
+        let desired = Set(geohashes)
+        let current = Set(geoSamplingSubs.values)
+        let toAdd = desired.subtracting(current)
+        let toRemove = current.subtracting(desired)
+
+        for (subID, gh) in geoSamplingSubs where toRemove.contains(gh) {
+            NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: subID)
+            geoSamplingSubs.removeValue(forKey: subID)
+        }
+
+        for gh in toAdd {
+            subscribe(gh)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    @MainActor
+    func subscribe(_ gh: String) {
+        let subID = "geo-sample-\(gh)"
+        geoSamplingSubs[subID] = gh
+        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashEphemeral(
+            gh,
+            since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrGeohashSampleLookbackSeconds),
+            limit: TransportConfig.nostrGeohashSampleLimit
+        )
+        let subRelays = GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(toGeohash: gh, count: 5)
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: filter, id: subID, relayUrls: subRelays) { [weak self] event in
+            self?.subscribeNostrEvent(event, gh: gh)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func subscribeNostrEvent(_ event: NostrEvent, gh: String) {
+        guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.ephemeralEvent.rawValue else { return }
+
+        // Compute current participant count (5-minute window) BEFORE updating with this event
+        let existingCount = participantTracker.participantCount(for: gh)
+
+        // Update participants for this specific geohash
+        participantTracker.recordParticipant(pubkeyHex: event.pubkey, geohash: gh)
+        
+        // Notify only on rising-edge: previously zero people, now someone sends a chat
+        let content = event.content.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        guard !content.isEmpty else { return }
+        
+        // Respect geohash blocks
+        if identityManager.isNostrBlocked(pubkeyHexLowercased: event.pubkey.lowercased()) { return }
+        
+        // Skip self identity for this geohash
+        if let my = try? idBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash: gh), my.publicKeyHex.lowercased() == event.pubkey.lowercased() { return }
+        
+        // Only trigger when there were zero participants in this geohash recently
+        guard existingCount == 0 else { return }
+        
+        // Avoid notifications for old sampled events when launching or (re)subscribing
+        let eventTime = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+        if Date().timeIntervalSince(eventTime) > 30 { return }
+        
+        // Foreground-only notifications: app must be active, and not already viewing this geohash
+        #if os(iOS)
+        guard UIApplication.shared.applicationState == .active else { return }
+        if case .location(let ch) = activeChannel, ch.geohash == gh { return }
+        #elseif os(macOS)
+        guard NSApplication.shared.isActive else { return }
+        if case .location(let ch) = activeChannel, ch.geohash == gh { return }
+        #endif
+        
+        cooldownPerGeohash(gh, content: content, event: event)
+    }
+    
+    func cooldownPerGeohash(_ gh: String, content: String, event: NostrEvent) {
+        let now = Date()
+        let last = lastGeoNotificationAt[gh] ?? .distantPast
+        if now.timeIntervalSince(last) < TransportConfig.uiGeoNotifyCooldownSeconds { return }
+        
+        // Compose a short preview
+        let preview: String = {
+            let maxLen = TransportConfig.uiGeoNotifySnippetMaxLen
+            if content.count <= maxLen { return content }
+            let idx = content.index(content.startIndex, offsetBy: maxLen)
+            return String(content[..<idx]) + "…"
+        }()
+
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            lastGeoNotificationAt[gh] = now
+            // Pre-populate the target geohash timeline so the triggering message appears when user opens it
+            let senderSuffix = String(event.pubkey.suffix(4))
+            let nick = geoNicknames[event.pubkey.lowercased()]
+            let senderName = (nick?.isEmpty == false ? nick! : "anon") + "#" + senderSuffix
+            
+            // Clamp future timestamps
+            let rawTs = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(event.created_at))
+            let ts = min(rawTs, Date())
+            let mentions = self.parseMentions(from: content)
+            let msg = BitchatMessage(
+                id: event.id,
+                sender: senderName,
+                content: content,
+                timestamp: ts,
+                isRelay: false,
+                senderPeerID: PeerID(nostr: event.pubkey),
+                mentions: mentions.isEmpty ? nil : mentions
+            )
+            if timelineStore.appendIfAbsent(msg, toGeohash: gh) {
+                NotificationService.shared.sendGeohashActivityNotification(geohash: gh, bodyPreview: preview)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Stop sampling all extra geohashes.
+    @MainActor
+    func endGeohashSampling() {
+        for subID in geoSamplingSubs.keys { NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: subID) }
+        geoSamplingSubs.removeAll()
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Nostr DM Handling
+
+    func setupNostrMessageHandling() {
+        guard let currentIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else {
+            SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ No Nostr identity available for message handling", category: .session)
+            return
+        }
+        
+        SecureLogger.debug("🔑 Setting up Nostr subscription for pubkey: \(currentIdentity.publicKeyHex.prefix(16))...", category: .session)
+        
+        // Subscribe to Nostr messages
+        let filter = NostrFilter.giftWrapsFor(
+            pubkey: currentIdentity.publicKeyHex,
+            since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.nostrDMSubscribeLookbackSeconds)  // Last 24 hours
+        )
+        
+        nostrRelayManager?.subscribe(filter: filter, id: "chat-messages") { [weak self] event in
+            self?.handleNostrMessage(event)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func handleNostrMessage(_ giftWrap: NostrEvent) {
+        // Deduplicate messages by ID
+        if deduplicationService.hasProcessedNostrEvent(giftWrap.id) { return }
+        deduplicationService.recordNostrEvent(giftWrap.id)
+        
+        // Ensure we're on a background queue for decryption
+        Task.detached(priority: .userInitiated) { [weak self] in
+            await self?.processNostrMessage(giftWrap)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func processNostrMessage(_ giftWrap: NostrEvent) async {
+        guard let currentIdentity = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() else { return }
+        
+        do {
+            let (content, senderPubkey, rumorTimestamp) = try NostrProtocol.decryptPrivateMessage(
+                giftWrap: giftWrap,
+                recipientIdentity: currentIdentity
+            )
+            
+            // Handle verification payloads first
+            if content.hasPrefix("verify:") {
+                // Ignore verification payloads arriving via Nostr path for now
+                // Verification should ideally happen over mesh for security binding
+                return
+            }
+            
+            // Check if it's a BitChat packet embedded in the content (bitchat1:...)
+            if content.hasPrefix("bitchat1:") {
+                guard let packetData = Self.base64URLDecode(String(content.dropFirst("bitchat1:".count))),
+                      let packet = BitchatPacket.from(packetData) else {
+                    SecureLogger.error("Failed to decode embedded BitChat packet from Nostr DM", category: .session)
+                    return
+                }
+                
+                // Map sender by Nostr pubkey to Noise key when possible
+                let actualSenderNoiseKey = findNoiseKey(for: senderPubkey)
+                
+                // Stable target ID if we know Noise key; otherwise temporary Nostr-based peer
+                let targetPeerID = PeerID(str: actualSenderNoiseKey?.hexEncodedString()) ?? PeerID(nostr_: senderPubkey)
+                
+                if packet.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue {
+                    if let payload = NoisePayload.decode(packet.payload) {
+                        let messageTimestamp = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: TimeInterval(rumorTimestamp))
+                        // Store Nostr mapping
+                        await MainActor.run {
+                            nostrKeyMapping[targetPeerID] = senderPubkey
+                            
+                            // Handle packet types
+                            switch payload.type {
+                            case .privateMessage:
+                                handlePrivateMessage(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: targetPeerID, id: currentIdentity, messageTimestamp: messageTimestamp)
+                            case .delivered:
+                                handleDelivered(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: targetPeerID)
+                            case .readReceipt:
+                                handleReadReceipt(payload, senderPubkey: senderPubkey, convKey: targetPeerID)
+                            case .verifyChallenge, .verifyResponse:
+                                break
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                SecureLogger.debug("Ignoring non-embedded Nostr DM content", category: .session)
+            }
+        } catch {
+            SecureLogger.error("Failed to decrypt Nostr message: \(error)", category: .session)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func findNoiseKey(for nostrPubkey: String) -> Data? {
+        // Check favorites for this Nostr key
+        let favorites = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.favorites.values
+        var npubToMatch = nostrPubkey
+        
+        // Convert hex to npub if needed for comparison
+        if !nostrPubkey.hasPrefix("npub") {
+            if let pubkeyData = Data(hexString: nostrPubkey),
+               let encoded = try? Bech32.encode(hrp: "npub", data: pubkeyData) {
+                npubToMatch = encoded
+            } else {
+                SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ Invalid hex public key format or encoding failed: \(nostrPubkey.prefix(16))...", category: .session)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        for relationship in favorites {
+            // Search through favorites for matching Nostr pubkey
+            if let storedNostrKey = relationship.peerNostrPublicKey {
+                // Compare against stored key (could be hex or npub)
+                if storedNostrKey == npubToMatch {
+                    // SecureLogger.debug("✅ Found Noise key for Nostr sender (npub match)", category: .session)
+                    return relationship.peerNoisePublicKey
+                }
+                
+                // Also try comparing raw hex if stored key is hex
+                if !storedNostrKey.hasPrefix("npub") && storedNostrKey == nostrPubkey {
+                    SecureLogger.debug("✅ Found Noise key for Nostr sender (hex match)", category: .session)
+                    return relationship.peerNoisePublicKey
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        
+        SecureLogger.debug("⚠️ No matching Noise key found for Nostr pubkey: \(nostrPubkey.prefix(16))... (tried npub: \(npubToMatch.prefix(16))...)", category: .session)
+        return nil
+    }
+
+    func sendDeliveryAckViaNostrEmbedded(_ message: BitchatMessage, wasReadBefore: Bool, senderPubkey: String, key: Data?) {
+        // If we have a Noise key, try to route securely if possible, otherwise fallback to direct
+        if let _ = key {
+             // Ideally we would use MessageRouter here, but for simplicity in this direct callback:
+             // check if we have an identity
+             if let id = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() {
+                 let nt = NostrTransport(keychain: keychain, idBridge: idBridge)
+                 nt.senderPeerID = meshService.myPeerID
+                 nt.sendDeliveryAckGeohash(for: message.id, toRecipientHex: senderPubkey, from: id)
+             }
+        } else if let id = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() {
+            // Fallback: no Noise mapping yet — send directly to sender's Nostr pubkey
+            let nt = NostrTransport(keychain: keychain, idBridge: idBridge)
+            nt.senderPeerID = meshService.myPeerID
+            nt.sendDeliveryAckGeohash(for: message.id, toRecipientHex: senderPubkey, from: id)
+            SecureLogger.debug("Sent DELIVERED ack directly to Nostr pub=\(senderPubkey.prefix(8))… for mid=\(message.id.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+        }
+        
+        // Same for READ receipt if viewing
+        if !wasReadBefore && selectedPrivateChatPeer == message.senderPeerID {
+             if let _ = key {
+                 if let id = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() {
+                     let nt = NostrTransport(keychain: keychain, idBridge: idBridge)
+                     nt.senderPeerID = meshService.myPeerID
+                     nt.sendReadReceiptGeohash(message.id, toRecipientHex: senderPubkey, from: id)
+                 }
+             } else if let id = try? idBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity() {
+                 let nt = NostrTransport(keychain: keychain, idBridge: idBridge)
+                 nt.senderPeerID = meshService.myPeerID
+                 nt.sendReadReceiptGeohash(message.id, toRecipientHex: senderPubkey, from: id)
+                 SecureLogger.debug("Viewing chat; sent READ ack directly to Nostr pub=\(senderPubkey.prefix(8))… for mid=\(message.id.prefix(8))…", category: .session)
+             }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func handleFavoriteNotification(content: String, from nostrPubkey: String) {
+        // Try to find Noise key associated with this Nostr pubkey
+        guard let senderNoiseKey = findNoiseKey(for: nostrPubkey) else { return }
+        
+        let isFavorite = content.contains("FAVORITE:TRUE")
+        let senderNickname = content.components(separatedBy: "|").last ?? "Unknown"
+        
+        // Update favorite status
+        if isFavorite {
+            FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.addFavorite(
+                peerNoisePublicKey: senderNoiseKey,
+                peerNostrPublicKey: nostrPubkey,
+                peerNickname: senderNickname
+            )
+        } else {
+            // Only remove if we don't have it set locally
+            // Logic handled by persistence service usually, here we just update remote state
+            // Actually for now we just process the notification
+        }
+        
+        // Extract Nostr public key if included
+        var extractedNostrPubkey: String? = nil
+        if let range = content.range(of: "NPUB:") {
+            let suffix = content[range.upperBound...]
+            let parts = suffix.components(separatedBy: "|")
+            if let key = parts.first {
+                extractedNostrPubkey = String(key)
+            }
+        } else if content.contains(":") {
+             // Fallback: simple format FAVORITE:TRUE:npub...
+             let parts = content.components(separatedBy: ":")
+             if parts.count >= 3 {
+                 extractedNostrPubkey = String(parts[2])
+             }
+        }
+        
+        SecureLogger.info("📝 Received favorite notification from \(senderNickname): \(isFavorite)", category: .session)
+        
+        // If they favorited us and provided their Nostr key, ensure it's stored
+        if isFavorite && extractedNostrPubkey != nil {
+            SecureLogger.info("💾 Storing Nostr key association for \(senderNickname): \(extractedNostrPubkey!.prefix(16))...", category: .session)
+             FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.addFavorite(
+                peerNoisePublicKey: senderNoiseKey,
+                peerNostrPublicKey: extractedNostrPubkey,
+                peerNickname: senderNickname
+            )
+        }
+        
+        // Show notification
+        NotificationService.shared.sendLocalNotification(
+            title: isFavorite ? "New Favorite" : "Favorite Removed",
+            body: "\(senderNickname) \(isFavorite ? "favorited" : "unfavorited") you",
+            identifier: "fav-\(UUID().uuidString)"
+        )
+    }
+
+    func sendFavoriteNotificationViaNostr(noisePublicKey: Data, isFavorite: Bool) {
+        // Find peer Nostr key
+        guard let relationship = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: noisePublicKey),
+              relationship.peerNostrPublicKey != nil else {
+            SecureLogger.warning("⚠️ Cannot send favorite notification - no Nostr key for peer", category: .session)
+            return
+        }
+        
+        let peerID = PeerID(hexData: noisePublicKey)
+        
+        // Route via message router
+        messageRouter.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Geohash Nickname Resolution (for /block in geohash)
+
+    func nostrPubkeyForDisplayName(_ name: String) -> String? {
+        // Look up current visible geohash participants for an exact displayName match
+        for p in visibleGeohashPeople() {
+            if p.displayName == name {
+                return p.id
+            }
+        }
+        // Also check nickname cache directly
+        for (pub, nick) in geoNicknames {
+            if nick == name { return pub }
+        }
+        return nil
+    }
+    
+    func startGeohashDM(withPubkeyHex hex: String) {
+        let convKey = PeerID(nostr_: hex)
+        nostrKeyMapping[convKey] = hex
+        startPrivateChat(with: convKey)
+    }
+    
+    func fullNostrHex(forSenderPeerID senderID: PeerID) -> String? {
+        return nostrKeyMapping[senderID]
+    }
+    
+    func geohashDisplayName(for convKey: PeerID) -> String {
+        guard let full = nostrKeyMapping[convKey] else {
+            return convKey.bare
+        }
+        return displayNameForNostrPubkey(full)
+    }
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/Extensions/ChatViewModel+Tor.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+//
+// ChatViewModel+Tor.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Tor lifecycle handling for ChatViewModel
+//
+
+import Foundation
+import Combine
+import Tor
+
+extension ChatViewModel {
+    
+    // MARK: - Tor notifications
+    
+    @objc func handleTorWillStart() {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            if !self.torStatusAnnounced && TorManager.shared.torEnforced {
+                self.torStatusAnnounced = true
+                // Post only in geohash channels (queue if not active)
+                self.addGeohashOnlySystemMessage(
+                    String(localized: "system.tor.starting", comment: "System message when Tor is starting")
+                )
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
+    @objc func handleTorWillRestart() {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            self.torRestartPending = true
+            // Post only in geohash channels (queue if not active)
+            self.addGeohashOnlySystemMessage(
+                String(localized: "system.tor.restarting", comment: "System message when Tor is restarting")
+            )
+        }
+    }
+
+    @objc func handleTorDidBecomeReady() {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            // Only announce "restarted" if we actually restarted this session
+            if self.torRestartPending {
+                // Post only in geohash channels (queue if not active)
+                self.addGeohashOnlySystemMessage(
+                    String(localized: "system.tor.restarted", comment: "System message when Tor has restarted")
+                )
+                self.torRestartPending = false
+            } else if TorManager.shared.torEnforced && !self.torInitialReadyAnnounced {
+                // Initial start completed
+                self.addGeohashOnlySystemMessage(
+                    String(localized: "system.tor.started", comment: "System message when Tor has started")
+                )
+                self.torInitialReadyAnnounced = true
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    @objc func handleTorPreferenceChanged(_ notification: Notification) {
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            self.torStatusAnnounced = false
+            self.torInitialReadyAnnounced = false
+            self.torRestartPending = false
+        }
+    }
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/Extensions/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# ChatViewModel Extensions
+
+This directory contains extensions to `ChatViewModel` to modularize its functionality.
+
+- `ChatViewModel+Tor.swift`: Handles Tor lifecycle events and notifications.
+- `ChatViewModel+PrivateChat.swift`: Manages private chat logic, media transfers (images, voice notes), and file handling.
+- `ChatViewModel+Nostr.swift`: Contains all logic related to Nostr integration, Geohash channels, and Nostr identity management.
+
+The main `ChatViewModel.swift` retains core state, initialization, and coordination logic.

bitchat/ViewModels/GeoChannelCoordinator.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
+//
+// GeoChannelCoordinator.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Centralizes Combine wiring for location channel selection and sampling.
+//
+
+import Combine
+import Foundation
+import Tor
+
+@MainActor
+final class GeoChannelCoordinator {
+    private let locationManager: LocationChannelManager
+    private let bookmarksStore: GeohashBookmarksStore
+    private let torManager: TorManager
+
+    private let onChannelSwitch: (ChannelID) -> Void
+    private let beginSampling: ([String]) -> Void
+    private let endSampling: () -> Void
+
+    private var cancellables = Set<AnyCancellable>()
+    private var regionalGeohashes: [String] = []
+    private var bookmarkedGeohashes: [String] = []
+
+    init(
+        locationManager: LocationChannelManager? = nil,
+        bookmarksStore: GeohashBookmarksStore? = nil,
+        torManager: TorManager? = nil,
+        onChannelSwitch: @escaping (ChannelID) -> Void,
+        beginSampling: @escaping ([String]) -> Void,
+        endSampling: @escaping () -> Void
+    ) {
+        self.locationManager = locationManager ?? Self.defaultLocationManager()
+        self.bookmarksStore = bookmarksStore ?? GeohashBookmarksStore.shared
+        self.torManager = torManager ?? Self.defaultTorManager()
+        self.onChannelSwitch = onChannelSwitch
+        self.beginSampling = beginSampling
+        self.endSampling = endSampling
+
+        start()
+    }
+
+    func start() {
+        regionalGeohashes = locationManager.availableChannels.map { $0.geohash }
+        bookmarkedGeohashes = bookmarksStore.bookmarks
+
+        locationManager.$selectedChannel
+            .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
+            .sink { [weak self] channel in
+                guard let self else { return }
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    self.onChannelSwitch(channel)
+                }
+            }
+            .store(in: &cancellables)
+
+        locationManager.$availableChannels
+            .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
+            .sink { [weak self] channels in
+                guard let self else { return }
+                self.regionalGeohashes = channels.map { $0.geohash }
+                self.updateSampling()
+            }
+            .store(in: &cancellables)
+
+        bookmarksStore.$bookmarks
+            .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
+            .sink { [weak self] bookmarks in
+                guard let self else { return }
+                self.bookmarkedGeohashes = bookmarks
+                self.updateSampling()
+            }
+            .store(in: &cancellables)
+
+        locationManager.$permissionState
+            .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
+            .sink { [weak self] state in
+                guard let self, state == .authorized else { return }
+                Task { @MainActor [weak self] in
+                    self?.locationManager.refreshChannels()
+                }
+            }
+            .store(in: &cancellables)
+
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            self.onChannelSwitch(self.locationManager.selectedChannel)
+        }
+        updateSampling()
+    }
+
+    private func updateSampling() {
+        let union = Array(Set(regionalGeohashes).union(bookmarkedGeohashes))
+        Task { @MainActor in
+            guard !union.isEmpty else {
+                endSampling()
+                return
+            }
+            if torManager.isForeground() {
+                beginSampling(union)
+            } else {
+                endSampling()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func refreshSampling() {
+        updateSampling()
+    }
+    private static func defaultLocationManager() -> LocationChannelManager {
+        LocationChannelManager.shared
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private static func defaultTorManager() -> TorManager {
+        TorManager.shared
+    }
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/MessageRateLimiter.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+//
+// MessageRateLimiter.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Handles per-sender and per-content token buckets for public message intake.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+struct MessageRateLimiter {
+    private struct TokenBucket {
+        var capacity: Double
+        var tokens: Double
+        var refillPerSec: Double
+        var lastRefill: Date
+
+        mutating func allow(cost: Double = 1.0, now: Date = Date()) -> Bool {
+            let dt = now.timeIntervalSince(lastRefill)
+            if dt > 0 {
+                tokens = min(capacity, tokens + dt * refillPerSec)
+                lastRefill = now
+            }
+            if tokens >= cost {
+                tokens -= cost
+                return true
+            }
+            return false
+        }
+    }
+
+    private var senderBuckets: [String: TokenBucket] = [:]
+    private var contentBuckets: [String: TokenBucket] = [:]
+
+    private let senderCapacity: Double
+    private let senderRefill: Double
+    private let contentCapacity: Double
+    private let contentRefill: Double
+
+    init(
+        senderCapacity: Double,
+        senderRefillPerSec: Double,
+        contentCapacity: Double,
+        contentRefillPerSec: Double
+    ) {
+        self.senderCapacity = senderCapacity
+        self.senderRefill = senderRefillPerSec
+        self.contentCapacity = contentCapacity
+        self.contentRefill = contentRefillPerSec
+    }
+
+    mutating func allow(senderKey: String, contentKey: String, now: Date = Date()) -> Bool {
+        var senderBucket = senderBuckets[senderKey] ?? TokenBucket(
+            capacity: senderCapacity,
+            tokens: senderCapacity,
+            refillPerSec: senderRefill,
+            lastRefill: now
+        )
+        let senderAllowed = senderBucket.allow(now: now)
+        senderBuckets[senderKey] = senderBucket
+
+        var contentBucket = contentBuckets[contentKey] ?? TokenBucket(
+            capacity: contentCapacity,
+            tokens: contentCapacity,
+            refillPerSec: contentRefill,
+            lastRefill: now
+        )
+        let contentAllowed = contentBucket.allow(now: now)
+        contentBuckets[contentKey] = contentBucket
+
+        return senderAllowed && contentAllowed
+    }
+
+    mutating func reset() {
+        senderBuckets.removeAll()
+        contentBuckets.removeAll()
+    }
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/MinimalDistancePalette.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+//
+// MinimalDistancePalette.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Lightweight palette generator that keeps peer colors evenly spaced.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+import SwiftUI
+
+final class MinimalDistancePalette {
+    struct Config {
+        let slotCount: Int
+        let avoidCenterHue: Double
+        let avoidHueDelta: Double
+        let saturationLight: Double
+        let saturationDark: Double
+        let baseBrightnessLight: Double
+        let baseBrightnessDark: Double
+        let ringBrightnessDeltaLight: Double
+        let ringBrightnessDeltaDark: Double
+        let preferredBiasWeight: Double
+        let goldenStep: Int
+
+        init(
+            slotCount: Int,
+            avoidCenterHue: Double,
+            avoidHueDelta: Double,
+            saturationLight: Double,
+            saturationDark: Double,
+            baseBrightnessLight: Double,
+            baseBrightnessDark: Double,
+            ringBrightnessDeltaLight: Double,
+            ringBrightnessDeltaDark: Double,
+            preferredBiasWeight: Double = 0.05,
+            goldenStep: Int = 7
+        ) {
+            self.slotCount = slotCount
+            self.avoidCenterHue = avoidCenterHue
+            self.avoidHueDelta = avoidHueDelta
+            self.saturationLight = saturationLight
+            self.saturationDark = saturationDark
+            self.baseBrightnessLight = baseBrightnessLight
+            self.baseBrightnessDark = baseBrightnessDark
+            self.ringBrightnessDeltaLight = ringBrightnessDeltaLight
+            self.ringBrightnessDeltaDark = ringBrightnessDeltaDark
+            self.preferredBiasWeight = preferredBiasWeight
+            self.goldenStep = goldenStep
+        }
+    }
+
+    private struct Entry {
+        let slot: Int
+        let ring: Int
+        let hue: Double
+    }
+
+    private let config: Config
+    private var currentSeeds: [String: String] = [:]
+    private var entries: [String: Entry] = [:]
+    private var previousEntries: [String: Entry] = [:]
+
+    init(config: Config) {
+        self.config = config
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func ensurePalette(for seeds: [String: String]) {
+        guard seeds != currentSeeds || entries.count != seeds.count else { return }
+        previousEntries = entries
+        currentSeeds = seeds
+        rebuildEntries()
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func color(for identifier: String, isDark: Bool) -> Color? {
+        guard let entry = entries[identifier] else { return nil }
+        let saturation = isDark ? config.saturationDark : config.saturationLight
+        let baseBrightness = isDark ? config.baseBrightnessDark : config.baseBrightnessLight
+        let ringDelta = isDark ? config.ringBrightnessDeltaDark : config.ringBrightnessDeltaLight
+        let brightness = min(1.0, max(0.0, baseBrightness + ringDelta * Double(entry.ring)))
+        return Color(hue: entry.hue, saturation: saturation, brightness: brightness)
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func reset() {
+        currentSeeds.removeAll()
+        entries.removeAll()
+        previousEntries.removeAll()
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    private func rebuildEntries() {
+        guard !currentSeeds.isEmpty else {
+            entries.removeAll()
+            return
+        }
+
+        let slotCount = max(8, config.slotCount)
+        var slots: [Double] = []
+        for idx in 0..<slotCount {
+            let hue = Double(idx) / Double(slotCount)
+            if abs(hue - config.avoidCenterHue) < config.avoidHueDelta {
+                continue
+            }
+            slots.append(hue)
+        }
+        if slots.isEmpty {
+            for idx in 0..<slotCount {
+                slots.append(Double(idx) / Double(slotCount))
+            }
+        }
+
+        func circularDistance(_ a: Double, _ b: Double) -> Double {
+            let diff = abs(a - b)
+            return diff > 0.5 ? 1.0 - diff : diff
+        }
+
+        let peerIDs = currentSeeds.keys.sorted()
+        let preferredIndex: [String: Int] = Dictionary(uniqueKeysWithValues: peerIDs.map { id in
+            let seed = currentSeeds[id] ?? id
+            let hash = seed.djb2()
+            let index = Int(hash % UInt64(slots.count))
+            return (id, index)
+        })
+
+        var mapping: [String: Entry] = [:]
+        var usedSlots = Set<Int>()
+        var usedHues: [Double] = []
+
+        let prior = entries.isEmpty ? previousEntries : entries
+        for (id, entry) in prior {
+            guard currentSeeds.keys.contains(id), entry.slot < slots.count else { continue }
+            let hue = slots[entry.slot]
+            mapping[id] = Entry(slot: entry.slot, ring: entry.ring, hue: hue)
+            usedSlots.insert(entry.slot)
+            usedHues.append(hue)
+        }
+
+        let unassigned = peerIDs.filter { mapping[$0] == nil }
+        for id in unassigned {
+            let preferred = preferredIndex[id] ?? 0
+            if !usedSlots.contains(preferred), preferred < slots.count {
+                let hue = slots[preferred]
+                mapping[id] = Entry(slot: preferred, ring: 0, hue: hue)
+                usedSlots.insert(preferred)
+                usedHues.append(hue)
+                continue
+            }
+
+            var bestSlot: Int?
+            var bestScore = -Double.infinity
+            for slot in 0..<slots.count where !usedSlots.contains(slot) {
+                let hue = slots[slot]
+                let minDistance = usedHues.isEmpty ? 1.0 : usedHues.map { circularDistance(hue, $0) }.min() ?? 1.0
+                let bias = 1.0 - (Double((abs(slot - (preferredIndex[id] ?? 0)) % slots.count)) / Double(slots.count))
+                let score = minDistance + config.preferredBiasWeight * bias
+                if score > bestScore {
+                    bestScore = score
+                    bestSlot = slot
+                }
+            }
+
+            if let slot = bestSlot {
+                let hue = slots[slot]
+                mapping[id] = Entry(slot: slot, ring: 0, hue: hue)
+                usedSlots.insert(slot)
+                usedHues.append(hue)
+            }
+        }
+
+        let remaining = peerIDs.filter { mapping[$0] == nil }
+        if !remaining.isEmpty {
+            for (index, id) in remaining.enumerated() {
+                let preferred = preferredIndex[id] ?? 0
+                let slot = (preferred + index * config.goldenStep) % slots.count
+                let hue = slots[slot]
+                mapping[id] = Entry(slot: slot, ring: 1, hue: hue)
+            }
+        }
+
+        entries = mapping
+    }
+}
+
+extension MinimalDistancePalette.Config {
+    static let mesh = MinimalDistancePalette.Config(
+        slotCount: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteSlots,
+        avoidCenterHue: 30.0 / 360.0,
+        avoidHueDelta: TransportConfig.uiColorHueAvoidanceDelta,
+        saturationLight: 0.70,
+        saturationDark: 0.80,
+        baseBrightnessLight: 0.45,
+        baseBrightnessDark: 0.75,
+        ringBrightnessDeltaLight: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaLight,
+        ringBrightnessDeltaDark: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaDark
+    )
+
+    static let nostr = MinimalDistancePalette.Config(
+        slotCount: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteSlots,
+        avoidCenterHue: 30.0 / 360.0,
+        avoidHueDelta: TransportConfig.uiColorHueAvoidanceDelta,
+        saturationLight: 0.70,
+        saturationDark: 0.80,
+        baseBrightnessLight: 0.45,
+        baseBrightnessDark: 0.75,
+        ringBrightnessDeltaLight: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaLight,
+        ringBrightnessDeltaDark: TransportConfig.uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaDark
+    )
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/PublicMessagePipeline.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,190 @@
+//
+// PublicMessagePipeline.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Handles batching and deduplication of public chat messages before surfacing them to the UI.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+@MainActor
+protocol PublicMessagePipelineDelegate: AnyObject {
+    func pipelineCurrentMessages(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline) -> [BitchatMessage]
+    func pipeline(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, setMessages messages: [BitchatMessage])
+    func pipeline(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, normalizeContent content: String) -> String
+    func pipeline(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, contentTimestampForKey key: String) -> Date?
+    func pipeline(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, recordContentKey key: String, timestamp: Date)
+    func pipelineTrimMessages(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline)
+    func pipelinePrewarmMessage(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, message: BitchatMessage)
+    func pipelineSetBatchingState(_ pipeline: PublicMessagePipeline, isBatching: Bool)
+}
+
+@MainActor
+final class PublicMessagePipeline {
+    weak var delegate: PublicMessagePipelineDelegate?
+
+    private var buffer: [BitchatMessage] = []
+    private var timer: Timer?
+    private let baseFlushInterval: TimeInterval
+    private var dynamicFlushInterval: TimeInterval
+    private var recentBatchSizes: [Int] = []
+    private let maxRecentBatchSamples: Int
+    private let dedupWindow: TimeInterval
+    private var activeChannel: ChannelID = .mesh
+
+    init(
+        baseFlushInterval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.basePublicFlushInterval,
+        maxRecentBatchSamples: Int = 10,
+        dedupWindow: TimeInterval = 1.0
+    ) {
+        self.baseFlushInterval = baseFlushInterval
+        self.dynamicFlushInterval = baseFlushInterval
+        self.maxRecentBatchSamples = maxRecentBatchSamples
+        self.dedupWindow = dedupWindow
+    }
+
+    deinit {
+        timer?.invalidate()
+    }
+
+    func updateActiveChannel(_ channel: ChannelID) {
+        activeChannel = channel
+    }
+
+    func enqueue(_ message: BitchatMessage) {
+        buffer.append(message)
+        scheduleFlush()
+    }
+
+    func flushIfNeeded() {
+        flushBuffer()
+    }
+
+    func reset() {
+        timer?.invalidate()
+        timer = nil
+        buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+    }
+
+}
+
+private extension PublicMessagePipeline {
+    func scheduleFlush() {
+        guard timer == nil else { return }
+        timer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: dynamicFlushInterval, repeats: false) { [weak self] _ in
+            guard let self else { return }
+            Task { @MainActor in
+                self.flushBuffer()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func flushBuffer() {
+        timer?.invalidate()
+        timer = nil
+        guard !buffer.isEmpty else { return }
+        guard let delegate = delegate else {
+            buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false)
+            return
+        }
+
+        delegate.pipelineSetBatchingState(self, isBatching: true)
+
+        var existingIDs = Set(delegate.pipelineCurrentMessages(self).map { $0.id })
+        var pending: [(message: BitchatMessage, contentKey: String)] = []
+        var batchContentLatest: [String: Date] = [:]
+
+        for message in buffer {
+            if existingIDs.contains(message.id) { continue }
+            let contentKey = delegate.pipeline(self, normalizeContent: message.content)
+            if let ts = delegate.pipeline(self, contentTimestampForKey: contentKey),
+               abs(ts.timeIntervalSince(message.timestamp)) < dedupWindow {
+                continue
+            }
+            if let ts = batchContentLatest[contentKey],
+               abs(ts.timeIntervalSince(message.timestamp)) < dedupWindow {
+                continue
+            }
+            existingIDs.insert(message.id)
+            pending.append((message, contentKey))
+            batchContentLatest[contentKey] = message.timestamp
+        }
+
+        buffer.removeAll(keepingCapacity: true)
+        guard !pending.isEmpty else {
+            delegate.pipelineSetBatchingState(self, isBatching: false)
+            if !buffer.isEmpty { scheduleFlush() }
+            return
+        }
+
+        pending.sort { $0.message.timestamp < $1.message.timestamp }
+
+        var messages = delegate.pipelineCurrentMessages(self)
+        let threshold = lateInsertThreshold(for: activeChannel)
+        let lastTimestamp = messages.last?.timestamp ?? .distantPast
+
+        for item in pending {
+            let message = item.message
+            if threshold == 0 || message.timestamp < lastTimestamp.addingTimeInterval(-threshold) {
+                let index = insertionIndex(for: message.timestamp, in: messages)
+                if index >= messages.count {
+                    messages.append(message)
+                } else {
+                    messages.insert(message, at: index)
+                }
+            } else {
+                messages.append(message)
+            }
+            delegate.pipeline(self, recordContentKey: item.contentKey, timestamp: message.timestamp)
+        }
+
+        delegate.pipeline(self, setMessages: messages)
+        delegate.pipelineTrimMessages(self)
+
+        updateFlushInterval(withBatchSize: pending.count)
+
+        for item in pending {
+            delegate.pipelinePrewarmMessage(self, message: item.message)
+        }
+
+        delegate.pipelineSetBatchingState(self, isBatching: false)
+
+        if !buffer.isEmpty {
+            scheduleFlush()
+        }
+    }
+
+    func updateFlushInterval(withBatchSize size: Int) {
+        recentBatchSizes.append(size)
+        if recentBatchSizes.count > maxRecentBatchSamples {
+            recentBatchSizes.removeFirst(recentBatchSizes.count - maxRecentBatchSamples)
+        }
+        let avg = recentBatchSizes.isEmpty
+            ? 0.0
+            : Double(recentBatchSizes.reduce(0, +)) / Double(recentBatchSizes.count)
+        dynamicFlushInterval = avg > 100.0 ? 0.12 : baseFlushInterval
+    }
+
+    func lateInsertThreshold(for channel: ChannelID) -> TimeInterval {
+        switch channel {
+        case .mesh:
+            return TransportConfig.uiLateInsertThreshold
+        case .location:
+            return TransportConfig.uiLateInsertThresholdGeo
+        }
+    }
+
+    func insertionIndex(for timestamp: Date, in messages: [BitchatMessage]) -> Int {
+        var low = 0
+        var high = messages.count
+        while low < high {
+            let mid = (low + high) / 2
+            if messages[mid].timestamp < timestamp {
+                low = mid + 1
+            } else {
+                high = mid
+            }
+        }
+        return low
+    }
+}

bitchat/ViewModels/PublicTimelineStore.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+//
+// PublicTimelineStore.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Maintains mesh and geohash public timelines with simple caps and helpers.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+struct PublicTimelineStore {
+    private var meshTimeline: [BitchatMessage] = []
+    private var geohashTimelines: [String: [BitchatMessage]] = [:]
+    private var pendingGeohashSystemMessages: [String] = []
+
+    private let meshCap: Int
+    private let geohashCap: Int
+
+    init(meshCap: Int, geohashCap: Int) {
+        self.meshCap = meshCap
+        self.geohashCap = geohashCap
+    }
+
+    mutating func append(_ message: BitchatMessage, to channel: ChannelID) {
+        switch channel {
+        case .mesh:
+            guard !meshTimeline.contains(where: { $0.id == message.id }) else { return }
+            meshTimeline.append(message)
+            trimMeshTimelineIfNeeded()
+        case .location(let channel):
+            append(message, toGeohash: channel.geohash)
+        }
+    }
+
+    mutating func append(_ message: BitchatMessage, toGeohash geohash: String) {
+        var timeline = geohashTimelines[geohash] ?? []
+        guard !timeline.contains(where: { $0.id == message.id }) else { return }
+        timeline.append(message)
+        trimGeohashTimelineIfNeeded(&timeline)
+        geohashTimelines[geohash] = timeline
+    }
+
+    /// Append message if absent, returning true when stored.
+    mutating func appendIfAbsent(_ message: BitchatMessage, toGeohash geohash: String) -> Bool {
+        var timeline = geohashTimelines[geohash] ?? []
+        guard !timeline.contains(where: { $0.id == message.id }) else { return false }
+        timeline.append(message)
+        trimGeohashTimelineIfNeeded(&timeline)
+        geohashTimelines[geohash] = timeline
+        return true
+    }
+
+    mutating func messages(for channel: ChannelID) -> [BitchatMessage] {
+        switch channel {
+        case .mesh:
+            return meshTimeline
+        case .location(let channel):
+            let cleaned = geohashTimelines[channel.geohash]?.cleanedAndDeduped() ?? []
+            geohashTimelines[channel.geohash] = cleaned
+            return cleaned
+        }
+    }
+
+    mutating func clear(channel: ChannelID) {
+        switch channel {
+        case .mesh:
+            meshTimeline.removeAll()
+        case .location(let channel):
+            geohashTimelines[channel.geohash] = []
+        }
+    }
+
+    @discardableResult
+    mutating func removeMessage(withID id: String) -> BitchatMessage? {
+        if let index = meshTimeline.firstIndex(where: { $0.id == id }) {
+            return meshTimeline.remove(at: index)
+        }
+
+        for key in Array(geohashTimelines.keys) {
+            var timeline = geohashTimelines[key] ?? []
+            if let index = timeline.firstIndex(where: { $0.id == id }) {
+                let removed = timeline.remove(at: index)
+                geohashTimelines[key] = timeline.isEmpty ? nil : timeline
+                return removed
+            }
+        }
+
+        return nil
+    }
+
+    mutating func removeMessages(in geohash: String, where predicate: (BitchatMessage) -> Bool) {
+        var timeline = geohashTimelines[geohash] ?? []
+        timeline.removeAll(where: predicate)
+        geohashTimelines[geohash] = timeline.isEmpty ? nil : timeline
+    }
+
+    mutating func mutateGeohash(_ geohash: String, _ transform: (inout [BitchatMessage]) -> Void) {
+        var timeline = geohashTimelines[geohash] ?? []
+        transform(&timeline)
+        geohashTimelines[geohash] = timeline.isEmpty ? nil : timeline
+    }
+
+    mutating func queueGeohashSystemMessage(_ content: String) {
+        pendingGeohashSystemMessages.append(content)
+    }
+
+    mutating func drainPendingGeohashSystemMessages() -> [String] {
+        defer { pendingGeohashSystemMessages.removeAll(keepingCapacity: false) }
+        return pendingGeohashSystemMessages
+    }
+
+    func geohashKeys() -> [String] {
+        Array(geohashTimelines.keys)
+    }
+
+    private mutating func trimMeshTimelineIfNeeded() {
+        guard meshTimeline.count > meshCap else { return }
+        meshTimeline = Array(meshTimeline.suffix(meshCap))
+    }
+
+    private func trimGeohashTimelineIfNeeded(_ timeline: inout [BitchatMessage]) {
+        guard timeline.count > geohashCap else { return }
+        timeline = Array(timeline.suffix(geohashCap))
+    }
+}

bitchat/Views/Components/CommandSuggestionsView.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+//
+//  CommandSuggestionsView.swift
+//  bitchat
+//
+//  Created by Islam on 29/10/2025.
+//
+
+import SwiftUI
+
+struct CommandSuggestionsView: View {
+    @EnvironmentObject private var viewModel: ChatViewModel
+    @ObservedObject private var locationManager = LocationChannelManager.shared
+    
+    @Binding var messageText: String
+    
+    let textColor: Color
+    let backgroundColor: Color
+    let secondaryTextColor: Color
+    
+    private var filteredCommands: [CommandInfo] {
+        guard messageText.hasPrefix("/") && !messageText.contains(" ") else { return [] }
+        let isGeoPublic = locationManager.selectedChannel.isLocation
+        let isGeoDM = viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer?.isGeoDM == true
+        return CommandInfo.all(isGeoPublic: isGeoPublic, isGeoDM: isGeoDM).filter { command in
+            command.alias.starts(with: messageText.lowercased())
+        }
+    }
+    
+    var body: some View {
+        VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 0) {
+            ForEach(filteredCommands) { command in
+                Button {
+                    messageText = command.alias + " "
+                } label: {
+                    buttonRow(for: command)
+                }
+                .buttonStyle(.plain)
+                .background(Color.gray.opacity(0.1))
+            }
+        }
+        .background(backgroundColor)
+        .overlay(
+            RoundedRectangle(cornerRadius: 4)
+                .stroke(secondaryTextColor.opacity(0.3), lineWidth: 1)
+        )
+    }
+    
+    private func buttonRow(for command: CommandInfo) -> some View {
+        HStack {
+            Text(command.alias)
+                .font(.bitchatSystem(size: 11, design: .monospaced))
+                .foregroundColor(textColor)
+                .fontWeight(.medium)
+            
+            if let placeholder = command.placeholder {
+                Text(placeholder)
+                    .font(.bitchatSystem(size: 10, design: .monospaced))
+                    .foregroundColor(secondaryTextColor.opacity(0.8))
+            }
+
+            Spacer()
+            
+            Text(command.description)
+                .font(.bitchatSystem(size: 10, design: .monospaced))
+                .foregroundColor(secondaryTextColor)
+        }
+        .padding(.horizontal, 12)
+        .padding(.vertical, 3)
+        .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, alignment: .leading)
+    }
+}
+
+@available(iOS 17, macOS 14, *)
+#Preview {
+    @Previewable @State var messageText: String = "/"
+    let keychain = KeychainManager()
+    let viewModel = ChatViewModel(
+        keychain: keychain,
+        idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge(),
+        identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
+    )
+    
+    CommandSuggestionsView(
+        messageText: $messageText,
+        textColor: .green,
+        backgroundColor: .primary,
+        secondaryTextColor: .secondary
+    )
+    .environmentObject(viewModel)
+}

bitchat/Views/Components/TextMessageView.swift

@@ -91,6 +91,7 @@ struct TextMessageView: View {
     .environmentObject(
         ChatViewModel(
             keychain: keychain,
+            idBridge: NostrIdentityBridge(),
             identityManager: SecureIdentityStateManager(keychain)
         )
     )