Radio First.
Internet when needed.
Radio is always the primary path. When radios are out of range or phones are put away, optional Internet Assisted Delivery keeps conversations moving so your messages still get through.
Pre-launch beta on TestFlight
Send
messages, files, photos, and reactions
over the air.
Radio Messenger lets you chat using a radio and your iPhone or iPad. Great for local communication when you don’t want to depend on cell coverage.
Joining the beta? Download the Beta Test Guide (PDF) for setup tips and what to try while testing.
Beta software. Expect bugs, crashes and frequent updates. Requires iPhone or iPad on iOS 18+ and a valid amateur radio license.
Radio messaging. Human by design.
Messaging over amateur radio has existed for decades, but it never felt like modern chat. Radio Messenger changes that by making conversation the experience, not an afterthought.
Simple, familiar, and built for people.
Human Centered.
Because radio is better when it is social.
Find people who are actually available to chat. Radio Messenger prioritizes identifying active operators over unattended trackers and infrastructure traffic.
Messaging Focused.
Less compass. More conversation.
Threads, contacts, and multi-devices sync are core features from day one. The interface is built around conversation, not buried behind maps and telemetry.
Features
Deceptively simple.
Powerful inside.
A full-featured messaging app with built-in radio support, integrated modem capabilities, and seamless multi-device sync. No jargon, no complicated setup. Just radio messaging that works.
APRS Messaging
Send APRS1 messages to any callsign with delivery tracking, acknowledgements, and automatic retries when conditions are poor.
Enhanced Messaging
A modern messaging mode2 that lets you verify who sent a message and prove messages came from you. Supports automatic retries, delivery acknowledgements, read receipts and reactions.
File & Image Sharing
With Enhanced Messaging, you can share files and images with another operator in the same conversation. Recipient gets a notification and can accept or decline the incoming file offered.
Location
Unlike traditional beaconing, location sharing is intentional. Share your location directly in a conversation, with optional notifications. Drop pins, label important places, and coordinate more easily.
Offline Maps
Maps are automatically downloaded and cached so shared locations remain visible even without an Internet connection. You can control how much storage offline maps use in Settings.
Identity
Automatically resolve callsigns to operator names for more human conversations. Manage trusted identities and with Enhanced Messaging, verify that messages truly came from the expected sender.
Presence
Broadcast your status so others know when you’re available. Quickly see who’s active and ready to chat.
On Air
See stations your radio has heard recently and start a conversation with a tap. Infrastructure traffic is filtered out to keep the list clean.
Notifications
Get notified instantly when new messages arrive, even when your phone is locked or another app is open. Optional Internet Assisted delivery enables push notifications when you’re away from your radio.
Radio Native
Plug-and-play support for Bluetooth radios for easy setup. Frequency control available from the app for supported radios.
Integrated Modem
The integrated modem automatically detects and works with compatible audio adapters. Even classic analog radios can become modern messaging devices.
Multi-Device
Designed for both iPhone and iPad, with layouts tailored to each device. On iPad, enjoy a spacious two-column interface and full external keyboard support.
Seamless Sync
Messages stay synchronized across your devices with iCloud. Take your iPhone off-grid, and your conversations automatically catch up everywhere when you reconnect.
Plain Text Group Chat
Join open channels and participate in real-time “UNPROTO”3 group conversations. Configure digipeater paths to extend range and communicate across wider areas.
What’s next?
We’re still building. What would make Radio Messenger more useful for you?
Share an idea →Two messaging modes.
One seamless experience.
Use proven APRS messaging for maximum compatibility and optional Internet Assisted Delivery. Switch to Enhanced Messaging for verified identity, reactions, files sharing and new ways to push the limits of what your radio can do.
| Feature | APRS Messaging | Enhanced Messaging |
|---|---|---|
| Message length | 67 characters | 229 characters |
| Unicode support | Inconsistent | Full Unicode |
| Automatic retries | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery confirmation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Read receipt | — | ✓ |
| Message authenticity | — | Verifiable sender identity |
| Message integrity | — | Tamper detection |
| Encryption 5 | — | — |
| Notifications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reactions | — | ✓ |
| Location & Pin sharing | ✓ | ✓ |
| File & image sharing | — | ✓ |
| Status and presence | ✓ | ✓ |
| Position reporting (grid square level) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Internet assisted delivery | Yes | No, radio only |
| Push notifications | Yes, even when app is closed | No, app must be opened, radio must be on |
| Compatibility | Works with existing APRS ecosystem | Requires compatible app |
| Protocol | Open. Mature and slow-moving. | Open. New and evolving. |
The messaging mode is selected automatically based on your radio’s current frequency.
Compatibility
Works with the radios you love.
Designed to play well with popular radios featuring a Bluetooth digital interface. For classic analog radios, use the integrated modem with an external audio adapters. Works on iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or later.
Bluetooth Radios
Frequency control available from the app.
- BTECH UV-PRO, UV-50PRO
- VGC VR-N76, VR-N7600
- RADIODITY GA-5WB, DB50-B
- Kenwood TH-D74, TH-D754
- PicoAPRS V4
USB-C External Audio Adapters
Automatically detected by integrated modem.
- Digirig Lite
- AIOC (All In One Cable)
Portable External Modems
Plug and play appliances.
- Mobilinkd TNC3, TNC4
- DigiPi (Dire Wolf software)
- LiNK500 TNC