# Nearwave

> Offline and unreliable internet messaging with text and photo sharing. (iPhone/iPad app by Jonathan Coffin.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nearwave/id6809259631 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jonathan Coffin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035201211)
- Category: Social Networking, Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 1 MB
- Released: 2026-09-17
- Data updated: 2026-10-09
- Monetization: free

## What is Nearwave?

Nearwave helps people stay connected when internet service is unavailable or unreliable - especially aboard cruise ships, in large venues, or while traveling.

Create or join a private room with a high-entropy shared code, then send text and compressed photos between iPhones. Nearwave automatically combines local Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an end-to-end encrypted internet/cellular relay. Messages retry as paths change, and Apple Push alerts can notify a backgrounded phone without exposing message text.

Features:
- Nearby messaging over local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Encrypted internet/cellular queued delivery
- Multiple private conversations and group rooms
- Text and compressed photo sharing
- Lock Screen notifications and app badge
- Delivery acknowledgements and reconnect retries
- Warmer/colder radar guidance on supported devices
- Pre-use safety terms, objectionable-content filtering, reporting, and blocking

Cruise and guest Wi-Fi networks may isolate devices or block local discovery; Nearwave can use Bluetooth or encrypted internet/cellular delivery when available. Encrypted undelivered relay messages expire within 30 days. Range and background delivery depend on iPhone hardware, ship construction, nearby peers, iOS scheduling, connectivity, and network policy. Nearwave is not an emergency, safety, or guaranteed location service. Keep normal ship communications available for emergencies.

## Key features

- Nearby messaging over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Encrypted internet/cellular queued delivery
- Private conversations and group rooms
- Text and compressed photo sharing
- Delivery acknowledgements and retries
- Radar guidance for proximity

## Is Nearwave safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess Nearwave.

## Is Nearwave legit?

Nearwave appears legitimate, with a few gaps. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Nearwave is 68 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.


## Frequently asked questions about Nearwave

### What is Nearwave?

Nearwave is a social networking app designed to help people stay connected when internet service is unavailable or unreliable. It allows for text and compressed photo sharing using local Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an encrypted internet relay.

### How does Nearwave handle connectivity issues?

Nearwave automatically combines local Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an end-to-end encrypted internet/cellular relay. Messages retry as paths change, ensuring delivery even with intermittent connectivity.

### Can I share photos with Nearwave?

Yes, Nearwave supports sharing compressed photos along with text messages. This feature is particularly useful when bandwidth is limited or internet access is unavailable.

### Is Nearwave safe to use?

Nearwave includes pre-use safety terms, objectionable-content filtering, reporting, and blocking features. It also uses end-to-end encryption for its internet/cellular relay.

### What devices does Nearwave support?

Nearwave is currently supported on iPhones. The app's functionality and range can depend on iPhone hardware, iOS scheduling, and network policies.

### How often is Nearwave updated?

The latest version of Nearwave is 0.1, and it was last updated on September 18, 2026. As a new application, frequent updates can be expected as features are refined and added.

### Does Nearwave have ads?

No, Nearwave does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use without any ad interruptions.

### What is the age rating for Nearwave?

Nearwave has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app's safety features are designed to provide a secure communication environment.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 0.1 — 2026-09-18

No release notes.

## More apps by Jonathan Coffin

- [Cuterus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cuterus/id1348067615)
- [Capspace Fantasy Football](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/capspace-fantasy-football/id6805332527)

All apps by Jonathan Coffin: https://appshunter.io/developer/1035201211

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-10-09.*