Pars Messenger iOS

Private messaging for the Pars Network - Built on pars.network

Overview

Pars Messenger iOS is a privacy-focused messaging app for the Pars Network, featuring end-to-end encryption with post-quantum cryptography. Messages are stored on decentralized storage nodes and routed through onion routing for maximum privacy.

Current Status

Integration Status: In Progress

The iOS app uses libsession-util for networking. Full Pars Network integration requires modifications to the underlying C++ library.

What Works

• Building and running the app
• Core messaging functionality

What Needs Work

• Network configuration for Pars SessionVM
• libsession-util modifications
• Pars branding updates

Installation

Option 1: Build from Source (Recommended)

Prerequisites:

• Mac with Xcode 16.2+
• Apple Developer account (free tier works)
• iOS 15.0+ device

Steps:

git clone https://github.com/parsdao/pars-ios
cd pars-ios
open Session.xcodeproj

In Xcode:

1. Change Team in all TARGETS to your Apple Developer account
2. Connect your iOS device
3. Build and run (Cmd+R)

Option 2: AltStore (No Mac Required)

AltStore allows sideloading apps using a free Apple ID:

1. Install AltStore on your device
2. Download the source and build an IPA, or wait for community builds
3. Open the IPA with AltStore

Note: Free Apple ID certificates expire every 7 days - AltStore auto-refreshes them.

Option 3: TestFlight (Coming Soon)

We're working on TestFlight distribution for easier installation. Join the waitlist at pars.network.

Why No Direct Download?

Apple requires all iOS apps to be cryptographically signed. Unlike Android, there's no way to install unsigned apps. Options are:

• App Store - Requires Apple review (in progress)
• TestFlight - For beta testing (coming soon)
• AltStore - Self-signing with your Apple ID
• Build from source - Full control

Architecture

Pars Messenger iOS
├── Session/               # Main app target
├── SessionMessagingKit/   # Message handling, encryption
├── SessionNetworkingKit/  # Network layer (LibSession)
├── SessionUtilitiesKit/   # Shared utilities
└── SessionUIKit/          # UI components

Network Layer
└── libsession-util (C++ via Swift/ObjC bindings)
    └── Network endpoints (needs configuration for Pars)

Pars Ecosystem

Repository	Description
parsdao/pars-ios	iOS client (this repo)
parsdao/pars-desktop	Desktop client
parsdao/pars-android	Android client
parsdao/pars-libsession	Native crypto library
parsdao/node	Pars blockchain node

Features

• End-to-end encryption (post-quantum)
• Decentralized message storage
• Onion routing for privacy
• Disappearing messages
• Group chats
• Voice messages
• Photo/file sharing

Key Files

File	Description
SessionNetworkingKit/SessionNetwork/SessionNetwork.swift	Network API config
SessionNetworkingKit/LibSession/LibSession+Networking.swift	LibSession integration
SessionUtilitiesKit/General/Feature.swift	Feature flags
Session/Meta/SessionApp.swift	App entry point

Contributing

1. Fork this repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Submit a pull request

Resources

• Website: pars.network
• Documentation: docs.pars.network
• PIPs: github.com/parsdao/pips

License

GPL-3.0 - See LICENSE

Acknowledgments

• Fork of Session iOS
• Built on Lux Network technology