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Damus

The premier Nostr client for iOS. No ads, no algorithms, no censorship.

Overview​

Damus brought Nostr to the App Store, making decentralized social networking accessible to iPhone users. It combines a clean interface with powerful features including Lightning payments (Zaps).

Key Features​

Decentralization​

  • No account required — Start with just cryptographic keys
  • No data collection — Your keys, your data
  • Censorship-resistant — No central authority can ban you
  • Portable identity — Take your account anywhere

Lightning Integration​

Send and receive Bitcoin via the Lightning Network:

┌─────────────┐     Zap      ┌─────────────┐
│    You      │─────────────►│   Creator   │
│  (Damus)    │   ⚡ sats    │  (any app)  │
└─────────────┘              └─────────────┘
  • Zaps — Tip content creators with sats
  • Nostr Wallet Connect — Quick zapping
  • Coinos — One-click wallet setup
  • Strike integration — Easy Lightning access

Privacy & Security​

  • Keys in Secure Enclave — Private keys stored in iOS Keychain
  • End-to-end encryption — Private DMs
  • No tracking — Zero data collection
  • Open source — Auditable code

Content Features​

  • Note feeds — Chronological timeline
  • Direct messages — Encrypted conversations
  • Media support — Images, videos, GIFs
  • Hashtags — Discover content by topic
  • Threads — Conversation threading
  • Reactions — Unicode emoji reactions (iOS 18.4+)

Recent Updates (2025)​

  • NIP-65 — Relay list support for better discovery
  • NIP-42 — Relay authentication
  • Edge-to-edge video — Immersive media player
  • Camera integration — Record and post video directly
  • QR codes — Easy profile sharing
  • Mute hashtags — Filter unwanted content
  • Hellthread hiding — Clean up noisy threads

Installation​

Available on the App Store for:

  • iOS 16.0+
  • macOS 13.0+ (Apple Silicon)
  • visionOS 1.0+ (Apple Vision Pro)

Download on App Store

Getting Started​

1. Create Account​

Generate keys automatically or import existing nsec.

2. Set Up Wallet (Optional)​

Connect a Lightning wallet for Zaps:

  • Coinos (one-click setup)
  • Strike
  • Any NWC-compatible wallet

3. Find People​

  • Search by npub or NIP-05
  • Browse trending hashtags
  • Check who others follow

4. Post​

Write notes, add media, use hashtags.

Damus Purple​

Premium membership ($6.99/month) supports development:

  • Custom profile badge
  • Exclusive features
  • Help keep Damus independent

For Developers​

Damus is fully open source:

git clone https://github.com/damus-io/damus.git
cd damus
# Open in Xcode
open damus.xcodeproj

Built with:

  • Swift / SwiftUI
  • Native iOS frameworks
  • Custom Nostr implementation

See Also​