Briar isn't on iOS. I'm not an Apple user myself, but this is a major sticking point. A large percentage of mobile users are on Apple (especially younger people), and if you're not there, you won't reach the masses.
Discussion
I didn't realize. Yeah, that's a good point.
+ Briar is permissoned. You have to exchange QR code
That's a security feature IMHO. Think Hongkong 2014.
Bitchat has a signature verification feature as well.
https://github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat/blob/main/WHITEPAPER.md#41-peer-verification
So would you think Bitchat is an evolution of (bluetooth) mesh messengers. Or a complete new innovation? Honest question bc I am always somewhat skeptical when a new freedom thing gets hyped by msm fast.
That writer just knows Dorsey+messages = clicks 😂
Being open source and released into the public domain helps alleviate those concerns somewhat I think, nostr:nprofile1qqs9pk20ctv9srrg9vr354p03v0rrgsqkpggh2u45va77zz4mu5p6ccpzemhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejz7qgkwaehxw309a5xjum59ehx7um5wghxcctwvshszrnhwden5te0dehhxtnvdakz7qrxnfk is working on the Android version already. It's still early, it will be interesting to see where it goes.
It's more than just that writer. It's a campaign all over the world. That's what makes me skeptical. Anyway let's see. 
I try not to let a bunch of news sites I've never heard of control my thinking, positively or negatively. It's a beta release of software anyways, not a finished product. nostr:nprofile1qqs9pk20ctv9srrg9vr354p03v0rrgsqkpggh2u45va77zz4mu5p6ccpzemhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejz7qgkwaehxw309a5xjum59ehx7um5wghxcctwvshszrnhwden5te0dehhxtnvdakz7qrxnfk is already working on an Android client, plus I'm sure there is lots more to come.
If someone really wants it it could possibly be vibe-ported to iOS. nostr:nprofile1qqs9pk20ctv9srrg9vr354p03v0rrgsqkpggh2u45va77zz4mu5p6ccpzemhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejz7qgkwaehxw309a5xjum59ehx7um5wghxcctwvshszrnhwden5te0dehhxtnvdakz7qrxnfk did the same for Bitchat the other way round.
(I'm not an expert though)
It's been an open issue on briar for 9 years.