Tool Open source
Blip is a Linux iMessage client for the Omarchy bar and desktop, developed by Fred Nix and contributors. It uses an existing Mac signed into Messages as a gateway: Linux tools communicate with Mac-side bridge tools over SSH, which read the Mac's chat database and use Messages.app automation to send messages. The Linux client renders conversations, group chats, unread indicators, notifications, search, link previews, photos and files, while a Mac-side watcher provides near-real-time updates.
Blip requires an awake, reachable Mac running macOS 13 or newer, with Messages in iCloud, SSH key authentication, and the required macOS permissions. It does not use a hosted server, telemetry, or a Linux-side message cache; message text and attachment data travel through the SSH connection, although opened attachments and link previews may be cached locally. It is distributed as an Omarchy/Quickshell plugin with TypeScript, QML, and Mac bridge tools under the MIT license.
1 use taken from transcripts — each links to the moment in the video.
A Linux client that puts iMessage in the Omarchy bar while using an existing Mac to handle Apple's side of the conversation. It communicates over SSH and supports group chats, attachments, search, and notifications without a hosted server or message cache.
1 in the library.