[smt88]

> I think it’d be useful if phones could all do this natively.

Most phones (meaning those running Android and iOS) can do this already. On iOS, it's called AirDrop[1] and on Android it's called Nearby Share[2].

Both work without an internet connection or centralized server.

1. https://www.lifewire.com/airdrop-with-without-wifi-connectio...

2. https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21353020/android-nearby-sh...

[markkat]

They enable a messaging network?

[smt88]

It's not really a substitute for SMS, but you can send messages in the form of notes, photos, and audio recordings.

There are other apps, like FireChat and Bridgefy, available in the app stores that handle actual P2P messaging.