Session has announced “Session Pro Beta,” a paid tier launching in early Q4 2025 that introduces advanced features for power users while establishing a sustainable funding model for its decentralized, privacy-first messaging platform.
The move marks a significant evolution for Session, a secure, metadata-resistant messaging service developed by the Oxen Project, as it introduces monetization without compromising its core principles of privacy and decentralization. With no ads, tracking, or user profiling, Session instead plans to use Pro subscriptions to fund the global network of independent node operators who keep the platform running.
The development of Session Pro is being led by the Session Foundation, with a focus on reinforcing the app's independence and creating a long-term economic model where users who consume more network resources, such as bandwidth and storage, contribute to sustaining them.
Unlike centralized messaging apps that monetize through user data or advertising, Session is betting on a community-funded approach. Pro features will be gated behind an in-app subscription, with payments converted to SESH tokens, burned as network fees, and later re-minted into the Staking Reward Pool, effectively redirecting funds to compensate node operators and contributors.
This model addresses the growing infrastructure demands posed by Session's expanding user base, while ensuring that essential services remain free and accessible.
Session, developed by the same team behind the Lokinet onion routing network, currently offers fully anonymous messaging with no phone number or email registration. Messages are routed through a mixnet and stored on a decentralized network of Session Nodes, which require compensation for their ongoing operation, something this paid tier is designed to support.
The Beta tier will introduce five new features, aimed at users who need enhanced messaging functionality:
- Higher Character Limits: Pro users can send significantly longer messages, addressing one of the key bandwidth challenges for decentralized networks.
- Unlimited Pinned Conversations: While all users previously had unlimited pins, free users will soon face limits, making Pro essential for those managing many chats.
- Higher Group Member Limits: Groups administered by at least one Pro user will support significantly more members, ideal for large organizations or communities.
- Animated Profile Pictures Across Platforms: Previously limited to the desktop app, this feature becomes Pro-exclusive and available on all platforms.
- Session Pro Badges: A visual indicator of Pro status, with a toggle for users who prefer discretion.
Notably, some existing features such as animated avatars and unlimited pinning will transition to Pro-only, a controversial but common move in the messaging app space to drive premium adoption.
In keeping with Session's privacy mission, the Pro system does not compromise user anonymity. Instead of linking purchases to account IDs or personal data, the system uses cryptographic “Session Pro Proofs” embedded within messages. These proofs allow recipients to verify Pro status locally without contacting any remote servers, and without revealing payment or identity information.
The cryptographic validation is cached for performance and integrated into Session's encrypted configuration sync system, ensuring seamless functionality across devices.
Purchases for Session Pro Beta will be handled through in-app payment systems on iOS and Android. While payments will initially use fiat currency, they will be converted to SESH on the backend. Users who installed Session through F-Droid or APK sideloading will see Pro features but won't be able to upgrade until external payment gateway support is added. Desktop upgrades will require linking with a mobile device that has Pro enabled.
While pricing for the Beta version of Session Pro has yet to be confirmed, the Session team has indicated that it will be offered at a lower price point than the eventual full Pro release.
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