Nikita Bier, the mastermind behind popular apps like tbh and Gas, has introduced a new app called Explode, which focuses on disappearing messages on iMessage. This innovative app allows users to send texts and images that can be viewed only once, and then they disappear, or "explode."

Explode works as a mini app for Apple's Messages app, enabling users to send disappearing messages to others. Notably, only the sender needs to have the Explode app, making it easy to integrate into existing conversations. To further ensure privacy, the app blocks users from taking screenshots of the disappearing messages.

While the app is free to download, users can upgrade to Explode+ for $39.99 per year or $7.99 per month to unlock additional features. These premium features include screenshot alerts, the ability to block screenshots altogether, replaying photos that were previously sent, and locking photo viewing after sending them.

Bier took to X, a social media platform, to announce the launch of Explode, where he shared his motivations behind creating the app. In a series of posts, Bier revealed that Explode is, in part, a response to his past experiences with Snapchat, which he claims unfairly kicked his previous app, Gas, off its developer platform, SnapKit.

In a post, Bier shared that he had met with Snapchat's CEO to discuss acquiring Gas, but was subsequently removed from the platform, allegedly due to violating Snapchat's policy. Bier disputes this claim, stating that Gas operated on contacts and didn't rely on Snapchat's social graph. The incident, however, significantly impacted Gas's growth.

Despite the setback, Bier's new app, Explode, is poised to make a mark in the messaging space. Currently available in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and Italy, Explode offers a unique solution for users seeking more private and ephemeral communication.

The launch of Explode raises interesting questions about the future of messaging apps and the importance of user privacy. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Explode fares in the market and whether it will inspire a new wave of innovation in the messaging space.

For now, users can download Explode and experience the thrill of disappearing messages for themselves. With its unique features and Bier's reputation for creating engaging apps, Explode is certainly an app to watch in the coming months.