The desktop client (linux, macos, windows) is a work in progress; alpha builds are available. See the third link in my comment to which you replied. I could have been more clear on that point — I replied on my phone just before going to bed.

The wallet functionality is tied to Ethereum, but the chat functionality works separately.

Originally Status used the Whisper protocol, which used to ship with some Ethereum clients but never gained real traction. Status has switched to a protocol named Waku that's in development but progressing nicely.

If at some point you're interested and have questions, let us know! (I'm on the team developing the desktop client)