X prepares to launch a dedicated messaging app as XChat becomes available on the App Store.

      In early March, X (formerly known as Twitter) began testing a dedicated application called XChat with thousands of beta testers. It seems that the testing phase has concluded and the app is set for its public launch. The company owned by Elon Musk has stated that XChat is now available on the App Store, with a broader release scheduled in the upcoming days.

      What’s the main strategy?

      The App Store listing for the chat app indicates a release date of April 17, and it will be accessible for both iPhone and iPad simultaneously. Regarding its features, XChat is promoting end-to-end encryption as one of its main highlights. For those unfamiliar, E2E is currently recognized as the most secure protocol to maintain the privacy of messages, ensuring that no intermediary or third party (including the platform's creators) can view the conversations.

      For instance, WhatsApp and Signal employ this encryption by default. On platforms like Instagram and Telegram, there are specific private chat functionalities that utilize end-to-end encryption to safeguard messages.

      Returning to XChat, it will also feature screenshot blocking, preventing any participant in the conversation from capturing the chat. Users will have the option to edit or delete sent messages and can also send messages that disappear after a set period. Additionally, the app will support calling and group chats.

      Since Musk took control of X (which eventually merged with xAI, followed by a significant merger with SpaceX), the vision of creating a super app has been prominent. In December, Musk remarked that he aims to transform X into something akin to WeChat, the Chinese platform that facilitates everything from messaging and payments to bookings and various other services. Reports from June indicated that the X super app would also incorporate investment and trading capabilities once these plans come to fruition.

      Why is this shift noteworthy?

      The plans extend beyond a simple pivot to messaging with XChat. At least, that’s what Musk’s previous statements and the latest developments imply. Initially, it might seem Musk merely intends to offer a messaging service that addresses functional limitations not covered by the social media platform.

      Just a day ago, Musk posted on X that WhatsApp is untrustworthy, referencing a lawsuit that claims Meta permitted third parties to access encrypted messages on WhatsApp. Although WhatsApp has refuted these allegations, Musk’s comments further fueled privacy concerns. Additionally, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, described WhatsApp’s encryption claims as potentially representing the "biggest consumer fraud in history." But that wasn't the only criticism.

      Signal—one of the most trusted messaging platforms, known for its strong security measures—also faced scrutiny. Reports indicated that the FBI was able to access Signal message contents through the notification history on a suspect’s iPhone, despite the app providing a locking feature. Pavel also criticized Signal, pointing out that Telegram avoids displaying message contents in notification banners.

      XChat is poised to make a significant public entrance at a time when confidence in prominent privacy-focused platforms like WhatsApp and Signal is being questioned. Additionally, it will be intriguing to see if X provides all features at no cost or if some will require a premium subscription, similar to its sister social media service.