X prepares to launch a dedicated messaging application as XChat becomes available on the App Store.
In early March, X (formerly Twitter) began testing a new app named XChat with thousands of beta testers. It now seems the testing phase has concluded, and the app is set for a public launch. The company, owned by Elon Musk, has confirmed that XChat is now available on the App Store, with a broader launch planned for the upcoming days.
What’s the main strategy here?
The listing page for the XChat app on the App Store indicates a release date of April 17, and it will be accessible simultaneously on both iPhone and iPad. In terms of features, the XChat app promotes end-to-end encryption as one of its key selling points. For those unfamiliar, E2E encryption is currently recognized as the most secure protocol to keep messages private, meaning that no intermediary or third party (including the platform's creators) can access your conversations.
x / App Store
Apps like WhatsApp and Signal implement end-to-end encryption by default, while Instagram and Telegram have specific private chat features that utilize this encryption to safeguard messages.
Returning to XChat, it will also include a screenshot blocking feature, preventing any participant in the conversation from capturing images of the chats. Users will be able to edit or delete sent messages and send disappearing messages as well. Additionally, the app will support calling and group chats.
Since Musk's acquisition of X (which later merged with xAI and subsequently with SpaceX), the vision of creating a super-app has taken priority. In December, Musk suggested his goal of transforming X into an app akin to WeChat, the Chinese platform that encompasses services ranging from messaging and payments to bookings and various other unique offerings. In June of last year, it was reported that the X super app would also incorporate investment and trading services once the super app concept is fully developed.
Why is this a significant change?
There seems to be more to XChat than just a simple shift to a messaging platform. At least that’s what Musk’s past statements and recent developments imply. On the surface, it appears Musk aims to provide a messaging app that addresses the functional gaps not covered by the social media app.
Just a day ago, Musk stated on X that WhatsApp cannot be trusted, referencing a lawsuit alleging that Meta permitted third parties access to encrypted WhatsApp messages. While WhatsApp has refuted these claims, Musk’s comments have heightened concerns about privacy. In a separate remark, Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, described WhatsApp’s encryption claims as the “biggest consumer fraud in history.” That wasn’t all.
Signal — known for its strong security measures and widely regarded as a trusted messaging app — also found itself under scrutiny. Reports indicated that the FBI managed to access Signal message content by reviewing the notification history on a suspect’s iPhone, despite the app offering a lock feature. Durov also criticized Signal, emphasizing that Telegram never reveals message content in notification previews.
It appears XChat is poised for a notable public launch during a period when confidence in prominent privacy-centric platforms like WhatsApp and Signal is being questioned. Additionally, it will be intriguing to see whether X will offer all features for free or if some will be available only through a premium subscription, much like its social media counterpart.
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X prepares to launch a dedicated messaging application as XChat becomes available on the App Store.
The XChat will allow for end-to-end encrypted messaging and will be accessible to iPhone users starting April 17, offering support for more than 45 languages.