Elon Musk is officially moving into the dedicated messaging space. On April 24, 2026, X (formerly Twitter) launched XChat, a standalone messaging app. According to Forbes, this app designed to compete with WhatsApp and Signal. The app is currently available for iPhone and iPad users, while an Android version is still in development.
XChat allows users to move their X direct messages into a separate, focused app. It is a major shift in strategy for the company, which is now building a suite of specialized apps instead of putting everything into a single everything app.
Key Features and Functions
XChat offers a clean interface that follows the latest iOS design trends. It includes:
- Core Messaging: Support for one-on-one chats, group messages, and file sharing.
- Audio and Video Calls: High-quality calling features directly through your X contact list.
- Privacy Controls: Users can edit or delete messages for everyone in a chat, set messages to disappear after five minutes, and block others from taking screenshots of conversations.
- Customization: The app offers light and dark modes, custom app icons, and the ability to jump back to the main X app with a single tap.
The Privacy Debate: Is it Really Safe?
While X claims that XChat is fully end-to-end encrypted with no ads or tracking, security experts are raising red flags.
- Data Collection: Privacy labels show that the app still collects metadata, such as who you talk to and for how long. It also uses your existing X account data (IP address and device ID) for identification.
- Encryption Concerns: Security researchers warn that X stores private encryption keys on its own servers rather than strictly on the user’s device. This means X could technically access messages if they chose to, unlike the gold standard app, Signal.
- Photo Leaks: Early reports suggest that photos sent through the app may still contain hidden GPS location data (metadata), which could accidentally reveal where you are.
A New Home for Communities
The launch of XChat comes at a perfect time for regular X users. The company has decided to shut down X Communities on the main platform due to high spam. Moving forward, XChat will serve as the new home for these groups, providing a more private and moderated space for community members to talk.
Availability
XChat is free to download and is currently available on the Apple App Store in some countries and undergoing a global rollout. It requires iOS 26.0 or later to run. X has not yet announced when the Android version will be ready for the Google Play Store.
