XChat, the independent messaging app by X, was released to the public on Friday. Initially for iOS, the app lets users engage with their X contacts for messaging, file sharing, audio and video calls, and group chats.
X started testing XChat with select beta users earlier this year to gather feedback on the new experience.
XChat is integral to X’s strategic plan, which envisions the social network branching into services like messaging and payments (the latter is being tested as a separate app but not yet public).
X’s move to spin off a part of its platform into a standalone app marks a departure from Elon Musk’s initial idea of creating an “everything app” encompassing messaging, payments, creator content, shopping, AI, and more.
Now, xAI (Musk’s AI company that owns X and is owned by SpaceX) offers a suite of apps to provide more consumer engagement with its services.
Upon launch, XChat supports messaging and calling, featuring privacy-protected options such as editing and deleting messages for all in a chat, disappearing messages, and screenshot blocking. X claims no ads or tracking in the app.
The company asserts all messages are end-to-end encrypted and PIN protected, although security experts have previously challenged these claims.
Experts had warned potential users that the XChat service might be less secure than other encrypted messaging apps, like Signal, when the app was first introduced. They’ll need to reassess the dedicated XChat app now that it’s widely available to ensure necessary improvements are met.
XChat also aims to serve as the new hub for X’s Communities, which are being shut down due to low usage and excessive spam. This transition might boost initial installations as community members migrate.
According to X lead designer Benji Taylor, updates to XChat are expected, hinting the app is “just the beginning of what we’re building for messaging.”