X Launches Standalone Chat App XChat on iOS, Supporting Private and Group Chats, and Audio/Video Calls
Social platform X has officially launched its standalone messaging app, XChat, to the public on Friday local time, initially only on iOS. The app allows users to chat directly with contacts from the X platform and supports features like file sharing, audio and video calls, and group chats.
According to reports, X began small-scale testing of XChat earlier this year, inviting select users to experience the new product and provide feedback. The official public release signifies X's further separation of messaging services from its original social platform, pushing it forward as an independent product.
Strategically, XChat is considered a key component of X’s business landscape. Reports indicate that X aims to position its social network as a traffic gateway for more services, extending into areas like messaging and payments. In addition to XChat, X’s payment service is also undergoing testing as a standalone app, but is not yet available to the public.
This product path also demonstrates a new shift in X’s development direction. Musk had previously proposed building X into an “everything app” integrating messaging, payments, creator content, shopping, and artificial intelligence, but X is now breaking down some of these core capabilities into separate app operations. Reports state that X, currently controlled by Musk’s AI company xAI, is expanding its consumer touchpoints through a suite of independent applications.
In terms of product functionality, XChat launched with messaging and calling capabilities, while emphasizing privacy protection. The app supports editing messages, deleting messages for all chat participants, sending disappearing messages, and features screenshot prevention. X also claims the app is ad-free and has no tracking mechanisms.
However, X’s description of security remains controversial. The company states that all messages within XChat are end-to-end encrypted and can be protected with a PIN, but reports mention that security experts have previously questioned X’s encryption claims. As early as XChat’s initial unveiling, security researchers warned that its security performance might not be as robust as mature encrypted communication apps like Signal. With the full launch of the standalone XChat, experts are expected to reassess whether the app has made sufficient improvements.
In addition to private and group chats, XChat will also accommodate some migration needs from X’s “Communities” feature. Reports state that X has decided to shut down the Communities feature due to low usage and rampant spam, and this adjustment may drive an initial surge in XChat installations as former community members may turn to the new app to continue their discussions.
Furthermore, X has hinted that XChat will continue to be updated. X’s Chief Design Officer Benji Taylor revealed that the current version “is just the company’s beginning in building messaging services,” indicating that more new features will be added to the standalone app in the future.