XChat: New Messaging to Challenge WhatsApp

Elon Musk is making another move to turn X into a super app. Say hello to XChat, an instant messaging feature that wants to take on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Telegram. XChat is outgrowing its status as “just a feature within X” and is now being tested as a standalone app for iOS users. The beta program reached full capacity within just two hours of the announcement and was quickly expanded to 5,000 testers on Apple’s TestFlight.

What is XChat?

XChat is X’s upgraded private messaging feature, now also being tested as a standalone app. It lets you make calls, video calls, share files, send images and voice messages as well as send disappearing messages; all without needing a phone number.

It’s available on mobile for both free users and X Premium subscribers, although some advanced features require a paid plan. 

Since XChat is built directly into the X platform, you can send and receive messages while also posting, following accounts, or interacting with brands in one place.

But wait, this idea rings a bell…   

We’ve seen this model before with popular Asian apps like WeChat, which pretty much does it all. It’s clear what Elon Musk is after. He wants to turn X into an all-in-one platform that goes beyond social networking and messaging, even taking on the banking sector.

XChat as a Standalone App

X has launched a standalone iOS app for XChat, currently in beta testing through Apple’s TestFlight, with initial capacity filling up within two hours of the announcement. Interestingly, some early testers noticed the app stylises the name as “xChat” rather than XChat, which could hint at a rebranding down the line.  

The app offers a simpler, smoother messaging experience compared to DMs within the main X app, though several features like message requests, Verified badges, and calling support are still in development. 

Security experts have previously raised concerns about XChat being less secure than alternatives like Signal, and it’s unclear whether those issues have been addressed in the standalone version. An Android app is expected soon, and chats will sync across the X app and the chat.x.com web app.

X Already Has DMs. So What’s Different About XChat?

The main difference comes down to depth. X’s existing DMs are a basic private messaging tool: good for text, images, and simple group chats. XChat is a brand-new, more advanced messaging layer built into X, adding disappearing messages, an unsend option, file sharing of any type, and even audio/video calls without needing a phone number. 

In short: XChat takes messaging on X to the next level, making it feel more like WhatsApp or Telegram, but fully integrated with your X social experience. 

Want to learn more about how DMs work on X? Check out our article:

Privacy and Security in XChat

When it comes to any messaging app, security is the first question worth asking. So, how safe are your messages on XChat, really?  

Technically, XChat is built using Rust, a programming language that’s known for being secure and reliable. That’s a good start if you’re looking for a messaging app you can trust.

Elon Musk has also claimed that XChat uses a “Bitcoin-style encryption system”. But here’s where things get a bit confusing: Bitcoin’s security works differently from the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) you’d find in apps like WhatsApp. 

Bitcoin mainly uses cryptography to verify transactions, not to keep messages private between sender and recipient. Security researchers have cautioned that XChat’s encryption framework lacks the transparency and established architecture associated with apps like Signal; and it remains unclear whether the standalone version has addressed those concerns.

So far, there’s no official confirmation that XChat uses end-to-end encryption, which would mean that only you and your chat partner can read your messages — not even X itself could access them.

Okay, that’s a lot of tech talk, but what does it mean for you?

Bottom line: Right now, there’s no guarantee that your messages on XChat are fully protected. So if privacy is your top priority, it’s something to keep in mind.

What Are XChat’s Main Features? 

Think of XChat as a mashup of different messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat, all rolled into one and built into X. Here’s what we know so far:

• Disappearing messages: Messages vanish once viewed, similar to Telegram or Snapchat.
• Unsend messages: Changed your mind? You can unsend a message for both sides of the conversation.
• Group chats: Chat with multiple people at the same time.
• File sharing: Send any file type — PDFs, docs, you name it — not just images and GIFs.
• Audio and video calls (no phone number needed): Connect via voice or video using only your X account.
• Voice notes: Record and send quick audio messages.
• Emoji reactions: Reply to messages with just a tap. Sometimes a 😂 or 🔥 says it all…
• Mark messages as unread: Keep track of messages you want to come back to.

New DM Features in XChat (August 2025 Update)

X has since expanded XChat with:

• DM search: Search through your past messages.
• Block DMs from specific users: Improved blocking options directly in the chat interface.
• Expanded push notifications: Get notified when someone replies or mentions you in DMs.
• Typing indicators: See when someone is actively typing in real time.
• Inbox reactions: React to DMs with emojis, similar to iMessage or Instagram.
• Refreshed back-end infrastructure: Built on Rust. 

These updates bring XChat closer to matching or even rivaling mainstream messaging apps in functionality. They’re also a key part of X’s broader vision: turning messaging into a hub for everything from content to payments.

Who Is XChat For?

XChat is still in beta, but it’s already opening up new ways to connect on the platform. 

If you’re a brand, digital marketer, or content creator, who’s already active on X, XChat could be an additional channel to connect more directly with your community. For instance, it can be used as a more professional and organized space for customer service, answering questions, or managing private conversations without relying on external apps.

And if Elon Musk’s vision keeps rolling, we might soon see advanced features like AI integration through Grok. That could set XChat apart from other messaging apps on the market.

What Sets It Apart from WhatsApp or Telegram?

At first glance, XChat may seem like just another messaging app, but what’s XChat’s key advantage over competitors like WhatsApp or Telegram? Its direct integration with X.

While WhatsApp and Telegram are standalone apps, XChat is designed to be part of the social media experience. That means your posts, messages, and video calls are all centralized in one place.

XChat vs. WhatsApp vs. Telegram

Here’s a quick look at how XChat stacks up against WhatsApp and Telegram:

It’s still early days. Whether XChat can carve out a meaningful slice of a messaging market dominated by WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram remains to be seen but with X’s 500+ million monthly users already on the platform, it starts from a position of genuine scale.

One thing is clear: Elon Musk is serious about turning X into a super app that goes way beyond social networking. XChat is one of the most concrete steps in that direction yet.