X, formerly known as Twitter, is preparing to launch its standalone messaging app XChat after testing it with thousands of beta users. The company has now listed the app on the App Store, with a wider rollout expected in the coming days.
The listing suggests a release date of April 17, and the app will be available for both iPhone and iPad.
XChat is being positioned as a privacy-focused messaging platform. One of its key highlights is end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can read messages. This puts it in direct competition with apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which already offer encrypted communication.
The app also includes features such as disappearing messages, message editing and deletion, group chats, and voice calling. Another notable feature is screenshot blocking, which prevents users from capturing chat conversations, adding an extra layer of privacy.
The launch of XChat aligns with Elon Musk’s broader plan to turn X into a super app similar to WeChat. Musk has previously indicated that X could expand beyond social media into areas like payments, commerce, and financial services. Messaging is expected to play a central role in that ecosystem.
The timing of this launch is notable, as encryption and privacy are currently under scrutiny. Elon Musk recently criticized WhatsApp over trust concerns linked to ongoing legal and privacy discussions. At the same time, platforms like Telegram and Signal have also faced questions around real-world data access and security.
These developments have added to the growing debate around how secure messaging apps really are.
It remains unclear whether all XChat features will be free or if some will be part of a premium offering, similar to paid features on X. For now, the app is expected to launch as a full-featured messaging platform with a strong focus on privacy.
