X to Launch Standalone Messaging App ‘XChat’ on April 17 with Privacy-Focused Features
XChat launches April 17 with encrypted messaging, disappearing chats, screenshot blocking, and large group support, signaling X’s strong push into private communication.
X is set to introduce a new standalone messaging application called XChat for iPhone and iPad users, marking a significant shift in how communication will function within its ecosystem. The app is currently available for pre-order on the App Store and is expected to go live on April 17. Once released, it will automatically download for users who have pre-ordered it.
Unlike the platform’s existing direct messaging feature, XChat is being developed as a separate application. This move signals a departure from earlier expectations that messaging improvements would be integrated directly into the main X app. Reports suggest that the company had previously planned a redesigned direct messaging system with enhanced encryption and a new architecture. However, instead of embedding these updates, X has opted to build a dedicated messaging platform from the ground up.
XChat is not connected to the older IRC-based service that shared a similar name. Rather, it is designed specifically for modern users of X, with a focus on privacy, control, and expanded communication capabilities.
One of the key highlights of XChat is its end-to-end encryption feature. According to the company, messages are secured with encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can read them. This helps keep conversations private and protected from third parties. The app also introduces flexibility in communication by allowing users to edit or delete messages even after they have been sent. Deleting a message removes it for everyone in the chat, offering users greater control over their conversations.
To further enhance privacy, XChat will include a screenshot-blocking option. This feature is intended to prevent others from saving or sharing sensitive chats without permission. Additionally, users will have the option to enable disappearing messages that automatically vanish within five minutes. This can be particularly useful for sharing temporary or confidential information.
XChat also aims to support larger communities and group interactions. The app will allow group chats with up to 481 participants, making it suitable for teams, communities, and large-scale discussions. Beyond text messaging, the platform will offer cross-device calling, enabling users to communicate seamlessly across different devices.
In terms of availability, XChat will support devices running iOS 26 or later, as well as iPadOS 26 or later. The App Store listing indicates that the app will not include advertisements and will not track users, reinforcing its focus on privacy and user trust.
Overall, XChat represents a strategic move toward creating a more secure and feature-rich messaging experience. By launching it as a standalone app, X appears to be positioning itself to compete more directly with established messaging platforms while emphasizing privacy and user control.
