X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new standalone iOS messaging app, ‘XChat’, to further enhance its messaging services. The app was officially launched last Friday. Through it, users will be able to chat with X friends, share files, make audio and video calls, and participate in group chats.
Elon Musk’s earlier vision was to transform X into an “everything app”, integrating messaging, payments, shopping, and AI under one platform. However, the launch of ‘XChat’ indicates a partial shift from that strategy. The Elon Musk-led AI company ‘xAI’ is now reportedly planning to deliver X’s various services through separate standalone applications.
Key features of XChat:
- Privacy Protection: Users can edit sent messages or delete them for everyone.
- Security: Includes disappearing messages after a set time and screenshot-blocking capability.
- Ad-free: X claims the app contains no advertisements or user tracking mechanisms.
- Encryption: All messages are said to be “end-to-end encrypted” and PIN-protected.
However, security experts have already expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of X’s encryption system. According to them, it requires further scrutiny, particularly in comparison to the popular messaging app Signal.
Alongside the app launch, X has decided to shut down its ‘Communities’ feature. The decision has been taken mainly due to excessive spam and irrelevant messages, and all its functions will now be migrated to the XChat app.
X’s chief designer Benji Taylor stated that XChat is only the beginning, and further major updates are expected in the future to improve the messaging experience.
