X has officially launched XChat, its standalone messaging app, to the public on Friday.
The app is initially available on iOS devices and allows users to connect with their X contacts for messaging, file sharing, audio and video calls, and group chats.
The company began publicly testing XChat earlier this year with a small group of beta users. That testing period was used to gather feedback on the new messaging experience before the broader launch.
At launch, XChat includes messaging, calling, and several privacy-focused tools. Users can edit and delete messages for everyone in a chat. The app also supports disappearing messages and includes screenshot blocking. X said the platform contains no ads or tracking systems.
The company also claimed that all messages are end-to-end encrypted and PIN-protected.
The everything app, which requires 3 apps to use the core product. pic.twitter.com/1aJF4n2par
— camol (@camolNFT) April 23, 2026
The move marks a shift from Elon Musk’s earlier goal of turning X into a single “everything app” that would combine messaging, payments, creator tools, shopping, AI, and other services in one place.
Instead, xAI, Musk’s AI company that owns X, is now building multiple apps to increase consumer access points.
XChat is now available. Design team is cooking on these launch videos. pic.twitter.com/u7BIKNp0pc
— Design (@Design) April 24, 2026
Security researchers have previously challenged X’s earlier encryption claims.
Experts had also warned that the original XChat service appeared less secure than competing encrypted messaging apps such as Signal.
They are expected to review the new standalone version to determine whether security improvements have been made.
XChat will also become the new destination for X Communities. The company has decided to shut down Communities, citing low usage and high spam levels.
That change could help drive early downloads of the new app as community members move to XChat.
X lead designer Benji Taylor said further updates are planned. He described the launch as only the beginning of what the company is building for messaging. The company sees X as a starting point for additional services such as messaging and payments. A separate payments app is also being tested, though it has not yet been released publicly.
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