Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, a new in-platform messaging service integrated directly into X (formerly Twitter), marking a major step toward his long-stated ambition of transforming X into a full-scale “everything app.” Designed to compete with established messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, XChat places a strong emphasis on privacy, flexibility, and platform independence.
At the core of XChat is end-to-end encryption, which Musk says will protect user conversations from third-party access. The service supports one-to-one and group chats, vanishing messages, file sharing, and cross-platform audio and video calls, bringing X in line with modern messaging standards. Unlike most popular messaging apps, XChat does not require a phone number for registration, allowing users to communicate solely through their X accounts. This approach is likely to appeal to privacy-conscious users and those who prefer to avoid SMS-based verification systems.
Another key distinction is that XChat is embedded within the X ecosystem, rather than operating as a separate standalone app. This integration allows users to move seamlessly between public posts, private messages, and calls without leaving the platform, reinforcing Musk’s vision of X as a unified hub for communication, content, and services.
However, the rollout remains limited and experimental, with XChat currently available in beta to a small group of users. While Musk has promoted the platform’s security features, some cybersecurity experts have raised questions about the technical transparency and strength of its encryption, noting that full details have yet to be independently verified. These concerns echo past debates around privacy claims made by large tech platforms entering the secure messaging space.
Despite the cautious reception from analysts, XChat has already sparked significant discussion in the tech community. If widely adopted, it could reshape how users interact on X and challenge the dominance of long-established messaging apps. Broader availability is expected in the coming months, and its success will likely depend on user trust, encryption credibility, and how smoothly it integrates into everyday digital communication.
