XChat is now available for pre-order on the App Store, with downloads set to begin on April 17. Unlike the IRC app from the early 2000s, this is a dedicated messaging platform designed exclusively for users of X.
Elon Musk, CEO of X, first revealed plans for this new direct messaging service in mid-2025. He described the app as built on a completely new architecture using the Rust programming language and featuring encryption inspired by Bitcoin’s security model. Although Musk initially anticipated a wider release last June, the app has mostly been accessible through limited beta testing for paid subscribers until now.
In a significant development, XChat is not merely an upgrade to the existing direct messaging feature within the X app. Instead, it offers a standalone environment where users can communicate with anyone on X. The app supports audio and video calls across devices without requiring users to link a phone number.
Security is a major focus, with end-to-end encryption ensuring message privacy. Users can edit or delete messages for all participants, and additional protections include a screenshot block and a disappearing message mode that erases sensitive content within five minutes. The app also accommodates large group chats with up to 481 members.
The App Store listing guarantees an ad-free experience and promises no user tracking. However, security experts note that third-party audits verifying these privacy claims have not yet been released. Currently, XChat is available for pre-order on iPhone and iPad, requiring iOS 16.0 or later, and will automatically install on devices when it officially launches next Friday.
