XChat: Elon Musk has introduced a new messaging feature called XChat, which is currently in beta testing. It allows users to send all types of files with end-to-end encryption.
Musk announced the feature in a post, stating that XChat will support both audio and video calls.
What makes XChat unique is its use of “bitcoin-style encryption” and its development using a new architecture built with the Rust programming language.
What is XChat?
XChat is considered an upgraded and more advanced version of the existing Direct Message (DM) system on X.
The feature was revealed shortly after the company temporarily disabled its encrypted messaging service.
On May 29, X released a small update, hinting at some improvements. It now appears that this was in preparation for the XChat launch.
Although X hasn’t released any official blog or full details yet, app researcher and reverse engineer Nemo Ovji has been closely tracking its development.
On April 18, he shared a screenshot of a “Venice Mode” in XChat, where users can set messages to disappear after a time period ranging from 5 minutes to 1 day.
With such additions, X’s messaging system could become more secure and user-friendly.
Currently in Testing
As per a report by TechCrunch, XChat is being tested with a limited number of users.
There’s no clear timeline yet for its public release or whether all features will be available to free users. Some users on X have already posted screenshots showing early access to the feature.
Encrypted Messaging Began in 2023
X first introduced encrypted messaging in May 2023, but it was only available to paid subscribers. This marked a major shift in how messaging worked on the platform.
Before Elon Musk took over in 2022, DMs were free for all users. Since then, many features—including important security tools like SMS-based two-factor authentication—have moved behind a paywall.
Part of Musk’s Vision for an ‘All-in-One App’
While XChat may seem like just another update, it is a key step in Elon Musk’s bigger vision of turning X into an “everything app.”
Musk has said he wants X to include messaging, payments, dating, and more—similar to China’s WeChat.
In a previous meeting, he even mentioned plans to make X a digital bank and dating platform.
Features like XChat, which offer secure and multi-functional messaging, are central to that goal.
