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Elon Musk's X to launch standalone 'XChat' for iPhone, iPads: What's coming

Elon Musk's X to launch standalone 'XChat' for iPhone, iPads: What's coming

by | Apr 13, 2026 | Technology


XChat is expected to launch on April 17, Pre-order available now (Image: App Store)

3 min read Last Updated : Apr 13 2026 | 11:39 AM IST


X is preparing to launch its new standalone messaging app, XChat, for iPhone and iPad users. According to its listing on the App Store, the app is currently available for pre-order and is expected to be available for download on April 17. Based on the listing, XChat will bring features such as encrypted messaging, disappearing chats and support for large group conversations, marking a shift from X’s existing in-app direct messaging system.


What XChat is and how it is different from messaging on X


According to a report from Engadget, XChat is not related to the older Internet Relay Chat (IRC)-based service that shared a similar name. Instead, it is a new messaging platform built specifically for users of X.

 
 

The app marks a shift from X’s existing direct messaging system, which was earlier expected to receive an upgrade within the main app itself. Back in mid-2025, X’s chief, Elon Musk, reportedly announced plans for a redesigned DM system with encryption and a new architecture. However, instead of integrating it into X, the company has now developed a separate app. 


XChat: Features


  • End-to-end encryption: According to the company, messages are secured with encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can read them. This helps keep conversations private and protected from third parties.


  • Edit and delete messages: The company noted that users can modify or remove messages even after sending them. Deleting a message removes it for everyone in the chat, giving more control over conversations.


  • Screenshot blocking: The app will include an option to prevent screenshots, helping users avoid others saving or sharing sensitive chats without permission.


  • Disappearing messages: Users can enable messages to automatically disappear within five minutes. This feature may be useful for sharing temporary or sensitive information that shouldn’t stay in chat history.


  • Large group chats: XChat will support group conversations with up to 481 members, which could be suitable for communities, teams or large discussions.


  • Cross-device calling: In addition to text messaging, the app will allow users to make calls across devices, expanding its use beyond standard chat functionality.


Availability and rollout details


As per the App Store listing, users can currently pre-order XChat on iPhone and iPad, allowing it to automatically download once it becomes available on April 17. The app will be supported on devices running iOS 26 or later, and iPadOS 26 or later.

 


X has also stated in the listing that XChat will not include ads and will not track users, highlighting a focus on privacy as part of its messaging experience.

 

First Published: Apr 13 2026 | 10:37 AM IST



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Isro successfully conducts second integrated air drop test for Gaganyaan

Isro successfully conducts second integrated air drop test for Gaganyaan

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology



Space agency ISRO has successfully conducted the second integrated air drop test (IADT-02) for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission at the space station in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota.


The system is essential to ensure safe recovery of the crew module — the capsule in which astronauts sit during a human flight — during re-entry and landing.


Union Minister Jitendra Singh congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for successfully conducting the test.


“Congratulations #ISRO for the successful accomplishment of Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for #Gaganyaan, India’s first Human Space flight scheduled next year. The second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) was successfully conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Station Sriharikota,” Singh said in a post on X.

 


The IADT-02 follows the successful completion of the first IADT, which took place on August 24, 2025 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.


Air drop tests recreate the last leg of a spacecraft’s return to the Earth. An aircraft or helicopter drops the spacecraft from a height to test various systems under different scenarios.


These are the deployment of the parachute system in case the mission is aborted mid-flight, system performance when one parachute fails to open, and the spacecraft’s orientation and safety during splashdown, etc.


In the first IADT, a 4.8-tonne dummy crew module was dropped from a height of three km by a Chinook helicopter.


After the module’s release, a parachute system, comprising 10 parachutes, was deployed, helping the capsule decelerate to a safe splashdown speed.



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Apple Days sale on Vijay Sales: Check deals on iPhone, MacBook, AirPods

Apple Days sale on Vijay Sales: Check deals on iPhone, MacBook, AirPods

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology


Vijay Sales is set to start its Apple Days sale from April 11, offering discounts and exchange deals across Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and Beats devices. Customers can get bank discounts of up to Rs 7,000 on select cards, along with exchange benefits of up to Rs 10,000 on eligible products. During the sale, the iPhone 17 Air will be available at an effective price of Rs 90,990, the iPad Pro with M5 chip at Rs 91,890, and the MacBook Air with M5 chip starting at Rs 103,290. The sale will run until April 16, 2026.

 


On April 15, Vijay Sales will also announce special pricing for the wearables lineup, which will include the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen). 

 
 


Additionally, buyers can make use of the MyVS loyalty programme, which offers points on purchases made both in-store and online. These points can be redeemed at Rs 1 per point, adding to the overall savings.


Vijay Sales: Apple Days sale highlights


iPhones


iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 142,390


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 4,000


  • Effective price: Rs 138,390


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 17 Pro (256GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 128,190


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 4,000


  • Effective price: Rs 124,190


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000

 


iPhone Air (256 GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 94,900


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 4,000


  • Effective price: Rs 90,900


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 17 (256 GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 78,790 


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000 (in-store only)


  • Effective price: Rs 75,790 (in-store only)


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 17e (256GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 60,490


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000 (in-store only)


  • Effective price: Rs 57,490 (in-store only)


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 16 Plus (128GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 73,490


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2,000 (in-store only)


  • Effective price: Rs 71,490 (in-store only)


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 16 (128GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 66,490


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2,000 (in-store only)


  • Effective price: Rs 64,490 (in-store only)


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 16e (128GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 55,690


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2,000


  • Effective price: Rs 53,690


  • Trade-in-bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPhone 15 (128 GB)


  • Sale price: Rs 56,900


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2,000 (at stores only)


  • Effective price: Rs 54,900 (at stores only)


  • Trade-in-bonus: Up to Rs 10,000


iPad 


iPad Pro 13-inch with M5 chip


  • Sale price: Rs 123,390


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000


  • Effective price: Rs 120,390


iPad Pro 11-inch with M5 chip


  • Sale price: Rs 94,890


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000


  • Effective price: Rs 91,890


iPad Air 13 Inch with M4 chip


  • Sale price: Rs 80 590


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000


  • Effective price: Rs 77,590


iPad Air 11-inch with M4 chip


  • Sale price: Rs 61,590


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 3,000 


  • Effective price: Rs 58,590


iPad 11th Gen (A16)


  • Sale price: Rs 32,490


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2,000


  • Effective price: Rs 30,490


MacBook


MacBook Pro with M5 Chip


  • Sale price: Rs 180,390


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 5,000


  • Effective price: 175,390


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000 (at stores only)


MacBook Air with M5 Chip (15-inch)


  • Sale price: Rs 133,290


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 7000


  • Effective price: Rs 126,290


  • Trade-in-bonus: Up to Rs 10,000 (at stores only)


MacBook Air with M5 Chip (13-inch)


  • Sale price: Rs 110,290


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 7,000


  • Effective price: Rs 103,290


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000 (at stores only)


MacBook Neo 13-inch


  • Sale price: Rs 64,290


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 4,000


  • Effective price: 60,290


  • Trade-in bonus: Up to Rs 10,000 (at stores only)


Airpods


Airpods 4


  • Sale price: 11,990


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 1000


  • Effective price: Rs 10,990


AirPods 4 with ANC


  • Sale price: Rs 16,690


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 1,500


  • Effective price: Rs 15,190


AirPods Pro (3rd  Gen)


  • Sale price: Rs 23,990


  • Bank discount: Up to Rs 2000


  • Effective price: Rs 21,990

 



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Meta says content norms for teenagers further tightened on Instagram

Meta says content norms for teenagers further tightened on Instagram

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology



Meta-owned image and video-sharing platform Instagram has announced that its updated age-appropriate content rating and limited content setting will now be available in India for kids aged 13 and above. The feature was initially rolled out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

 


The updated content settings will mean that teenagers in India will be able to view only content similar to what they would likely see in an age-appropriate movie. All kids under 18 will be placed in this category going forward, and they will not be able to change the settings without a parent’s permission, Meta said in a blog post announcing the changes.

 
 


“Just like you might see some suggestive content or hear some strong language in a movie rated for ages 13+, teens may occasionally see something like that on Instagram, but we’re going to keep doing all we can to keep those instances as rare as possible. We recognise no system is perfect, and we’re committed to improving over time,” Meta said.

 


Further, teenagers will not be able to follow accounts that regularly share content inappropriate for kids under 18. Even if the name or bio of such accounts suggests that the content within them is inappropriate for teenagers, Meta will restrict kids from viewing them.

 


Teenage users who already follow such accounts will no longer be able to see the content shared by such inappropriate accounts, send them direct messages or see the comments made by such accounts on anyone’s posts.

 


“We won’t recommend these accounts to teens, and we’ll make it harder for teens to find these accounts in search. These protections work both ways: these accounts won’t be able to follow teens, send them DMs, or comment on their posts,” Meta said.

 


These changes come even as governments across the world are debating tightening teenagers’ access to social media intermediaries.

 


In India, while the central government is talking to stakeholders to figure out ways to restrict or regulate access to social media for kids below the age of 16, some states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have taken a few concrete steps by proposing laws to regulate social media access.

 



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Tech Wrap April 10: Instagram comment, Voice Notes on X, One UI 8.5 beta

Tech Wrap April 10: Instagram comment, Voice Notes on X, One UI 8.5 beta

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology


 


Instagram has rolled out a feature that allows users to edit their comments after posting, fixing a long-standing issue related to typos and rewording. The company said this update eliminates the need to delete and repost comments for small corrections, although it comes with a limited time window and certain restrictions. Instagram shared the update via its official account on X, noting that comments can be edited within 15 minutes of posting.

 


X has brought back Voice Notes in X Chat, restoring a feature that had been removed earlier. The update enables users to send audio messages in private chats instead of public posts, aligning the experience more closely with other messaging apps. This comes as X continues experimenting with standalone versions of its features, reflecting a broader shift in how the platform is developing its communication tools.

 
 

Samsung has extended the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta to a wider range of older Galaxy devices. The update is now available for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, and Galaxy A36 5G. It has been released in India, Korea, the UK, and the US. With this beta version, these devices gain features like AirDrop-style sharing through Quick Share and an updated Bixby assistant. 

 


OPPO has revealed the camera specifications of the upcoming Find X9 Ultra, which is scheduled to launch globally on April 21. As per an X post from OPPO, the device will feature a 200MP Hasselblad main camera that “rivals a 1-inch sensor,” a 200MP Hasselblad 3x “Super Portrait” telephoto, a 50MP Hasselblad 10x optical telephoto, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. For selfies, the smartphone will include a 50MP front camera.

 

 

Meta Platforms has announced the expansion of Instagram’s updated Teen Accounts experience in India, introducing a revised 13+ content setting designed to show age-appropriate content by default. The company said users under 18 will automatically be placed in this setting and cannot opt out without parental approval. 

 


Google has started rolling out new capabilities to its AI Mode in Search in India that focus on helping users book restaurant reservations more easily. The feature allows users to search, compare and reserve tables through a single query instead of switching between multiple apps or websites. For this, Google has partnered with the likes of Swiggy, Zomato and EazyDiner.

 

 


Vivo is set to launch the Vivo T5 Pro 5G in India on April 15. Ahead of the launch, the company has confirmed key details, including a 9,020 mAh battery. It has also revealed that the smartphone will run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and will be available via Flipkart. The device will come in two colour options: Cosmic Black and Glacier Blue.

 

 


Adobe has expanded support for its experimental camera app, Project Indigo, bringing it to select iPads and the newly launched iPhone 17e. According to its App Store listing, the update increases device compatibility and introduces new features aimed at improving how users capture and organise photos. The company said the app focuses on producing more natural-looking images using computational photography and AI, and continues to improve based on user feedback.

 

 


Samsung could hold its next foldable launch event on July 22, where it is expected to introduce a “Wide” foldable smartphone. According to a report by 9To5Google, citing Korea Economic Times, the Galaxy Unpacked event may also see the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The wider foldable device is likely being developed in response to Apple’s expected foldable phone, which is said to feature a broader display than current foldables.

 

 


YouTube has denied reports claiming it is testing 90-second unskippable ads for TV users. Earlier reports suggested such ads were being rolled out, but the company clarified in a reply on X user Dexerto’s post that it does not offer a 90-second non-skippable ad format and is not currently testing it. YouTube added that it is looking into the issue.

 

 


Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 series may feature a display upgrade, with reports suggesting it could use Samsung’s new M16 OLED panels. According to Android Authority, citing ETNews, the same panels are also expected to be used in Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models, pointing to a broader shift in display technology across flagship devices.

 

 


The OnePlus Nord 6 delivers a well-rounded experience without overpromising. It offers dependable camera performance in good lighting, a smooth and comfortable display, and consistent performance in daily use. The design is simple and practical, while the battery life is reliable enough for most users. Overall, it’s a device that performs steadily without drawing too much attention.

 



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Google AI Mode: Google Search's AI Mode now helps you book restaurant reservations in India

Google AI Mode: Google Search's AI Mode now helps you book restaurant reservations in India

by | Apr 10, 2026 | Technology


Google has started rolling out new capabilities to its AI Mode in Search in India that focus on helping users book restaurant reservations more easily. The feature allows users to search, compare and reserve tables through a single query instead of switching between multiple apps or websites. For this, Google has partnered with the likes of Swiggy, Zomato and EazyDiner.

 


AI Mode in Search works as a conversational search tool, showing detailed, AI-generated responses directly on the results page while also surfacing real-time availability from different platforms.


AI Mode now helps with restaurant bookings


With the update, users can now ask more detailed and specific queries when looking to book a table. For example, instead of simply searching for “restaurants near me,” users can include multiple preferences such as number of people, date, time, location and type of cuisine.

 
 


AI Mode then processes this request and scans across different platforms to find available options in real time. It presents a list of restaurants that match the criteria, along with available reservation slots. Users are then directed to the booking page to complete the reservation. Google said that it removes the need to manually check multiple apps or websites, making the process quicker and more streamlined.


How it works behind the scenes


According to Google, the feature relies on a combination of systems working together. Google said that the feature uses its AI models along with live web browsing capabilities of Project Mariner, direct brand integrations on Search to gather up-to-date information. It also pulls data from its Knowledge Graph and integrates with services like Google Maps. In India, Google said that the system connects with platforms such as EazyDiner, Swiggy and Zomato to access restaurant listings and availability.


Expansion of AI features in India


This update is part of a broader expansion of AI-driven features in Search. Recently, Google has also introduced support for more Indian languages in its Search Live feature, including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Additionally, the company has updated shopping features within AI Mode, making it more conversational and easier to use while browsing products.

 



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