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

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.

XChat: Features

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  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.

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  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.

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

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  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.

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

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  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.