XChat Launches on the App Store
XChat has officially made its debut on the App Store, with a listing indicating that the app will be available for download starting April 17. This new offering is not to be confused with the IRC app that many may recall from the early 2000s. Instead, XChat is tailored specifically for users of the X platform.
Elon Musk, the chief of X, first hinted at the introduction of an enhanced direct messaging feature for the social network in mid-2025. At that time, he described a vision for a new, encrypted messaging experience built on a “whole new architecture.” Although Musk previously announced that all X users would gain access to XChat in June of last year, his track record for optimistic timelines is well-known.
In a shift from the anticipated upgraded DM feature, X users will now enjoy a dedicated app that facilitates communication with anyone on the platform. XChat boasts end-to-end encryption, ensuring that conversations remain private. Users will have the ability to edit and delete messages for all participants, enhancing control over their communications. Additionally, the app offers features to block screenshots and enables disappearing messages, allowing sensitive information to vanish within five minutes.
For those who enjoy group conversations, XChat accommodates large gatherings with the capability to create group chats of up to 481 members. In a notable commitment to user experience, X has promised in its App Store listing that XChat will remain ad-free and will not engage in user tracking.
Users can now pre-order XChat for their iPhones and iPads, ensuring that the app will automatically download to their devices upon its release.
Your encrypted chats deserve their own app. Pre-order now: https://t.co/TM8Lk7AMGV pic.twitter.com/ZJ3yROXK1t— XChat (@chat) April 10, 2026
