X is embarking on a new chapter in its quest to realize Elon Musk’s vision of an “everything app.” This latest initiative involves the development of a standalone messaging application, designed to allow users to engage in direct messages (DMs) without the distractions of the main X platform. Recent insights from app researcher Nima Owji reveal that a desktop version of this new chat interface is already available, providing users with the ability to manage their DMs more efficiently.
In addition to the desktop interface, reports suggest that X is also in the process of creating a mobile app specifically for X Chat. This move positions X to compete directly with established messaging giants like WhatsApp and Messenger, as it seeks to carve out a niche as a dedicated messaging platform.
Elon Musk’s overarching vision for this project draws inspiration from China’s WeChat, which he frequently cites as a model for the “everything app” concept. WeChat has become integral to the digital lives of its billion-plus users, facilitating a range of transactions alongside messaging. Its ubiquity in China underscores the potential for a similar model in Western markets, where social media platforms have been striving to become more versatile tools for discovery and commerce.
However, the adoption of the “super app” model has not gained the same traction in the West. While Chinese users have embraced the convenience of an all-in-one platform, Western consumers tend to prefer a more segmented approach, utilizing dedicated apps for specific functions—shopping on Amazon, connecting with friends on Facebook, and enjoying videos on TikTok.
Several factors contribute to this divergence. The Chinese government’s regulatory framework provides a level of assurance that Western users may not experience with corporate-owned platforms. Additionally, cultural habits and the political landscape may influence how users interact with digital services, with WeChat’s popularity potentially bolstered by broader governmental strategies for monitoring digital identities.
Despite the challenges, Musk remains optimistic that X can bridge this gap and introduce a transactional layer to its user interactions. A key component of this strategy involves integrating payment functionalities, with X working towards implementing in-stream transfers to facilitate various financial activities within the app.
The role of DMs is pivotal in this vision, as enhanced encryption could foster a greater sense of trust among users while expanding functional connectivity. This is why the development of a separate X Chat app is crucial, building on X’s recent efforts to revamp its messaging infrastructure and incorporate its own encryption methods.
Looking ahead, the next significant step will be securing the necessary licenses for payment processing, which remains a work in progress. The goal is to encourage more transactional behavior within X DMs, but questions linger about whether this approach will resonate with users.
Critics express skepticism about the feasibility of Musk’s ambitions, particularly given the decline in public trust surrounding his leadership at X. Even if the platform can assure users of its encryption safety and navigate the regulatory landscape for secure money transfers, there is little indication that users will embrace these functionalities to the extent needed for X to evolve into a ubiquitous super app.
Currently, X has yet to secure full approval for money transfers in the U.S., and the prospect of gaining similar permissions in the EU appears dim, especially considering Musk’s past criticisms of European regulations. While there may be a future where Musk successfully engages with global regulatory bodies, the question remains: how many users would feel comfortable entrusting their financial transactions to X?
As it stands, the necessity of a separate messaging app for X is questionable. The vision of transforming X into a financial hub may not materialize, leading to the possibility that X could merely serve as a feeder platform for xAI and an advertising vehicle in the future.
