• Launch expected within days following limited beta phase
• Strong competition with a clear focus on security and modern technology

Reports indicate that X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is preparing to officially launch its new instant messaging application “XChat” as a standalone release on the App Store on April 17, 2026, following a period of limited testing restricted to a selected group of users.

The move forms part of Musk’s broader strategy to transform the X platform into an “everything app,” with XChat expected to compete directly with major messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal by offering a suite of features centered on privacy and encryption.

According to the company, the messaging system has been completely rebuilt using the Rust programming language and built on a technical architecture Musk described as inspired by Bitcoin protocols, in an effort to ensure higher levels of security.

The app also provides end-to-end encryption, preventing any third party, including the company itself, from accessing message content.

It includes a range of features designed to enhance user experience, most notably voice and video calls without requiring a phone number, as well as the ability to edit or delete sent messages for both parties, giving users greater control over their conversations.

It also integrates the Grok AI model to deliver in-chat assistance, alongside disappearing messages that automatically delete after a set period.

Despite its ambitious technical promises, XChat faces challenges in building user trust, particularly following criticism from security experts regarding the storage of encryption keys on company servers.

The tech sector is closely watching whether the new app can attract a broad user base away from established platforms that have dominated the messaging market for years.

The application is expected to be available on both the App Store and Google Play, in addition to a desktop version, reflecting the company’s ambition to dominate the integrated digital communications space.