X Launches Stand‑Alone XChat Messaging App on iOS

San Francisco: X has launched XChat, a new stand‑alone messaging app for iPhone users. The app is now available on iOS and allows users to message their contacts on X outside the main social media platform.

XChat is designed as a private space for conversations. With the new app, users can send messages, share files, send voice notes and make audio or video calls. Group chats are also supported. The company had been testing XChat with a small group of beta users earlier this year. Following that testing phase, the app has now been released publicly to iPhone users.  

X says the app includes several privacy‑focused features. These include the ability to edit or delete messages for everyone, send disappearing messages, and block screenshots in chats.  

According to X, the app does not contain ads or tracking systems. The company also claims that messages sent using XChat are end‑to‑end encrypted and protected with a PIN. However, security experts had previously raised doubts about the platform’s encryption methods and are expected to review the new app closely.  

XChat represents a shift in strategy for the company. Owner Elon Musk had earlier described X as an “everything app” that would combine messaging, payments, shopping, and other services in a single platform. The launch of a separate messaging app moves away from that idea.  

Instead, X and its parent company xAI are now building a collection of separate apps. In addition to XChat, the company is also testing a stand‑alone payments app, though it is not yet available to the public.  

The timing of the launch may help XChat gain users quickly. X recently announced plans to shut down its Communities feature because of low use and spam problems. Group chats linked to those communities are now being moved to XChat.  

XChat will serve as the new home for these group interactions, which could encourage more people to install the app. The company says group chat support will continue to expand.  

At launch, XChat is available only on iPhones running iOS 26 or later. X has not yet shared a timeline for when the app will be released on Android devices.  

X says XChat is “just the beginning” of its work on messaging tools. More updates and features are expected in the future as the company continues to refine its communication services.