X (formerly Twitter) is preparing to launch a new standalone messaging app called XChat for iPhone and iPad as part of its broader strategy to evolve into a “super app” offering multiple integrated services. The app is currently available for pre-registration and is scheduled for release on April 17.

XChat is designed to function independently from the existing direct messaging (DM) system within the main X platform. Unlike the integrated DMs, it will provide a dedicated environment focused entirely on private communication, with a simpler and more streamlined interface.

A key feature of XChat is its strong emphasis on privacy. The app will include end-to-end encryption (E2EE), ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access message content. In addition, XChat will operate without advertisements or user tracking, reinforcing its privacy-first positioning. This approach places it in direct competition with established messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage.

The app is expected to launch with several advanced features commonly found in modern messaging services. These include disappearing messages, which automatically delete after a set period; screenshot blocking, aimed at preventing users from capturing conversations; video calling capabilities; group chats; and file sharing. Together, these features aim to deliver a comprehensive and secure communication experience.

Development of XChat has been underway since at least 2025, with testing conducted through Apple’s TestFlight platform. Its separation from the main X app allows for a more focused user experience, free from the broader social media functionalities that characterize the core platform.

The introduction of XChat aligns with X’s long-term vision of building a unified ecosystem that integrates social networking, communication, and potentially other services within a single brand. By offering a standalone messaging app, the company seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive messaging market.

While the app is already listed on the App Store for pre-order, there is currently no confirmed information regarding an Android version.

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