X launches beta version of messaging app XChat

X has introduced its new messenger, XChat. For now, it’s available to a limited number of users as part of a beta test, reverse engineer Nima Owji told TechCrunch. Elon Musk confirmed the news.

Currently, the platform offers a direct messaging feature that existed even before Musk acquired Twitter, but XChat is intended to be a more secure and robust version of DMs.

The new messenger will support group chats, end-to-end encryption, file sharing, and even a vanish mode that automatically deletes messages shortly after they’re read — similar to Telegram’s secret chats.

Musk added that users will be able to make calls across platforms without needing a phone number. According to him, the feature is built in Rust with Bitcoin-style encryption.

Previously, X paused development of encrypted messaging within its existing DM feature — likely in anticipation of XChat’s launch.