Ilon Musk and the Platform X logo / © Getty Images
Security and privacy
The main feature of XChat will be its “zero-trust” architecture. The service will offer users end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default not only for text messages, but also for audio and video calls, binance.com reported.
Key security features:
* Screenshot ban: The system will automatically block attempts to take a screenshot in secure chats.
* Disappearing media files: The ability to send photos and videos with automatic deletion immediately after viewing.
* Hidden conversations: You can access certain conversations only through biometric authentication (FaceID/TouchID).
The launch of the messenger is part of a strategy to keep the audience within the platform. XChat will be seamlessly integrated with the main X app, allowing users to move from public discussions to private chats with a single tap. In a forthcoming update, the messenger is expected to incorporate X Money functionality, which will allow users to transfer funds between users right in the chat window using “smart cachetags.”
Competition and availability
Owners of iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) will be the first to access the application. The Android version and desktop client are expected within a month.
Industry experts note that Musk is entering a direct confrontation with Meta (WhatsApp) and Pavel Durov (Telegram). However, XChat’s trump card may be the already existing multi-million audience of social network X and integration with the AI assistant Grok, which will help users search for information in dialogs and plan tasks.
Analysts believe the success of XChat is critical to X’s increased capitalization ahead of a possible IPO. Creating a closed cycle “content – communication – payments” will allow the company to radically increase revenue from subscription services (X Premium).
