Elon Musk Introduces XChat — A Secure Messaging Rival to WhatsApp and Telegram
Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially unveiled XChat, a new secure messaging feature integrated into X (formerly Twitter). Designed to compete directly with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, XChat represents a major milestone in Musk’s plan to turn X into a full-fledged “everything app.”
XChat Features: A Focus on Privacy and Flexibility
Launched over the weekend, XChat brings a host of privacy-first messaging tools, including:
- End-to-end encryption
- File sharing for all file types
- Vanishing messages (similar to vanish mode on Instagram or Telegram)
- Audio and video calls—without needing a phone number
- Four-digit passcode lock for added message protection
According to Musk, XChat is built on Rust, the same secure programming language favoured by system developers. It also includes Bitcoin-style encryption, suggesting a high standard of digital privacy and security.
“This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin-style) encryption, a whole new architecture,” Musk posted. “You can do audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms.”
Beta Testing Begins for X Subscribers
While XChat is still in beta, it is currently being tested by paid X Premium subscribers. Leaked screenshots from app researcher Nima Owji confirm support for:
- Group chats
- Vanish mode
- Secure passcode lock
These upgrades mark a significant evolution from X’s previous direct messaging system, which was often criticised for lacking robust privacy features.
The Bigger Vision: X as a Western ‘Super App’
XChat is just one piece of Musk’s much larger plan to build a Western equivalent to China’s WeChat—a platform that combines:
- Messaging
- Payments
- Commerce
- Entertainment
- Even dating features
Musk has said he envisions X functioning like a digital bank and dating platform by 2024. The addition of XChat aligns with this ambitious roadmap to make X a one-stop digital destination.
He’s not alone in this race—OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is developing his own super app called World, which recently introduced the Orbs biometric ID system and an integrated app store.
X’s Growing Ecosystem: From Messaging to Payments
With over 600 million monthly active users as of October 2024, X is already a dominant platform. However, retaining and expanding user engagement is now crucial.
Recent Milestones:
- Peer-to-peer payment system in development
- Payment processing licenses in 14 U.S. states, including Arkansas and Pennsylvania
- Musk’s goal: allow users to send and withdraw funds to authenticated bank accounts
These updates highlight the platform’s shift toward enabling users to “live their life in one place.”
XChat Signals the Next Evolution of Musk’s X
The launch of XChat represents a pivotal step in Elon Musk’s ongoing mission to transform X into an all-in-one digital hub. With privacy-focused features, robust encryption, and the elimination of traditional phone number requirements, XChat is positioned to disrupt the global messaging app space.
As Musk continues to build out the platform with payments, commerce, and more, X is fast becoming more than a social network—it’s becoming a digital operating system for everyday life.
