SAN FRANCISCO — Elon Musk's social media platform X is preparing to launch a standalone messaging app called XChat on April 17, 2026, according to its App Store listing, marking the latest step in Musk's long-promised vision of transforming X into an "everything app" with secure, encrypted communication at its core.

The iOS app, which users can currently pre-order for automatic download on iPhone and iPad, promises end-to-end encryption, no ads, no user tracking, and advanced privacy features designed to compete with WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. It represents an evolution from X's existing direct messaging system — rebranded and upgraded as XChat in 2025 — into a dedicated application that allows users to message and call anyone on X without needing to open the main social feed.

Musk first teased a major overhaul of X's messaging in June 2025, announcing that a new encrypted system built on the Rust programming language with "Bitcoin-style" encryption would roll out that week. The update included vanishing messages, the ability to send any kind of file, audio and video calling, and a completely new architecture. He described it as a response to user demands for more secure private communication within the platform.

Your encrypted chats deserve their own app.Pre-order now: https://t.co/TM8Lk7AMGV pic.twitter.com/ZJ3yROXK1t— XChat (@chat) April 10, 2026

Your encrypted chats deserve their own app.Pre-order now: https://t.co/TM8Lk7AMGV pic.twitter.com/ZJ3yROXK1t

Initial rollout in late 2025 focused on integrating the enhanced XChat experience directly inside the main X app, merging legacy direct messages with new encrypted threads into a unified inbox. Advanced features such as message editing and deletion........

© International Business Times