Particle.news
Download on the App Store

XLaunches XChat, a Standalone Encrypted Messenger for iPhone and iPad

X is pitching privacy to shift users into a standalone messenger tied to their X accounts.

Overview

  • X released XChat for iPhone and iPad on Friday, April 24, positioning it as an encrypted, ad-free alternative to WhatsApp and other messengers.
  • The app uses X account sign-in instead of phone numbers, so you can message only people who already use X.
  • Key features include end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, and the option to edit or delete messages for all.
  • Security researchers questioned X’s claims about key storage and noted that the App Store privacy label lists contacts, identifiers, and usage data as linked to users.
  • X will migrate Communities into XChat, with Android timing and compliance in markets like India still unclear under proposals to tie chat accounts to SIMs.