Elon Musk’s ownership of X has led to the development of several new features, including XChat and X Money, with the goal of transforming the platform into an “everything app” akin to China’s WeChat. Earlier in the year, users discovered potential integrations for these features in the sidebar of the web version of X. Recent leaks have provided screenshots showing progress on XChat for Android, which will necessitate a four-digit PIN code for added security. When Musk acquired Twitter and rebranded it as X, his vision extended beyond a standard social networking site.
His aim is for X to serve as a multifaceted platform that enables users to communicate, make payments, shop, and more. Alongside the X Money payment feature, which aims to facilitate transactions within the app, work on XChat—an encrypted messaging service—has also been underway. The leaks indicate that XChat is being tailored for Android users. Screenshots shared by a user reveal that XChat will be accessible via the sidebar in X.
While some users had previously noticed its presence as a tab, it was non-functional at that time. The new screenshots suggest that the application will regularly prompt users to input their security PIN, mirroring the approach used by encrypted messaging services like Signal. However, further information on additional features remains unconfirmed. Musk’s intention appears to be enhancing X’s Direct Message functionality with XChat to rival platforms like WhatsApp.
Details regarding XChat’s specific capabilities are not yet known, nor is it clear whether it will operate as a standalone app or simply as an integrated feature within X. Additionally, X is exploring another service known as X Mail, aimed at providing a unique DM-style email experience, although its features and release date are still uncertain. As developments continue, the timeline for launching these features remains unspecified.