Elon Musk has introduced a new messaging feature called XChat within the X app (formerly Twitter). This upgrade to the platform’s direct messaging system offers a smoother and more private way to chat, similar to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram DMs. The goal is to make communication faster, more secure, and more engaging for users. In a recent post, Elon Musk shared that XChat includes a ‘whole new architecture’ with advanced tools to improve user experience. The update includes modern features such as Bitcoin-style encryption, vanishing messages, and cross-platform voice and video calls. These features reflect Musk’s broader vision of transforming X from just a social media app into an essential tool for daily communication.
All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video calling.
This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, whole new architecture.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025
Key Features of Elon Musk XChat?
XChat upgrades the existing direct messaging feature by adding several important tools. Users can now enjoy encrypted messaging, which keeps conversations private. The app also supports vanishing messages, file sharing, and voice and video calls across different devices. The “Bitcoin-style encryption” mentioned by Musk aims to protect user privacy, although it has raised some questions because Bitcoin does not use traditional messaging encryption. Currently, XChat is available to a limited group of users for beta testing. Musk announced that the feature will soon be available to more users, starting with paid subscribers. It is still unclear whether free-tier users will get access to all or some of the features, or if advanced functions will require a subscription.
Can XChat Compete with WhatsApp?
It offers many of the same features as WhatsApp and other popular messaging apps. Whether it can take over WhatsApp depends on its adoption rate and availability. If Musk makes XChat widely accessible, especially with free or affordable options, it could become a strong competitor in the instant messaging space. Only time will tell if XChat will change how millions communicate daily.
