XChat Arrives on App Store with End-to-End Encryption and Zero Ads to Challenge WhatsApp and Telegram

XChat is now available on the iOS App Store, marking the official launch of X Corp.’s end-to-end encrypted messaging app designed to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram. The app became available for download on April 17, 2026, for iPhone and iPad users running iOS 26 or later.

Built as a standalone platform, XChat allows users to message anyone on X without needing to exchange phone numbers or send invites, leveraging the existing network of connections users have built on the platform. The app emphasizes privacy as its core feature, with every message protected by end-to-end encryption using a unique key pair that never leaves the user’s device.

Beyond encryption, XChat promises zero user tracking and no advertisements, positioning itself as a privacy-focused alternative in the messaging space. Additional in-app privacy tools include the ability to edit or delete messages for all participants, block screenshots, send disappearing messages, and hide photos from recipients after they have been sent.

The app supports large-scale sharing of photos, videos, and files, as well as massive group chats, aiming to serve both personal and professional communication needs. Users sign in with their existing X account, and the app automatically populates their contact list based on their X network.

Despite its privacy-centric design, early user feedback has highlighted some accessibility concerns. Several reviewers noted that the app requires iOS 26 or later, making it incompatible with older devices still running iOS 16 or earlier versions. Others reported difficulties logging in when their X account was not linked to a Google account, stating that the app forced Google sign-in even when no such account was associated with their profile.

XChat’s launch follows nearly a year of development after being rebranded under its current name. The rollout represents the full realization of Elon Musk’s vision to overhaul X’s direct messaging platform into a dedicated, secure communications tool. Prior to the launch, X had offered pre-orders for the app, promoting its end-to-end encryption as the flagship feature.

As part of the strategic shift to prioritize XChat, X has discontinued its Communities feature, which had seen minimal engagement—only 0.4% of users ever interacted with it, according to X’s Head of Product Nikita Bier. Those who did use Communities were largely described as user-acquisition channels for Kick or compensated clipper communities, prompting the company to reallocate resources toward the new messaging app.

XChat is available for free download on the App Store, with a size of 179.2 MB and an age rating of 16+. The app is offered in English and 45 additional languages. While it has received a 3.8-star rating from 436 reviewers, ongoing user feedback suggests that improvements are needed in compatibility and login flexibility to broaden accessibility.