X Launches XChat Standalone App for iOS on April 17, 2026

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, is set to launch XChat, a standalone messaging application for iPhone and iPad users, on April 17, 2026. The app, now available for preorder on the App Store, promises end-to-end encryption and advanced privacy tools, allowing users to communicate securely without opening the main X feed.

XChat represents a departure from the platform's existing direct messaging system, which has been upgraded incrementally since mid-2025. Initially, enhancements like encrypted threads and a new architecture built on the Rust programming language were integrated into the core X app. These updates included features such as message editing, deletion for all participants, and cross-device syncing. By early 2026, X began beta testing a dedicated iOS version through Apple's TestFlight program, which quickly reached capacity and expanded to thousands of testers. Feedback from the beta praised the app's speed, clean interface, and support for large group chats with up to 481 members.

The app's core features emphasize user control and security. Messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring only senders and recipients can access them. Users can...