Elon Musk’s X launches “XChat,” a new end-to-end encrypted messaging feature with vanishing messages and calls, aiming to compete with WhatsApp and advance X’s “super app” vision

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]illionaire Elon Musk has revealed his ambitious plan to introduce “XChat,” a new messaging feature integrated into the X platform, designed to directly compete with established global platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Also read: Telegram secures $300M xAI investment to integrate Grok chatbot

Unveiled over the past weekend, XChat introduces a suite of advanced features, including end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, comprehensive file sharing, and integrated audio/video calling.

Musk described the new tool as “all-new” in a post on X on Sunday, emphasizing its focus on secure and private communication.

“All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any kind of file. This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, a whole new architecture. You can do audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms,” Elon Musk posted.

Early reports indicate that XChat is currently in beta testing, exclusively available to paid X subscribers.

Leaked screenshots by app researcher Nima Owji reveal support for group chats, a “vanish mode” for disappearing messages, and an option for a four-digit passcode to lock messages, marking a significant upgrade to X’s previous direct messaging capabilities.

XChat is a pivotal component of Musk’s long-term goal to transform X into a comprehensive “Western super app,” akin to China’s ubiquitous WeChat.

This expansive vision for X encompasses diverse functionalities, ranging from messaging and payments to entertainment, commerce, and even dating services.

All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any kind of file. This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, a whole new architecture. You can do audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms.

Musk had previously conveyed to employees his ambition for X to function as a digital bank and dating app by 2024, signaling a profound transformation in how users interact with the platform.

The race to develop a “super app” in the West is intensifying. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is also reportedly working on a similar “super app” through his side project, World, which recently launched an app store and a biometric ID system called Orbs.

With approximately 600 million monthly active users as of October 2024, X holds a considerable lead in user base, but retaining and engaging this audience is paramount.

The strategic rollout of XChat could help the platform evolve beyond its current role as primarily a “public town square” and integrate more deeply into users’ everyday digital routines.

Last year, X had already announced plans to introduce a peer-to-peer payment system on the platform, aiming to unlock greater user utility and new opportunities for commerce.

The company stated this would further demonstrate the platform’s potential for users to “live their life in one place.”

Also read: WhatsApp introduces instant video messages

As of January 2025, X had secured payment processing licenses in 14 U.S. states, including recent additions like Arkansas and Pennsylvania, a significant step towards enabling users to send money and extract funds to authenticated bank accounts, as envisioned by Musk.