San Francisco, CA – X, formerly Twitter, has officially launched its comprehensive new messaging system, XChat, to users. The rollout signifies a significant step in Elon Musk’s ambition to transform the platform into an "everything app." The launch was confirmed by Shai Goldman, who stated in a tweet on July 22, 2025, that "Chat on X is live."
XChat introduces a suite of advanced features designed to enhance private communication on the platform. These include end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, comprehensive file sharing capabilities, and integrated audio and video calling, all accessible without requiring a phone number. The system is built on a "whole new architecture" using the Rust programming language, according to Musk.
A notable aspect of the new system is Musk's claim of "Bitcoin-style encryption." This terminology has sparked debate among cryptography experts, as Bitcoin itself uses public key cryptography for digital signatures rather than traditional encryption for messages. While some interpret it as a reference to peer-to-peer or end-to-end encryption, reports suggest that X's own help pages indicate limitations regarding protection against man-in-the-middle attacks and potential legal access to messages.
The introduction of XChat positions X to directly compete with established encrypted messaging services like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. This move follows X's decision to pause its previous encrypted direct message feature, indicating a complete overhaul of its messaging infrastructure. The new system, which began rolling out to beta testers and paid subscribers in early June 2025, is a core component of Musk's broader vision for X as a multi-functional digital hub, potentially integrating payment services like XMoney in the future.