Musk Launches XChat to Rival WhatsApp

Elon Musk has officially launched XChat, a new encrypted messaging and calling platform integrated within his social media site X (formerly Twitter). This launch represents Musk’s continued effort to transform X into an all-in-one digital ecosystem. In a recent post, Musk described XChat as "all new," with privacy-centric features such as end-to-end encrypted chats, vanishing messages, and cross-platform audio and video calls. Notably, users do not need to register with a phone number, making it a more anonymous option for secure communication.

Currently in beta mode, XChat is available to a limited number of paid subscribers. Musk has emphasized the platform’s encryption protocols, which are inspired by Bitcoin-style cryptography, although the specific technical details remain undisclosed. XChat is expected to compete directly with established messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, offering a unique approach by removing the phone number requirement entirely.

The launch comes at a time when secure digital communication tools are in high demand. XChat’s enhanced security features and integration with X’s broader social media ecosystem could make it a powerful competitor. With Musk’s vision of an “everything app,” XChat is positioned to be a part of a multifunctional platform, with future features potentially including digital payments and dating services. The success of XChat in the crowded messaging market remains to be seen, but it marks another bold step by Musk to reshape digital communication.