Elon Musk to Launch 'XChat': No Phone Number or Ads

Elon Musk's highly anticipated messaging app, 'XChat', is officially confirmed for launch. The app is set to become fully operational for iPhone and iPad users starting this coming Thursday (April 17, 2026).

Musk has presented this app as a vital link in his long-term plan to develop a "super-app." XChat is a standalone app, separate from the main 'X' (formerly Twitter) platform. Notably, the app does not require a phone number to use, which is a major attraction for privacy-conscious users.

Your encrypted chats deserve their own app.

Pre-order now: https://t.co/TM8Lk7AMGV pic.twitter.com/ZJ3yROXK1t
— XChat (@chat) April 10, 2026

Features and Capabilities

Musk claims the app is "end-to-end encrypted," describing its security as "Bitcoin-style encryption." According to the latest updates:

• Voice Notes: The feature has been restored; users can send audio messages by pressing the voice icon or swiping up to record hands-free.

• Message Control: Features include message editing, "delete for everyone," and disappearing messages with a 5-minute timer.

• Group Chats: Can accommodate up to 481 members.

• Multimedia: Supports audio/video calls, file sharing, and screenshot blocking.

• Grok AI: X’s proprietary AI is integrated directly into the chat for various tasks.

The app is built using the Rust programming language, has a file size of 175.8 MB, and requires iOS 16 or later. It carries an age rating of 17+. There is currently no official confirmation regarding an Android release date.

Controversies and Technical Scrutiny

Despite the hype, several claims are being questioned by experts:

• Encryption Concerns: Security researchers have raised objections to the term "Bitcoin-style encryption." They argue that while Bitcoin uses public-key cryptography to verify transactions, it is technically different from established E2E standards (like Signal) used for private messaging, calling Musk's terminology "misleading."

• Privacy Paradox: While Musk claims "zero tracking," the Apple App Store Privacy Card reveals a different story. According to the App Store, XChat collects user location, contact info, search history, and other identifiers linked to the user's identity.

• Audit Status: No independent third party has yet conducted a security audit of the app, meaning privacy commitments remain company claims for now.

The "Everything App" Vision

Speaking on Joe Rogan's podcast, Musk stated that XChat’s goal is not necessarily to be the most secure system, but rather the "least insecure messaging system." Since X already boasts over 500 million monthly active users, XChat won't have to start from zero to build a user base.

This app is a piece of Musk’s dream to create an "Everything App." He previously mentioned that a payment service called 'X Money' is also being tested as a separate app. It remains to be seen how much of a challenge XChat will pose to established giants like Signal and WhatsApp.