Author | Wenser (@wenser 2010)

After nearly a year of anticipation, XChat—promoted as the "Western WeChat"—finally launched, despite being postponed from its original April 17 release date to April 23 and then April 24. However, contrary to widespread expectations, the initial version of XChat, while touting "encrypted communication," offers a messaging experience remarkably similar to Twitter (X) Direct Messages.

In our immediate assessment of this social application, heavily backed by Musk, we’ve uncovered several intriguing aspects. Let’s collectively evaluate whether XChat can emerge as the next breakout Western social media platform following Facebook and Instagram (Threads).

Interesting Point No.1: End-to-End Encryption Bordering on BTC?

In June last year, Musk first teased XChat, announcing that the X platform would introduce a new chat tool with end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, arbitrary file sharing, and audio/video calling capabilities.

Additionally, Musk emphasized that XChat was developed using Rust and incorporated an encryption architecture akin to Bitcoin, with a fully restructured system enabling voice/video calls across all platforms without requiring phone numbers. (Doesn’t that feel just like WeChat’s voice/video features?)

However, subsequent feedback from crypto professionals and cryptographers pointed out that Bitcoin’s blockchain core functionality is not traditional encryption in the conventional sense—Musk’s claims were essentially “purely leveraging” Bitcoin’s reputation.

In summary, the cryptographic technology behind XChat’s communications bears no meaningful resemblance to Bitcoin’s cryptography—it’s essentially unrelated.

Interesting Point No.2: No Ads, Aiming for “One of the Most Secure Messaging Systems”

On November 2, 2023, Musk appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, *The Joe Rogan Experience* (Odaily Planet Daily Note: This podcast generates up to $250 million annually and ranks among the most-listened-to radio shows in the U.S.), where he discussed for three hours.

During the conversation, Musk stated that he views the U.S. as a society once corrupted by “ideological viruses”—a key motivation behind his acquisition of Twitter. His mission is to amplify truth and build a secure social communication platform (i.e., XChat).

His exact words: “I don’t believe any communication system can claim ‘absolute security’—only that some are less insecure than others. XChat uses a ‘peer-to-peer encryption system,’ somewhat resembling Bitcoin’s technology, offering strong resistance against attacks. We’re currently conducting comprehensive testing. XChat has no ad hooks. In contrast, apps like WhatsApp include ad-related click triggers. They collect your chat data to serve targeted ads—a massive security vulnerability. If an app gathers enough information to push ads, it means it’s collecting vast amounts of private data. They say ‘don’t worry, it’s just ad prompts,’ but others could exploit these prompts to view your content. XChat has absolutely no ad-related features.”

“I won’t claim it’s perfect, but our goal is for XChat to replace old Twitter DMs, becoming a fully encrypted system. I believe it will be one of the most secure messaging systems available.”

So far, this objective appears partially achieved—XChat currently lacks any pages beyond the single 【Chat】 interface.

Interesting Point No.3: Screenshot Blocking Feature Appears to Be Nonfunctional (?)

Before launch, many users were intrigued by XChat’s rumored “no screenshot” feature. Based on earlier beta versions and current app settings, this function was presented as optional.

However, after personal testing, enabling the feature in XChat’s group chat still allows direct screenshots—but the captured image displays only the group avatar, with no visible message content. In contrast, attempting to screenshot a chat within the X platform shows a warning: “This chat is protected; screenshots are disabled.”

X Platform Group Chat Screenshot Result

XChat Group Chat Screenshot Result

Exact path: 【Group】→【Tap Group Avatar】→【Block Screenshots】→【Enable/Disable】.

Interesting Point No.4: Supports 45 Languages, Age Rating 16+

According to AppStore metadata, XChat supports 45 languages, including Chinese, German, Japanese, Russian, and Korean. Additionally, the app’s age rating is set at 16+, indicating content may include profanity or crude humor, sexual content or nudity, unrestricted web access, information, and chat. By comparison, WeChat’s age rating is 13+. From this perspective, XChat clearly operates with a looser content threshold.

Additional AppStore detailed age rating breakdown:

18+ classification appears overly broad

Interesting Point No.5: Login Requires Verification of X Account Email Binding

Contrary to pre-launch speculation, XChat’s login screen requires verification of the email associated with your X account. If you forget which email is linked to your X account, you can check via 【Settings & Privacy】→【Your Account】→【Account Info】. If two-factor authentication (2FA) was previously enabled, you’ll also need to enter a six-digit verification code.

It remains unclear why this step is necessary—could it be for future email outreach? Or part of KYC compliance? The rationale is currently unknown.

First Look at XChat

Interesting Point No.6: Encryption Is Just Skin Deep?

The previously promoted “privacy-focused encryption” concept feels largely superficial at present.

From personal testing, XChat’s message interface closely resembles the X platform’s group chat interface—except for an added 【Encrypted - Yes】 indicator.

As for the 【Is Encrypted】 toggle option, it is not currently visible in this version.

“Encryption” display after long-pressing a message in XChat → Tap “Info”

Display after long-pressing a message in X Platform Group Chat → Tap “Info”

Interesting Point No.7: Self-Destruct Timer for Group Messages Ranges from 5 Minutes to 4 Weeks

In XChat’s group settings, tapping 【Disappearing Messages】 allows users to set the self-destruct duration for group messages, with options ranging from 5 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours, 1 day, 1 week, to 4 weeks.

Based on the interface note, this timer begins when a group member reads the message—not when the sender transmits it.

Specific path: 【Group Avatar】→【Disappearing Messages】

Interesting Point No.8: XChat Groups Now Support Invite Link Functionality

This feature is fairly standard.

Notably, XChat groups share the same invite link system as X platform groups. Disabling the link prevents anyone—even those with the link—from joining the group.

XChat Group Invite Link Settings Interface

Interesting Point No.9: XChat Group Size Limit May Be 1,000 Members

This detail was previously mentioned by Nikita Bier, former X platform product lead. However, the actual group capacity in XChat hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet.

Recently, Nikita announced the migration of X platform’s original Community (Community) feature into XChat groups, with a transition deadline set for May 30.

He further noted, “We plan to increase XChat group limits to 500 members initially, aiming to reach 1,000 members in the coming weeks. This should accommodate all communities on X except for a few major ones.” Naturally, this ambitious scaling proposal drew significant criticism from X platform users.

Nikita’s post on April 23 also sparked widespread backlash

Interesting Point No.10: App Icon Comes in 8 Variants, Bubble Design Extremely Similar to WeChat

As previously seen in beta versions, the official release of XChat includes eight icon color variants—white, black, purple, green, orange, pink, gray, and yellow—for user switching. Though a minor feature, it adds a rare human touch to an app otherwise focused on encrypted privacy.

Moreover, XChat’s message deletion function appears inspired by Telegram, offering two options: “Delete for Me” and “Delete for Everyone.”

Lastly, features previously promised before launch—such as one-click import of X contacts and social graph, seamless integration with Grok AI, X Money payments, and Cashtags—remain unactivated.

Of course, XChat is only live on its first day. Plenty of room for iteration and experimentation remains—let the bullets fly.

Author: Wenser