Elon Musk has unveiled a powerful new messaging feature called XChat, bringing him one step closer to transforming X (formerly known as Twitter) into a comprehensive super app. The newly introduced tool is aimed at competing with major private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.

Announced over the weekend, XChat includes several advanced capabilities such as end-to-end encryption, messages that automatically disappear, file sharing across formats, and audio/video calling, all designed to work seamlessly without requiring a phone number.

Completely Rebuilt for Privacy and Performance

Musk described XChat as a complete overhaul of the platform’s messaging system.

“The all-new XChat comes equipped with encryption, disappearing messages, and support for sending any file type,” Musk posted on Sunday. “It’s built using Rust and protected by Bitcoin-style encryption. You can make audio and video calls on any device without needing a phone number.”

The use of the Rust programming language, known for its high-performance and security, alongside blockchain-inspired encryption methods, signals a serious investment in privacy and user data protection.

Leaked Previews Reveal Group Chat, Lock Feature, and Vanish Mode

App researcher Nima Owji shared screenshots showing key features such as group messaging, a vanish mode where messages delete automatically, and a PIN lock system for securing private chats. These upgrades mark a major leap from the platform’s previous direct messaging setup.

Currently, the feature is undergoing limited testing among paying subscribers, but broader access is expected in future updates.

Creating a One-Stop Digital Hub

XChat plays a crucial role in Musk’s wider strategy to reinvent X as an all-encompassing digital platform, mirroring the functionality of WeChat in China. His long-term goal is to make X the dominant platform for everything from messaging and payments to shopping, streaming, and even dating.

Musk has reportedly told staff that he aims to roll out features turning X into a banking tool and dating service by the end of 2024, blending social interaction with commerce and lifestyle functionalities.

Musk Faces Competition in the Super App Race

Musk isn’t the only entrepreneur chasing the super app dream. OpenAI chief Sam Altman is developing his own platform called World, which has recently launched its own app store and biometric ID service known as Orbs.

With multiple tech leaders pursuing similar goals, the competition to become the West’s first true super app is heating up.

600 Million Users and Counting—Retention is Key

As of October 2024, X boasted 600 million active users per month, giving it a strong foothold in the digital ecosystem. However, keeping users engaged requires more than just social feeds. Tools like XChat could help cement X as part of users’ daily routines by offering core functions like private communication and secure sharing.

Last year, the platform also announced it was building a peer-to-peer payment feature, with the aim of increasing user engagement and unlocking new monetization options for the platform.

Progress in Digital Payments and Licensing

To facilitate its payments plan, X has been actively pursuing state-level licenses to operate as a money transmitter. By December 2023, it had gained approval in 12 states, and that number climbed to 14 by January 2025, with Pennsylvania and Arkansas being the latest additions.

Musk envisions a system where users can send money directly to others on the platform and transfer those funds into verified bank accounts, offering a frictionless digital finance experience within X.

A Bold Push Toward Total Digital Integration

XChat’s rollout marks a major milestone in Musk’s effort to evolve X into more than just a social network. If users adopt the new feature at scale, it could accelerate the platform’s shift into an integrated ecosystem combining communication, finance, shopping, and more.

With features like encrypted messaging and multi-format file transfers, X is no longer positioning itself as just a public forum—it’s laying the groundwork to reshape how people communicate, transact, and live online.

Musk’s push for a fully integrated app that handles every aspect of users’ digital lives is bold and ambitious—and the introduction of XChat shows he’s not backing down from making that vision a reality.