X is expanding its footprint on iOS with the upcoming launch of XChat, a standalone messaging application now available for pre-order on the App Store. The app is described as a private, focused space for conversations and introduces a separate experience from the platform's existing direct messages.
XChat emphasizes privacy, with full end-to-end encryption for conversations. The App Store listing also states that the app will not include ads and will not track user activity. This aligns with broader efforts to improve messaging security, including Apple's ongoing work to enable encryption for RCS in recent iOS 26 betas.
Functionality within the app includes the ability to message any user on X and initiate voice or video calls across devices. Users can edit or delete messages for all participants in a conversation. To protect sensitive content, XChat includes screenshot blocking and an option to enable disappearing messages that remove content after five minutes.
The app also supports large group chats with up to 481 members, or more.
XChat is currently listed on the App Store with an expected release date of April 17, 2026. iPhone and iPad users can pre-order the app now to have it automatically download on launch day.