Musk Set to Launch XChat This Week and Challenge WeChat’s Super App Status

Elon Musk’s X is set to launch a new messaging app later this week as he tries to compete with China’s WeChat super app.

First Step in WeChat Challenge

According to a report on TechNode, the instant messaging app XChat will launch on the Apple (AAPL) App Store for iPhone and iPad users on Friday, April 17. An Android release date is yet to be announced.

According to analysts, this is the first step in Musk trying to pursue his ambition of developing a super app similar to China’s WeChat, which is an all-in-one platform combining messaging, payments and services.

XChat is believed to have begun internal testing last May and entered public beta on iOS in March this year. It will offer:

• End-to-end encryption – messages will be secured with encryption, which only the sender and receiver can read
• Voice and Video calls
• Disappearing Messages – Users can enable messages to automatically disappear within five minutes
• Screenshot Blocking – option to prevent screenshots, helping users avoid others saving or sharing sensitive chats without permission
• Large group chats: XChat will support group conversations with up to 481 members, which could be suitable for communities, teams or large discussions
• Cross-device calling: In addition to text messaging, the app will allow users to make calls across devices, expanding its use beyond standard chat functionality.

X Making Moves

X recently confirmed that it is launching a feature called “Smart Cashtags”, which will allow users to buy and sell stocks and cryptocurrencies without ever leaving their feed. This trading launch is the centerpiece of X Money, the platform’s new payments arm. Musk revealed that the system has already finished internal testing with employees and will open to a limited group of external users within the next month or two.

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