X, formerly Twitter, is poised to introduce a new messaging platform called XChat, potentially replacing its current direct messages (DMs) section, as hinted by the platform’s engineer and leaked information.
Zack Warunek, a software engineer at X, responded to a user’s query about a data issue related to the DMs section, hinting at its removal. The user had difficulty seeing user data on the messages they sent and received and assumed it was a bug. Warunek’s response, “This page will be deleted soon so no,” suggested that the DMs section would be discontinued. When asked about the fate of message requests, Warunek clarified that “the whole entire DM’s will be gone soon.”
The introduction of XChat is seen as an expansion of X’s current DMs page, drawing comparisons to Facebook Messenger, with enhanced features focused on privacy. According to an analyst at MacRumors, XChat will allow users to send PDFs and other files, delete messages for all participants in a chat (not just the sender), and enable Vanishing mode, a feature previously implemented by Instagram on its DMs page. Moreover, messages sent through XChat will be fully encrypted to enhance user privacy.
Further details about XChat’s features emerged when independent web developer Nima Owji shared a preview screenshot. The screenshot showed that XChat will give users the option to delete messages either for themselves or for all participants in the chat. Additionally, it highlighted an optional PIN code lock feature for extra security upon opening the platform.
The development of XChat was teased by Elon Musk last year when he indicated his intention to delete his phone number and use X exclusively for texting and calling. Speculation around this move suggests that Musk aims to compete with popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp by expanding X’s existing messaging capabilities.
An X employee clarified that XChat is essentially a rewrite of the existing DMs section, rather than a complete removal of direct messaging functionality. While the exact launch date of XChat remains unknown, leaks suggest it will be available in the coming days.
