X unveils Chat, a fully encrypted messaging era for the platform

X is pushing its communication tools into a new era with the launch of Chat, a rebuilt and security-focused version of its direct messaging system. The new feature introduces end-to-end encrypted messaging and file sharing, as well as voice and video calling, disappearing messages, and tighter controls over privacy. The rollout marks one of the most substantial updates to X’s private messaging capabilities since the company—formerly known as Twitter—first attempted encrypted DMs in 2023.

Chat is already available for iOS users and through the web interface, while an Android release is promised in the near future. The upgrade replaces the current DM system entirely, though all previous private conversations should migrate seamlessly. With this shift, X is signaling that it wants its messaging platform to be more competitive with established encrypted apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram, while still retaining the platform’s unique integration with public posts and user profiles.

The core of Chat is its support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a feature long requested by users and privacy advocates. According to X, both messages and shared files benefit from this encryption layer. However, a closer look at the company’s support documentation shows that the protection is not all-encompassing. Metadata such as timestamps, delivery status, and recipient identity remain outside encryption, meaning they can still be accessed by the platform. This limitation mirrors similar gaps in other encrypted messaging tools but is still noteworthy for users expecting absolute privacy.

The company is also being unusually transparent about remaining security weaknesses. In its support page, X acknowledges that its current encryption implementation does not guard against man-in-the-middle attacks. The platform openly states that if an attacker—or even X itself—modified an encrypted chat, users would have no reliable way to detect the intrusion. Verification tools for authenticating device identity and message integrity are reportedly in the works, though X has not provided a timeline for their introduction.

Beyond encryption, Chat is packed with several new features intended to give users more control over their conversations. Disappearing messages can now be enabled, automatically erasing content after a chosen time period. The platform has also built in screenshot controls: users can be notified when someone captures an image of the chat, or they can block screenshots entirely. Messages can be edited or deleted after sending, offering the kind of flexibility that modern messaging platforms increasingly consider standard.

Voice and video communications are also part of the upgrade. Chat supports both call types natively, eliminating the need for third-party apps and deepening X’s ambition to become a more comprehensive communication hub. The company says voice notes are on the roadmap, suggesting the feature set will continue to expand in the coming months.