Elon Musk Announces WhatsApp Alternative App, Launching 17 April

Elon Musk has introduced a new application similar to WhatsApp. Previously known as XChat, it was introduced as a DM feature within the social media app X. Last year, XChat was launched in a beta version claimed to be more advanced than DM, including the adoption of end-to-end encryption used by WhatsApp on its platform. However, a year later, Musk changed course and launched XChat as a standalone application. On the official XChat account, the app’s team stated that pre-orders have opened for iPhone and iPad users. Citing Engadget, the application also supports end-to-end encryption. Additionally, it includes a range of features typical of short message exchange platforms, such as sending chats or making calls between users. Users can also edit and delete sent messages. Another feature in the app is blocking screenshots and messages that disappear after a certain time. XChat provides group chat features that can accommodate up to 481 members. Users are promised an ad-free experience and no tracking when using the app. The launch of this application comes after Musk criticised WhatsApp last week. The world’s richest person stated that Meta’s subsidiary cannot be trusted. “WhatsApp cannot be trusted,” Musk posted, also sharing the latest class-action lawsuit report against the platform, alleging that claims about end-to-end encryption are false. WhatsApp immediately responded to the post. Through its official X account, the app’s team called the accusations wrong and unreasonable. “WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption with the Signal protocol for a decade, so messages cannot be read by anyone other than the sender and recipient,” WhatsApp stated.