X replaces DMs with Chat, a new messaging system that it says is E2EE, supports file sharing, video calling, and more, rolling out first to iOS and the web
It also adds disappearing messages and file sharing features. — X has finally revealed its long-promised chat platform …
EngadgetKarissa Bell
Context & Ripple Effects
Chat turns X's June plan for encrypted messaging, vanishing messages and broad file support into a product rollout: the earlier XChat proposal has become the replacement for the platform's legacy DMs.
The move matters because it expands messaging inside X from text exchange to a communications layer spanning files and video calls. Later coverage of a standalone X Chat test suggests this replacement also became a foundation for a separable messaging product.
First-order effects
X users on iOS and the web begin moving from DMs to Chat, gaining the stated E2EE, disappearing-message, file-sharing and video-calling functions as availability rolls out.
X must operate a new messaging experience across its social platform while the replacement remains limited initially to two client surfaces.
Second-order effects
The broader feature set makes Chat a more direct substitute for users' separate private-messaging and calling tools, raising the importance of reliability and feature parity on platforms not included in the initial rollout.
A standalone messaging path becomes more plausible once Chat has its own identity and feature set; subsequent App Store launch coverage shows X carried that direction forward.
Third-order effects
If X continues separating Chat from the main feed, it could evolve from an in-platform DM feature into a distinct communications product, changing how X competes for private conversation rather than only public discussion.
The rollout is another test of whether social platforms can consolidate messaging, calling and file exchange without sacrificing the privacy expectations attached to end-to-end encryption.
The trend: Social platforms are rebuilding basic DMs into encrypted, multi-modal communication layers that can eventually stand on their own.
Scroll past this if you're not Elon. This is addressed to him. Elon, Speaking as a fan, you've made some missteps with this app. First, you changed the name. That so many people still call it Twitter should tell you that this was a mistake I get you're sentimental about [image]
With the new X DM update coming soon, it might shape fandom coordination and affect trending parties for those who rely on group chats to share links and boost engagement. 1.Growth may slow down since adding new members will require creating a new encrypted chat. How many of us
week after week, stuff is always breaking on @X Quit testing in production! If you have a feature/update, thoroughly test it in a controlled environment, then once QA/QC is passed, THEN push to prod. Notifications are broke - not getting them or they don't go away. Chat /
Elon musk has completely ruined twitter.. he keeps removing things people actually use like circles and now voice memos. the new dms update is so unbelievably atrocious. just when i think this is the worst update yet somehow elon one ups himself each time
@elonmusk I can't begin to express how FUCKED UP this platform is now. All of my favorite features are gone. It takes FOREVER for anything to load. Room names are gone & can't be changed back, so they all look the same, making navigation IMPOSSIBLE. The little side window is
Truly incredible that X can get away with this absolute disaster of a chat “update” and it just drags on and on in a situation where you can't see your messages half the time and there's zero consistency between PC/mobile and Twitter is just like “oh well, man”
At first I didn't like X merging DMs and chat, but then I realized you could finally mark messages as unread which is the feature I've wanted the most for *years* Plus it's gotten much faster/smoother over the past few days, bravo @X team
Say hello to Chat - all-new secure messaging on X. • end-to-end encrypted chats and file sharing • edit, delete, or make messages disappear • block screenshots and get notified of attempts • no ads. no tracking. total privacy. [video]
Bro @elonmusk this new X chat update is terrible: - Slow and super laggy - Pinned DMs blend in with regular ones (no visual separation) - Links in conversations turned into weird dead links - Half my convos won't even load - Send/receive message colours look awful - Floating