Tech Desk 
Apr 17, 2025
Anundated image. — Pexels
In what seems to be a massive shift in its messaging experience, X (formerly Twitter) is planning to replace its Direct Messages (DMs) with a new separate platform called XChat.
The separation of DMs from the primary platform is part of the Elon Musk-owned social media platform's ongoing efforts to transform X into a more comprehensive social and communication tool, in a bid to compete with rivals like WhatsApp and Messenger.
The significant change was disclosed by Zack Warunek, software engineer at X, responding to a user complaint about DM glitches, according to Digital Trends.
“This page will be deleted soon,” Warunek wrote, hinting at the possible deletion or replacement of the entire DM feature soon. He later verified that DMs as well as message requests will be gone “soon.”
XChat appears to be a toned-up iteration of the current DM service, since it has some additional privacy features and improved functionality.
XChat will enable users to send PDFs and files, delete messages for others, and use a “Vanishing mode” like that of Instagram, while end-to-end encryption is guaranteed, like every other messaging service.
In light of preview screengrabs by web developer Nima Owji, there might also be a few security features like optional PIN protection and flexible message deletion options.
As of the launch of X's XChat, the release date remains to be confirmed by the company. While that seems far away, leaks and rumours circulating on the internet paint a picture of XChat's imminent launch.
