X Replaces Traditional DMs With a Full Messaging App Featuring Encryption & New Tools
X (formerly Twitter) has officially launched its long-awaited messaging overhaul, transforming its simple Direct Message system into a full-featured chat platform. The new update brings the app closer to established messaging giants like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger, offering users a richer and more modern communication experience.
The revamped system—now simply called Chat—introduces major upgrades such as voice and video calling, file sharing, and the ability to edit or delete sent messages. X has also added new privacy and security functions, including end-to-end encryption and screenshot alerts designed to help users stay informed when someone captures a chat.
Rollout Begins for iOS & Web
The new Chat experience is currently available on iOS and the web, with an Android version expected to roll out soon. X also confirmed that it is developing a voice memo feature, allowing users to send short audio messages directly within chats.
This update is part of X’s wider effort to evolve beyond a social media platform and become a complete communication hub.
Expanded Safety Features
X has been testing upgraded messaging tools for months. Earlier in the year, the platform introduced an experimental version of encrypted messages but paused development to fix underlying issues. The latest release appears to address many of those shortcomings.
According to X’s help center, the platform now supports:
- Encrypted group chats
- Encrypted media sharing
- More flexible message editing/deletion
However, encryption still has limitations. While the content of messages is protected, certain metadata—such as who is sending or receiving a message—remains unencrypted. X also acknowledged that chats are not yet protected against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, meaning that if a malicious actor, internal employee, or legal agency intercepted a conversation, users would not be notified.
X says it is actively developing verification tools that will help users confirm the authenticity and security of their encrypted conversations in future updates.
