- The History of the XChat IRC Client
- Elon Musk’s XChat: A Next-Gen Messenger
- Key Features of the New XChat
XChat is a name that now bridges two distinct eras of digital communication. On one hand, it’s remembered as a popular cross-platform IRC client that gained widespread use in the early 2000s. On the other — it’s the latest messenger developed by Elon Musk’s company X (formerly Twitter), promising to redefine security and privacy standards in online messaging. Let’s take a look at both versions of XChat to see how technology and user expectations have evolved over the decades.
The History of the XChat IRC Client
XChat originally launched as an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client, designed for real-time text messaging over IRC networks. It was a cross-platform application, available for Linux, Windows, macOS, and even select mobile devices and Nokia’s early internet tablets (n800/n810/n900 series).
XChat supported simultaneous connections to multiple servers, SSL encryption, IPv6, and DCC (direct file transfers between users). It also offered plugin and scripting support in languages like Perl, Python, Tcl, and Ruby. The interface was highly customizable, with localization in multiple languages — including Russian.
A key aspect of XChat was its open-source nature. While the official Windows version switched to a shareware model in 2004, offering a 30-day trial, independent developers continued to release free, unofficial builds. On Linux and other systems, XChat remained fully open-source under the GPL license.
XChat gained a loyal following among experienced users, system administrators, and IRC enthusiasts thanks to its flexibility, extensibility, and scripting capabilities. It made it possible to automate repetitive tasks, integrate with other services, and served as a true professional’s tool. Even with the rise of modern messengers, XChat — along with forks like HexChat — is still in use in some communities for its reliability and simplicity.
Elon Musk’s XChat: A Next-Gen Messenger
In 2025, the name XChat made headlines again — this time through Elon Musk and his company X. In a major update to the X platform (formerly Twitter), Musk announced the launch of a new encrypted messaging service under the same name.
“A brand-new XChat is here — with encryption, disappearing messages, and the ability to send any type of file. Audio and video calls are available too,” Musk posted on X.
He also revealed that the system is built on an entirely new architecture with what he called “Bitcoin-style encryption,” hinting at a more decentralized, cryptographically secure infrastructure — though no technical specifics have been made public yet.
This move is part of Musk’s broader ambition to turn X into an ‘everything app’ with a strong focus on privacy. While it’s unclear what exactly “Bitcoin-style encryption” means in practice, the phrase has certainly sparked curiosity and debate within crypto communities.
The new XChat isn’t just another messenger — it’s a key part of an ambitious strategy to evolve X into a multi-functional platform for messaging, file sharing, payments, and beyond. The service is currently built directly into the X app and available in beta for a limited number of premium subscribers.
Key Features of the New XChat
The new XChat messenger, developed by X under Elon Musk’s leadership, stands out with a range of advanced features focused on security, privacy, and user convenience. Here’s a rundown of its core capabilities:
End-to-End Encryption
All messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption using modern cryptographic protocols like Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH), ECIES, and ECDSA, ensuring conversations remain private and inaccessible to third parties.
Disappearing Messages
XChat includes a disappearing message mode, allowing users to send messages that automatically delete after a set period — enhancing privacy in everyday chats.
File Sharing
Users can exchange any type of file, making XChat a versatile tool for both text and multimedia sharing.
Group Chats
Create group conversations with advanced management options: mark messages as read or unread, delete messages for all participants, and view read receipts.
Message Deletion for All
Mistyped or accidental messages can be quickly deleted not only for yourself but for all chat participants.
PIN Code Protection
For extra security, chat access is protected by a four-digit PIN code, preventing unauthorized access even if someone physically gets hold of your device.
Audio & Video Calls Without a Phone Number
XChat supports cross-platform audio and video calls without requiring a phone number or SIM card — ensuring anonymity and independence from mobile operators.
Multi-Platform Availability
The app runs smoothly across all modern devices and doesn’t rely on SIM cards, making it accessible to users worldwide.
Modern Cryptography & Architecture
XChat is built using the Rust programming language, known for its security and performance. Its encryption methods (ECC) deliver robust protection while keeping system resource demands low.
