XChat, the standalone messaging app from Elon Musk’s X, climbed to the No. 1 spot on the US App Store within hours of its iPhone launch. It overtook ChatGPT and Claude, two leading AI assistants, marking an early win for the platform.
This ranking supports X’s broader plan to integrate messaging, artificial intelligence, and payments under one brand. X head of product Nikita Bier shared an App Store screenshot on Saturday showing XChat in first place, ChatGPT in second, and Claude in third. Bier, who joined X last year to lead consumer growth, previously helped apps TBH and Gas reach the top of the store.
The chart jump gives XChat strong early visibility. ChatGPT held the top free app spot for much of the past year, with Claude staying close behind. XChat is built in Rust and uses what X describes as Bitcoin-style encryption. It supports end-to-end encrypted chats, voice calls, video calls, and file transfers.
No Phone Number Required
Unlike many messaging apps, XChat does not require users to register with a phone number. That gives it a different setup from services like WhatsApp and Telegram. Group chats currently support up to 481 members, with X targeting a 1,000-member limit in the coming weeks. The increase would allow larger communities to use the app.
XChat also includes Grok inside conversations. Users can ask the assistant to summarize files and draft messages. This adds AI tools directly to the chat experience, which could set it apart from competitors.
Part of a Broader Vision
The launch matters because XChat is part of Musk’s wider product stack. In an earlier post, Musk said X had rolled out encrypted messages, audio and video calls, and file transfers. He added that X Money would come out soon, built with Visa. The first phase of X Money would handle peer-to-peer fiat transfers. Crypto support is planned for a later release.
X has secured money transmitter licenses in more than 40 US states, removing one regulatory hurdle for the payments rollout. XChat now enters a crowded messaging market, competing with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Once payments launch, PayPal and Venmo will also become part of the comparison.
What This Means for Users
For traders, the link between Cashtags, group chats, and X Money could be important. It may allow market discussion and payments to sit inside the same X ecosystem. However, the next test comes when X Money goes live. XChat’s early App Store lead gives it momentum, but holding that position may be harder once launch interest slows.
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