Elon Musk Announces Massive X Update With Encryption, Calls & ‘X Money’ Tease

Introduction

Elon Musk has officially unveiled one of the biggest updates in X's history—an all-new communication system featuring encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and secure file transfer. Alongside this, Musk teased “X Money,” hinting at a soon-to-launch financial system built directly into the platform. This update strengthens X’s ambition to become the world’s first globally scaled “everything app.”

𝕏 just rolled out an entire new communications stack with encrypted messages, audio/video calls and file transfer.

𝕏 Money comes out soon.

Join us if you want to build cool products.

𝕏 will be the everything app. https://t.co/7DyLNEgNnw

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2025

X Rolls Out a Complete New Communications Stack

On November 13, 2025, Elon Musk announced that X has rolled out a fully redesigned communications architecture. Described as a “Bitcoin-style encryption” system, the update introduces end-to-end encrypted messaging, integrated calling, and unified inbox capabilities.

The centerpiece is XChat, a single inbox where standard DMs and encrypted chats coexist seamlessly. Unlike before, users no longer switch between different tabs or modes. Everything is now designed for speed, privacy, and ease.

Key Features of the Update:

1. End-to-End Encrypted Messaging

Messages, media, and files are encrypted so only the sender and receiver can view them. The “Bitcoin-style encryption” term refers to decentralized-style cryptographic systems designed to resist tampering and interception.

2. Audio and Video Calls Inside the App

Users can now make voice or video calls directly from the chat interface without needing a separate call screen or third-party apps.

3. Encrypted File Transfer

Every file shared within encrypted chats stays protected. This includes images, documents, PDFs, and other attachments.

4. Backward Compatibility

Old messages remain visible but will be marked as unencrypted, making it clear what’s secure and what’s not.

5. Simple PIN Activation

Encryption can be enabled through a simple PIN workflow, making privacy accessible for everyday users—not just tech experts.

This update aligns with X’s long-term plan to evolve beyond social media and become a central hub for communication, finance, commerce, and productivity.

X Money: The Next Big Leap

Musk briefly teased: “X Money comes out soon.” This statement alone has triggered massive speculation.

Early expectations suggest X Money may include:

• Peer-to-peer payments
• Digital wallet
• Possible cryptocurrency integration
• Fast global transactions
• Low fees compared to legacy banking

Given Musk’s track record with PayPal—and vocal support for Bitcoin and Dogecoin—the financial layer could become one of X’s most revolutionary moves.

Developers Invited to Build the Future of X

Musk also used the announcement to invite innovators: “Join us if you want to build cool products.” This signals major hiring pushes in areas like AI, encryption, fintech, and app ecosystem development.

More community-driven tools, bots, and mini-apps are expected as X moves toward the super-app model similar to WeChat.

Public Reaction: Mixed, Loud, and Global

Positive Reactions:

• Many praised X’s rapid innovation pace.
• Content creators want more features like playlists and monetization options.
• Bitcoin enthusiasts are excited about the possibility of crypto payments.

Skepticism & Concerns:

• Some privacy advocates want third-party audits of the encryption.
• Critics worry about centralization and Musk’s influence.
• Others question whether custom encryption should be trusted at all.

Feature Requests:

• “Mark unread” option
• Improved creator tools
• Transparent encryption documentation
• Better cross-device syncing

What This Means for the Future of X

With unified messaging, encrypted chats, integrated calling, and an upcoming financial layer, X is now positioned to become a universal digital ecosystem. This is beyond a social media platform; it's a communication, productivity, and financial tool all packaged into one expanding environment.

Regulatory approvals for X Money will be key, but once deployed, the platform may reshape how people communicate and transact daily.

FAQs

1. What is XChat?

XChat is X’s new unified inbox system that merges regular DMs with encrypted chats in one place.

2. Are the messages encrypted by default?

Only encrypted chats use end-to-end encryption. Standard DMs remain unencrypted unless users enable secured mode.

3. Does X now support video calls?

Yes. Audio and video calls are fully integrated into the X app.

4. What is X Money?

A soon-to-launch payment system expected to include peer-to-peer transfers, digital wallets, and possibly cryptocurrency support.

5. Is the encryption audited?

As of now, third-party audits or open-source code visibility have not been confirmed.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s new X update marks a major step in transforming the platform into a next-generation digital ecosystem. With encrypted messaging, calling, file transfer, and the tease of X Money, X is pushing far beyond social networking and into a new era of communication and finance. Whether users love the rapid innovation or question its implications, one thing is clear—X is evolving faster than ever.

Neutral, Deep, Thought-Provoking Opinion Section

The evolution of X raises a fundamental question: What happens when communication, payments, identity, and digital interaction all merge inside a single private platform?

On one hand, X’s updates reflect a natural progression of technology—unifying tools to reduce friction. People already use multiple apps for chatting, calling, banking, and sharing files. X’s approach collapses these into one ecosystem, creating unprecedented convenience. Historically, convenience has almost always won: email replaced letters, smartphones replaced dozens of devices, and super-apps in Asia replaced countless standalone services.

However, the concentration of digital power also presents philosophical challenges. When a single platform controls encrypted communication, user data, financial flows, and the social graph, the stakes escalate. Critics warn of centralization, data dependence, and potential vulnerabilities—technical, political, or economic. Encryption might be strong, but trust must be stronger.

Yet, innovation often begins with bold attempts to break outdated systems. X Money could challenge slow, expensive banking systems. Encrypted messaging could become a privacy standard. Unified communication could simplify global interactions.

The deeper question is not whether X will succeed but how society will adapt if it does. Will X reshape the digital world into a frictionless super-app era, or will its rapid expansion ignite new debates about privacy, governance, and digital autonomy? The answers are unfolding in real time, and every new update adds another layer to a transformation that could redefine daily life.