Elon Musk’s X borrows 3 major WhatsApp features: All the details

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Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, is taking big steps toward becoming more than just a social media platform. In its latest update, X has added several new features to its direct messaging (DM) system, many of which feel very familiar to anyone who’s used WhatsApp. Here’s what’s new on X Chat:

1. Typing Indicators
Just like WhatsApp, you can now see when someone is typing a reply to your message. A little indicator appears in the chat, letting you know the other person is actively responding. It makes conversations feel more live and engaging.

2. Emoji Reactions
You no longer have to type out a reply for every message. With the new emoji reactions feature, you can respond instantly with a thumbs-up, heart, laugh, or other emojis—just like on WhatsApp, Instagram, or iMessage. It’s quick, fun, and expressive.

3. @Mentions in Group Chats
Busy group chats can be chaotic, but X now lets you mention someone directly using “@username” to grab their attention. It’s especially useful in large chats where you want to make sure a specific person sees your message.

4. Chat Search
Looking for an old message? The new chat search feature lets you quickly find specific words, conversations, or people in your DMs. No more endless scrolling.

5. Message Dividers
X has added visual dividers to separate sections of a long chat. It helps make the conversation easier to read, especially if you’ve been talking for a while.

6. Improved DM Controls
You now have better control over who can send you messages. For instance, you can stop someone from messaging you without having to block their entire profile—ideal for handling annoying DMs without escalating things.

What’s coming next?

Elon Musk has also promised even more features in the pipeline, including end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing, and even voice and video calls. Musk previously mentioned that X Chat is getting a complete architectural revamp with “Bitcoin-style encryption,” aiming to make chats more secure and private.

When and where to get it

These new features are already live and can be accessed by updating the X app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.