X is the app formerly known as Twitter, published on Google Play by X Corp. in the News and Magazines category with more than 1 billion installs. The version available in late September 2026 is 12.28.0, and the app requires Android 9 or newer. It covers real-time posts, breaking news, live video, audio Spaces, communities and direct messages.
The most visible change in recent releases is how much the app now leans on Grok, the AI assistant built on X’s real-time data. Alongside Grok, the main things to understand are what X Premium adds over the free experience and which privacy, data and notification settings deserve a look after you update.
Version 12.28.0 and the Android 9 requirement
- Updated: September 25, 2026
- Version: 12.28.0-prod.01
- Requires Android: 9+
- Developer: X Corp.
- Installs: 1,000,000,000+
Google Play data as of September 26, 2026
What X 12.28.0-prod.01 changes
Released on September 25, 2026; the developer did not say what exactly changed.
Grok and the new way to read posts
According to the Play listing, Grok can explain posts, summarize trending news, explain videos and give extra context about what you are reading. It is meant for quick background on a topic, but like any AI tool it can get things wrong, so it is sensible to check important claims against original sources before sharing them or acting on them.
Search and trends still work the familiar way, and the For You and Following timelines let you choose between an algorithmic feed and posts only from accounts you follow. If you prefer a calmer experience, sticking to the Following timeline is usually the simplest way to reduce surprises and keep your feed tied to people you chose.
Video, Spaces and communities
X now supports videos that run up to 3 hours, covering everything from news clips and sports highlights to podcasts and gaming sessions. You can also stream live video or host a Space, the audio feature used for discussions, interviews and live podcasts. Communities let people gather around topics such as sports, gaming, technology or entrepreneurship, with feeds separate from your main timeline, a bit like topic communities on Reddit.
Long videos and live streams are the heaviest users of mobile data in the app. The data usage options in X’s settings let you limit video quality and autoplay on cellular connections, which is worth adjusting if you have a capped plan. Direct Messages remain available for private conversations with friends, followers, customers or collaborators.
Free account vs X Premium
The free app lets you read, post, reply, follow accounts, join communities and send messages. X Premium is a paid subscription that, according to the listing, adds a blue checkmark, boosted visibility, prioritized replies, fewer ads, longer videos and the ability to edit posts. It also opens creator revenue sharing and lets you offer exclusive content to your own subscribers.
Prices vary by country and plan, and they are shown in the app before you confirm. If you subscribe through Google Play, you can manage or cancel the plan from the Subscriptions section of the Play Store, which is also where your renewal date appears. Consider whether you will use the extras before committing to an annual plan.
Privacy, notifications and common problems
Review Settings and privacy after major updates, particularly the sections that cover who can reply to you, who can message you, and how your data is used for personalization and data sharing. X also lets you protect your posts so only approved followers can see them. Muting words and accounts is a quick way to keep specific topics out of your timeline.
If the timeline will not refresh or videos stall after an update, force stop the app and clear its cache from the Android app settings, then check your connection. Missing notifications often come from battery optimization on the phone rather than the app itself. Since X requires Android 9 or later, older devices may no longer receive new versions.
Timeline, Spaces and Grok screens
The Twitter rename, Premium and older phones
Is X the same app as Twitter?
Yes. X is Twitter renamed, and it still uses the same Google Play package, so existing Twitter installs turned into X through normal updates.
What does X Premium add?
Post editing, fewer ads and longer videos, among other extras. It is an optional paid subscription; the app itself is free to download and use.
What happens to X on phones older than Android 9?
The current Google Play listing needs Android 9 or newer. Older phones may stay on an earlier build without the latest features.
