X.app

Product Introduction

1. X.app is an iOS utility application designed to enhance video playback experiences through Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality across multiple platforms and file sources. It provides PiP extensions for Safari, Photos, Files, Messages, and other apps, enabling users to watch videos in a floating window while using other applications. The app supports automatic PiP activation for compatible websites and allows simultaneous video playback with other media apps, though web-based content operates without sound during multitasking.
2. The core value of X.app lies in its ability to break iOS’s native PiP limitations by extending support to non-video apps and enabling true multitasking. It eliminates interruptions caused by app switching by letting users keep videos visible during messaging, file management, or web browsing. The app also introduces cross-platform synchronization through a universal subscription model, unifying PiP features across iOS, iPadOS, iMessage, and watchOS.

Main Features

1. X.app’s In-App Web Browser automatically activates PiP mode on supported websites, allowing users to watch videos in a resizable overlay while navigating other apps or tabs. It includes edge-swipe navigation, back/forward buttons, and a suggestion list of popular websites for quick access. The browser supports simultaneous playback with other video apps, though audio is disabled for web-based content to avoid conflicts.
2. The Video Picker feature enables users to select videos from the Files app (including iCloud Drive and local directories), Music Library, and Photo Library. This tool supports PiP playback with adjustable audio settings, allowing sound-enabled multitasking for locally stored media. Users can mix PiP videos with other apps’ content, such as streaming platforms, without restrictions on audio for non-web sources.
3. Share Extensions and Safari Browser Extensions integrate PiP functionality directly into iOS’s native sharing system. Users activate PiP via the Share button in apps like Safari, Photos, or Messages, with a “Mix” option for simultaneous playback alongside other video apps. The Safari extension adds PiP controls to video-enabled websites, bypassing platform-specific restrictions imposed by content providers.

Problems Solved

1. X.app addresses iOS’s inconsistent native PiP support, which often restricts multitasking to specific apps like Safari or Apple TV+. It enables PiP for unsupported apps like Photos, Files, and third-party platforms, resolving workflow interruptions caused by full-screen video locks. The app also solves audio conflicts during multitasking by automatically muting web-based PiP content while allowing sound for local media.
2. The target user group includes professionals needing to reference videos during work (e.g., tutorials while drafting emails), social media users who multitask between messaging and video content, and media consumers who watch web-based shows while using productivity apps. Educators and students benefit from PiP during research or note-taking sessions.
3. Typical use cases involve watching a YouTube tutorial in PiP while following steps in a recipe app, viewing iMessage-attached videos without exiting the conversation, or comparing product videos from the Files app alongside a spreadsheet. Users can also play Music Library videos in PiP during workouts while tracking metrics in fitness apps.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike native iOS PiP or competitors like PiP-it, X.app supports PiP activation for non-video files stored in the Files app, iCloud Drive, or local directories. It uniquely enables sound-enabled PiP for local media while muting web content to comply with platform policies, a balance not found in similar utilities.
2. The app innovates with system-level shortcuts, allowing users to launch PiP via the Home Screen, Action Button, or automation workflows. Its watchOS integration lets users input URLs directly from an Apple Watch, extending PiP functionality beyond the iPhone/iPad ecosystem. The universal subscription (X.app+) synchronizes ad-free experiences and advanced features across all Apple devices.
3. Competitive advantages include zero data collection (confirmed in its privacy policy), a free tier with full PiP functionality for web and local media, and compatibility with iOS 18’s latest APIs for Right-to-Left language layouts. The app avoids vendor lock-in by supporting non-Apple services like Google Drive and DuckDuckGo search on watchOS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does X.app require a subscription for basic PiP functionality? No, the free version supports PiP for Safari, Photos, Files, Messages, and other apps, including simultaneous playback with muted web content. The X.app+ subscription removes a non-intrusive banner and unlocks watchOS URL input, advanced shortcuts, and iCloud Drive integration.
2. Can I play sound from X.app’s PiP window while using another video app? Yes, but only for videos selected from the Files app, Music Library, or Photo Library. Web-based PiP content (e.g., Safari videos) operates without sound to comply with iOS multitasking policies. Audio settings are adjustable in the Video Picker interface.
3. Is X.app compatible with all iOS devices? The app requires iOS 18.0 or later, iPadOS 18.0 for tablets, and watchOS 11.0 for Apple Watch integration. It supports iPhone 16 series features like the Action Button shortcuts but remains backward-compatible with older devices running updated OS versions.