Grok takes a step away from the X platform to reach a wider audience

Grok, the AI assistant that first appeared as a feature baked into X (formerly Twitter), has officially stepped into the spotlight with its standalone app for iPhone and iPad.

Launched by xAI, the move addresses a major limitation that had previously held Grok back: its exclusive availability through X’s app or website, requiring an X account for access. With the new standalone app, users can now download Grok directly from the App Store and use it independently, breaking free from the confines of the social media platform.

The standalone app marks a significant milestone in Grok’s evolution since its initial launch in 2023. After undergoing several upgrades, xAI began beta testing the app in December 2024 with a limited set of users in Australia.

Now, the app is available in the US, Australia, and India, making it accessible to a broader audience—though only for iOS users at the moment. While Android users are left waiting and the global rollout remains unclear, xAI is also preparing a web version of Grok to further expand its reach. A dedicated Grok.com website, currently labelled as “coming soon,” is part of these plans.

The Grok app includes access to the latest Grok 2 model and retains the playful, conversational tone that xAI describes as “humorous and engaging.” Users can generate images, summarize text, get real-time information, and receive writing assistance, among other features.

The launch of the standalone app comes as xAI continues to grow rapidly, supported by two massive $6 billion funding rounds raised in May and December 2024, with backing from strategic investors like BlackRock, Lightspeed, Nvidia and AMD.

With this funding, xAI is doubling down on its efforts to make Grok a major player in the competitive AI chatbot space. It also recently teased its new image generation model, Aurora.

By stepping away from the X platform, Grok has a chance to reach a wider audience and stand on its own against competitors like ChatGPT and Bard, which also offer dedicated mobile apps.

While it remains to be seen how Grok will stack up against its rivals, users now have the opportunity to try the app without venturing into the X ecosystem.