Grok, the AI-powered assistant that debuted on social platform X, is now available as a standalone app.

Elon Musk’s startup xAI has launched the Grok 2, the second iteration of its AI model, as a dedicated iOS appwhich allows users to access its features without requiring an X subscription.

Users can log in using their email address, Apple account or other supported platforms. The app provides tools for answering questions and creating images, while also offering a tiered subscription plan for advanced features.

This release is xAI’s first significant step away from its exclusive partnership with X (formerly Twitter), marking a larger push to compete more directly with AI rivals, from Google Gemini to of Meta AI and Claude.ai. Currently the most popular is OpenAI’s ChatGPTthat November saw the number of visitors double, to 3.9 billion, according to Similarweb.

The app has attracted attention because of its conversational, humorous tone. According to its App Store description, Grok also prioritizes privacy, in an effort to manage user data interactions securely.

Launched in November 2023, the Grok mixed with X and made available to paying subscribers. As of December 2024, a free version will be available with limited usage, such as 10 daily questions.

X CEO Musk pitched the assistant as a direct rival to prominent chatbots but with a different personality. At the launch, he posted on X that Grok would be “funny” and “politically neutral.”