X Users Can Now Activate Side-Swiping Likes and Replies In-Stream

X is reconsidering its earlier strategy of removing all in-stream post function buttons and is now opting for a more considered approach. This alteration could potentially embody one of the platform's finest updates in a long while. X's engineer, May Ly, made a declaration that iOS users now have the option to enable side-swipe for like and reply features by altering their app settings. Users can also choose to conceal engagement buttons and accompanying numbers beneath each post. The new functionality is not being imposed on users as predicted earlier, contradicting comments made by X's owner, Elon Musk. Instead, X is providing users the chance to experiment with this feature which could subsequently become a regular habit. Interestingly enough, users have autonomy over actions carried out by their side-swipes. Musk's strategy to eliminate all functional buttons and engagement tallies in-stream was originally part of his plan to declutter the timeline; however, it appears that X has reassessed this strategy in favor of a more balanced, user-friendly solution. Whether this will culminate in the removal of all in-stream engagement buttons and counts is uncertain; however, it appears to be a more collaborative step towards that eventual next stage. It remains to be seen if users would accept these side-swiping options but it definitely opens up new interesting avenues that could be beneficial for the users. If X decides to stick to its initial plan of removing the buttons entirely, it still has the option to do so at a later date.