Telegram’s latest update (v11.12.0) introduces several new features, including direct messages to channels, better voice message control, improved image quality, updated group topics layout, and more.
Here’s What’s New
Direct Messages to Channels
Users can now send private messages directly to a channel’s admins or owners. This lets subscribers communicate with content creators without sharing personal phone numbers or contacts. Messages from subscribers are organized in a separate interface, keeping them apart from the admins’ personal chats.
- To start a direct message, tap the message bubble icon at the bottom of any channel.
- Channel owners can enable this feature by going to Channel Settings and turning on Direct Messages.
Additionally, creators have the option to charge a fee for each incoming message to help manage conversations more effectively.
Tab Layout for Group Topics
Group topics now come with a new tabbed interface. Users can switch between a side bar and a top bar to quickly move through topics.
- To enable this, go to Group Settings > Topics.
Trim Voice Messages
After recording a voice message, users can now cut out unwanted parts by adjusting the beginning and end of the clip. This means there’s no need to start over if a mistake happens—just trim the message to the desired section before sending.
- This trimming feature becomes available when you swipe up to lock the recording.
- You can also add more voice segments by tapping the microphone icon again.
Additionally, both voice and video recordings can be paused and resumed during the process.
High-Definition Photos
Telegram now offers a ‘High Definition’ option for sending images. This mode provides four times the pixel detail while keeping the file size under 0.5 MB.
- To send in HD, tap the SD button in the photo editor or choose Send in High Quality from the attachment menu.
Share to Stories on iOS
iOS users can now share media directly to Telegram Stories using the system share sheet. For example, photos from the Photos app can be sent to Stories without leaving the app.
Expanded Poll Options
Polls now support up to 12 options. Users can forward polls to Saved Messages to save results or share them with other chats.
Availability
The update is available now on both iOS and Android devices as version 11.12.0 or later. Android users can download it via telegram.org/android or the Google Play Store.