In a recent update, the messaging platform Telegram introduced a suite of new features aimed at improving in-call communication, contact management, and user interface personalization. The update also brings significant enhancements for AI bots, the gift system, and the overall user experience on iOS.
New Interactive Features for Group Calls
Participants in group calls and video chats can now send live comments and animated emoji reactions directly within the call interface. These temporary messages appear briefly on the screen, allowing users to share thoughts, ask questions while muted, or react to the conversation in real-time. This feature is currently available for group calls with fewer than 1,000 participants. Users can access it by tapping the ‘Message’ button during a call.
Enhanced Contact Management
The update introduces two new tools for organizing contacts. Users can now add private “Notes” to their contacts, visible only to them, to remember details like how they met or their job title. These notes appear on the contact’s profile page.
Additionally, a “Suggested Birthdays” feature has been added. When editing a contact, a user can suggest a birthdate. This action sends a notification to the contact, allowing them to add the date to their profile with a single tap. Users can also add their own birthday in the settings menu.
Profile Customization and AI Bot Improvements
For Telegram Premium subscribers, new profile customization options are now available directly from the main Settings page. Users can change their profile’s appearance by selecting from preset colors or using the backdrop and symbol from a received gift. Certain collectible gifts also unlock unique reply styles.
For developers and users of AI bots, the platform now supports threaded conversations, enabling bots to manage multiple topics simultaneously. AI chatbots can also stream responses as they are generated, rather than sending a complete message after a delay. These features are intended to improve the functionality of AI and large language models on the platform.
Updates to the Gift System and User Interface
Several improvements have been made to the gifting feature. The interface for sending gifts has been streamlined into a single list, which includes items from the Gift Marketplace. The platform now displays the exact time when upgrades for specific gifts will be available at a reduced price.
Users now have the option to remove the description and sender information from gifts they have received by using Telegram Stars. Furthermore, gifts that have been moved to the blockchain can now be showcased on a user’s Telegram profile if their account is connected to Fragment.
iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design and Feedback Platform
For iOS users, the update includes a “Liquid Glass” interface to align with the design standards of iOS 26. This brings transparent elements with a refraction effect to the navigation bar, keyboard, and sticker panel.
The platform’s Bug and Suggestion Platform, previously a website for user feedback, is now also available as an official mini-app, allowing users to submit reports and feature suggestions directly within Telegram.
Availability
These features are available in Telegram version 12.1 and above.
- Android: Update via Google Play Store or download the APK from telegram.org/android
- iOS: Update via the App Store