Encrypted messaging platform Telegram received a significant update today, bringing video messaging, bot payments, and other new features to the chat app.

In version 4.0 of Telegram, users can activate video messaging with a tap of the mic icon to switch to camera mode, or tap and hold the icon to record a quick video clip. Swiping up while recording enables handsfree mode, which works with voice notes too. Users can also stop and replay the clip before sending.

Telegram app
In addition, chat bots can now accept payments, with the developers saying that users will soon be able to order pizza, shop for clothes, and potentially pay their utility bills using Telegram bots.

Also included in the update is a new Instant View feature, which is similar to Google's AMP platform. Essentially it enables users to view articles directly from within the Telegram app, and comes with the added ability to create article previews using the Instant View Editor.

Lastly, Telegram has also announced a new service called Telesco.pe that lets anyone watch video messages from public Telegram channels.

Telegram is a free download for iPhone and iPad from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Tag: Telegram

Top Rated Comments

macintoshmac Avatar
macintoshmac
109 months ago
Downloaded, no contacts have it, deleted...
Good for you. I have a couple, and use Telegram and enjoy it far more than the ubiquitous WhatsApp. Blazing fast, almost realtime sync. And a first rate Mac app. (which is what I use daily)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
JosephAW
109 months ago
Hello Telegram, goodbye WhatsApp. Is that good timing or what? :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RamGuy Avatar
RamGuy
109 months ago
Telegram is great. It lack's integration and fallback to SMS and MMS like every other messaging-app besides iMessage so you would have to convince all your contacts to adopt Telegram. But the app itself is great, the end-to-end encryption is great, their app is great, it has great features like stickers, gifs and whatnot and they have great apps for ALL platforms including all desktop operatingsystems like Windows, macOS and even a web-app when you can't install the software.

I do love iMessage and use it every day. And I bet Telegram would not integrate with SMS and MMS if they had the option due to there being zero encryption when using SMS and MMS protocols, and Telegram is all about privacy and encryption. But if I was able to get everyone I know to use Telegram, I would stop using iMessage in a heartbeat.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sasparilla Avatar
Sasparilla
109 months ago
Its good to keep in mind, Telegram has been shown to have serious security flaws....so don't expect Signal, iMessage (encrypted) or WhatsApp level security with it. Otherwise enjoy (most folks don't really care, but wanted to post this for those that do or are in a country with a Govt where that might be important).

http://gizmodo.com/why-you-should-stop-using-telegram-right-now-1782557415
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iosiseasy Avatar
iosiseasy
109 months ago
I don't need encryption for the most part. I would rather have convenience. I'm happy my info isn't going to google or Facebook. And I love the cloud holds all my convos and media. I have dug into the API and even built a bot to send out notifications if an elevator is down in the condo.

The only thing it is missing right now is Live Photo support.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zaft Avatar
Zaft
109 months ago
Downloaded, no contacts have it, deleted...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

Apple Says Installing iOS 26 Might Impact Battery Life

Monday September 15, 2025 10:56 am PDT by
In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal. A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps. Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources,...
Read Full Article • 122 comments
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 Get iOS 26 Features With New Firmware Update

Monday September 15, 2025 10:50 am PDT by
Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware. With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 support better audio quality for phone calls and...
Read Full Article • 67 comments
iOS 26

iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4: Here Are 5 New Features to Expect on Your iPhone

Tuesday September 16, 2025 11:17 am PDT by
iOS 26 was finally released on Monday, but the software train never stops, and the first developer beta of iOS 26.1 will likely be released soon. iOS 18.1 was an anomaly, as the first developer beta of that version was released in late July last year, to allow for early testing of Apple Intelligence features. The first betas of iOS 15.1, iOS 16.1, and iOS 17.1 were all released in the second ...
Read Full Article • 37 comments
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

iOS 26's Liquid Glass Design Draws Criticism From Users

Wednesday September 17, 2025 2:56 pm PDT by
It's been two days since iOS 26 was released, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design is even more divisive than expected. Any major design change can create controversy as people get used to the new look, but the MacRumors forums, Reddit, Apple Support Communities, and social media sites seem to feature more criticism than praise as people discuss the update. Complaints There are a long...
Read Full Article • 553 comments
Tim Cook Rainbow

Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch These 10 Products in 'Coming Months'

Sunday September 14, 2025 8:45 am PDT by
Apple's annual September event is now in the rearview mirror, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 set to launch this Friday, September 19. As always, there is more to come. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple plans to release many products in the...
Read Full Article • 83 comments
iOS 26 Glass Feature

iOS 26: The Top 100 New Features and Changes

Tuesday September 16, 2025 12:26 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, and it's now available for all iPhone users with a compatible device. There are a lot of changes and features to learn about, so if you want a quick, easy-to-read list that outlines what's new, we've got you covered. Design Liquid Glass design that reflects light and refracts what's underneath. It's system wide, with dynamic tab bars and toolbars...
Read Full Article • 37 comments
new iphone lockscreen ios 26

iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations

Tuesday September 16, 2025 5:56 am PDT by
Apple has now made iOS 26 available to download on compatible iPhone models, and if you just installed the new software, Apple has made some changes and feature additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that you may want to check out. To download iOS 26 on your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then let your device check Apple's servers for the latest software. Wait for the...
Read Full Article • 46 comments