Telegram Redesigns Android App With Bottom Navigation Bar

Telegram's Android app gets a complete redesign

Telegram has rolled out a major update, headlined by a fully redesigned interface for its Android app. The company says it rebuilt the interface code from the ground up to make navigation quicker and more intuitive.

The most noticeable change is a new navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, similar to iOS, for switching between chats, contacts, and settings. Users who find the new animations too heavy can adjust or disable them in Settings > Power Saving.

iOS gets Liquid Glass tweaks

The update also brings refinements to the iOS app, incorporating more of Apple's Liquid Glass design language. These include a redesigned media viewer, updated preview panels for stickers and emoji packs, and new context menus in profiles.

While not a complete overhaul like on Android, the changes aim to bring the iOS experience more in line with Apple's latest design standards.

Group chat owners can now transfer control

A key new feature allows for the seamless transfer of group ownership. If a group owner leaves, ownership will automatically transfer to an admin after one week.

More importantly, owners can now proactively choose a successor. When leaving a group, a new prompt allows them to appoint a specific admin as the new owner. Admins can also transfer ownership at any time without leaving the group.

Bots get colorful buttons and iPad shortcut

Telegram is giving bot developers more customization options. They can now add colors and emojis to bot buttons, which should help users distinguish between options more easily.

For iPad users, Telegram has added a convenient keyboard shortcut. You can now send a message by pressing Command + Enter.

A new 'crafting' system for digital gifts

The update introduces one of its more unusual features: a crafting system for Telegram's digital gifts. These gifts, which can be upgraded to collectibles and sold on NFT marketplaces, can now be combined.

Users can combine up to four gifts to try and create higher-rarity versions—Uncommon, Rare, Epic, or Legendary. Adding multiple gifts with the same attributes increases the chance the new item will have that trait.

This feature expands Telegram's foray into digital collectibles, a move that continues to blend messaging with a platform for commerce and speculative digital assets.