TLDR:
- Telegram now lets users send live comments and reactions in group calls with under 1000 members.
- Users can add private notes to contacts and suggest birthdays for profile personalization.
- AI chatbots on Telegram can now stream responses and support threaded conversations.
- Blockchain gifts can be displayed on profiles, and Liquid Glass interface comes to iOS 26.
Telegram rolled out a major update, introducing 12 new features in one month, according to founder Pavel Durov. The update enhances user interaction with live comments and reactions in calls, AI bot improvements, and profile customization.
Users can now add notes to contacts, suggest birthdays, and showcase blockchain-based gifts. The iOS version also received a visual upgrade with Liquid Glass effects. These changes aim to make communication, personalization, and crypto integration smoother on the platform.
Live Comments and Reactions in Group Calls
Participants in group calls and video chats can now send live comments and reactions directly on screen, Durov explained on X.
Messages appear temporarily and allow quick confirmations or questions while muted. Animated emoji reactions provide a visual cue without disrupting the flow. These features are currently limited to groups under 1,000 participants.
To send a comment, users tap the ‘Message’ button. Sending an emoji alone triggers an animated reaction visible to all in the call. The update is designed to enhance engagement for team discussions and creator sessions. Users can now interact without leaving the call interface.
The reaction system complements Telegram’s existing messaging features. Previously, participants had to rely on separate chat windows. This improvement ensures smoother, in-call communication.
Durov noted that Telegram plans to continue refining these interactive tools. Temporary messages are designed for brevity and clarity. They are part of Telegram’s broader goal to enhance live communication.
AI Bot Threads and Blockchain Gifts
Telegram also introduced threaded conversations for AI bots, allowing multiple topics to be managed simultaneously.
Developers can enable streamed responses so users receive answers as they are generated. This supports AI chatbots in providing faster, organized feedback. Subscription plans allow monetization for bot developers.
Users can now add private notes when saving contacts, which appear only to them under the profile bio. Suggested birthdays can be sent to contacts, triggering a notification to add it to their profile. These features improve personalization and engagement.
Blockchain gifts can now be connected to the Fragment platform and displayed directly on user profiles. Users can also remove gift signatures to hide sender messages or increase resale value. The interface for sending gifts has been streamlined and now shows upgrade timing and costs clearly.
The update for iOS introduces a Liquid Glass interface that adapts to iOS 26 standards. Transparent elements across the bottom navigation, keyboard, and sticker panel enhance visual depth. Telegram continues to synchronize app design with evolving Apple standards.