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
108 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
108 months ago
Hello Telegram, goodbye WhatsApp. Is that good timing or what? :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RamGuy Avatar
RamGuy
108 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
108 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
108 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
108 months ago
Downloaded, no contacts have it, deleted...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 58 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 77 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 209 comments
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
Read Full Article • 114 comments
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
Read Full Article • 47 comments