Telegram Redesign: Update Now
Unlock Telegram's epic Android redesign: Liquid Glass speed, gift crafting, and smarter chats. Update now!
Feb 12, 2026 (Updated Feb 16, 2026) - Written by Lorenzo Pellegrini
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Lorenzo Pellegrini
Feb 12, 2026 (Updated Feb 16, 2026)
Telegram's Massive Android Redesign: Liquid Glass, Crafting Gifts, and More
Telegram has unveiled its biggest Android interface update ever, bringing a sleek Liquid Glass design, intuitive navigation, and innovative features like a gift crafting system to millions of users. This comprehensive overhaul promises faster performance, modern visuals, and enhanced usability across platforms.
The Revolutionary Android Interface Overhaul
Telegram for Android now features a fully redesigned interface that prioritizes speed and intuition. Developers rebuilt the entire interface code from the ground up, resulting in maximum efficiency and responsiveness that users will notice immediately.
The standout addition is a new floating bottom bar, allowing one-tap access to chats, settings, profile, and contacts. This replaces the old hamburger side menu, streamlining navigation and eliminating layered menus for quicker interactions.
Inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass design language, the update introduces translucent elements and refined effects, especially prominent in light mode. Users can customize these effects in Settings > Power Saving to balance visuals with battery life and performance.
Enhanced iOS and Cross-Platform Polish
iOS users receive further Liquid Glass refinements, including a redesigned media viewer, updated preview panels for stickers and emoji packs, and improved context menus in profiles and message selections. These changes align the app more closely with modern system aesthetics.
iPad enthusiasts gain a productivity boost with a new keyboard shortcut: Command + Enter instantly sends messages, speeding up workflows on larger screens.
Exciting New Gift Crafting System
A fresh collectible gift crafting feature lets users generate exclusive, personalized gifts within the app. This creative addition expands Telegram's gifting capabilities, blending fun with functionality for holidays, celebrations, or everyday surprises.
Smarter Group Management and Bot Improvements
Group owners benefit from enhanced controls. If an owner leaves, ownership automatically transfers to an admin after one week, or they can select a successor instantly via a confirmation window. Owners can also transfer ownership without leaving the chat.
Bot developers now assign colors and emojis to buttons, making interfaces more intuitive and action-oriented. Full details are available in the Bot API changelog.
User Reactions and Availability
The update, available in Telegram for Android v12.4.0, rolls out widely via the Google Play Store. While many praise the polished look and speed gains, some express mixed feelings about the iOS-inspired elements and removal of the side menu.
- Bottom navigation: Chats, Contacts, Settings, Profile.
- Overflow menu: New Group and other options now at top right.
- Performance tweaks: Adjustable in Power Saving settings.
Conclusion: A New Era for Telegram
This update marks Telegram's bold step into 2026, harmonizing Android with iOS while introducing crafting and management innovations. Android users finally enjoy parity with iOS's advanced design, setting the stage for even more features ahead.
Download the update today to experience the fluid navigation, stunning visuals, and creative tools that redefine messaging.
This update demonstrates Telegram's genuine commitment to user experience by rebuilding the Android interface from scratch rather than applying superficial changes. The cross-platform design harmonization ensures consistency whether users switch between devices, reducing cognitive load and improving accessibility. What stands out is the balance between innovation and user choice. Customizable Liquid Glass effects let users prioritize either aesthetics or battery efficiency, empowering rather than dictating preferences. The gift crafting system adds a delightful human touch to digital communication, while improved group management features prevent orphaned communities. Most importantly, Telegram proves that established platforms can still innovate boldly and deliver substantial improvements that respect both new users and loyal community members alike.