Telegram released its first 2025 upgrade, letting users transform gifts into collectibles with unique features. The update includes an in-app QR code scanner, service message reactions, emojis in folder names, and new message search filters. The app also has additional functions for users.
The blog post claims that Telegram users may now turn their gifts into collectibles, which have special qualities and can be traded or put up for auction on NFT platforms.
Upgrading a gift allows you to choose from dozens of unique looks created by Telegram artists. Collectibles also receive a random set of secondary traits, including a background colour, icon and number.
According to the company, over 20 items, including the Homemade Cake, Jelly Bunny, Spiced Wine, and Santa Hat, can already be upgraded to collectibles, resulting in over 1400 distinct appearances – with more to come.
Purchasing a gift for another user allows you to send an upgraded gift and watch them unwrap their valuable artwork in the conversation, for a tiny number of Telegram Stars that covers blockchain fees.
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In addition to this, Telegram now allows users to send gifts, join groups, and start video chats using special service messages that feature reactions, allowing them to show gratitude or welcome new members with just two taps. Service messages also appear when someone calls you, changes the profile photo of a chat, applies a new chat background, starts a giveaway and more.
The new Telegram update also brings the ability for users to quickly locate messages using the chat list search bar, and the ‘Chats’ tab now has filters that display results solely from private, group, or channel chats. You can tap the other tabs in the Search interface to look through recent downloads and shared media — or to discover popular channels and mini apps.
Besides this, Telegram now verifies public figures and organisations, allowing users to identify official sources of information instantly. Official third-party services can add additional verification icons to user accounts and chats, increasing transparency and eradicating scams and disinformation.
When a chat or account is third-party verified, a little badge shows before their name. If you go to their profile, you’ll find a detailed explanation of their status and what it signifies.
Telegram says that third-party verification is completely separate from the verified checkmarks that Telegram provides for public figures and organisations. In order to provide third-party verification to others, a service must first be verified by Telegram and complete an application.
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Now custom chat folders support custom emojis, allowing Premium users to make their folders more expressive or minimalist by replacing text with specific icons.
Android and iOS users may now open links in their preferred browser without switching applications by scanning QR codes with the in-app camera, which is accessible by swiping right on the main screen.
Lastly the company mentioned that this Telegram update intended to be the 17th major update of 2024 which was delayed due to a lack of attention from Apple’s review team.
