Telegram has launched a powerful in-app browser supporting Web3, giving nearly a billion users access to decentralized websites. The update also introduces a Mini App Store featuring popular mini apps with video demos and screenshots. Users can now share mini app content directly to Telegram Stories and send digital Stars as gifts. Additional enhancements include a front flash for video messages, a weather widget for Stories, and customizable story covers.
Telegram browser
Telegram's in-app browser now allows users to collapse and reopen pages from the bottom bar, making it easy to switch between messages, websites, instant view articles, and mini apps. Supporting decentralized websites hosted on TON, this feature is available across all mobile and native desktop apps, bringing Web3 to almost one billion monthly users. Users can now check notifications without losing their place in an article, web page, or game and can add bookmarks for easy return to pages later.
Mini App Store
Telegram reports that over 500 million of its 950 million users engage with mini apps each month. The platform has introduced a new 'Apps' tab in Search, listing both frequently used and popular mini apps for easy access to games and services. Developers can now enhance their mini app previews with video demos and screenshots, providing users with a clear idea of what to expect. This update aims to streamline the user experience and boost interaction with mini apps.
Sharing from Mini Apps to stories
Mini apps on Telegram can now create custom story content, such as AI-generated videos, achievements, and leaderboard snapshots, which users can share directly as Telegram Stories. This feature allows for innovative app experiences and helps existing apps reach a broader audience through users' contacts.
Gifting Stars to friends
The new update allows users to buy digital goods in mini apps or access paid content in channels using Telegram Stars. Users can now purchase Stars as gifts for their contacts, with those celebrating birthdays featured at the top of the gifting list. Gifted Stars appear in chats as beautifully animated gift boxes, enhancing the celebratory experience.