As Apple rolls out its new Liquid Glass design with iOS 26, Telegram has already introduced its own version—compatible with all iOS versions.
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A Homemade Version of Apple’s Inspired Effect
This past weekend, Telegram launched a significant update to its iOS app, featuring a complete visual overhaul inspired by the renowned Liquid Glass design of iOS 26. The navigation bar, keyboard, sticker panel, and even the menus now boast a transparent and subtly distorted appearance, complete with a refraction effect that flows with the screen scrolling.
However, the key difference is that Telegram has crafted its own version of Liquid Glass—a proprietary graphic engine—that operates independently of iOS 26. This means that iPhone users on older iOS versions can enjoy this sleek, modern aesthetic without relying on Apple’s system.
An Update That Transcends Design
Beyond the visual enhancements, Telegram has also enriched its user experience with several eagerly awaited features. The update includes comments and reactions in group calls: participants can now send reactions and comments right from the call interface.
Personal notes for contacts have been improved: when adding a contact, it’s now possible to include a private note. Telegram now offers to add or suggest a birthday when editing a contact’s details, making it easier to send well-wishes among friends.
New color options and backgrounds are now available from the settings, with the option to use virtual gifts as backgrounds. Bots can now manage multiple threads simultaneously, with a thread mode inspired by forums. This is handy for AI assistants or service bots.
The update also introduces a new mini bug-reporting center, a more secure gift marketplace, and performance optimizations for iPhone and iPad.
Telegram, More Apple Than Apple?
By adopting its own “Liquid Glass,” Telegram sends a clear message: aesthetic and functional innovation should not be confined to those with the latest version of iOS. This approach highlights how the app, often ahead of its competitors, can reinterpret Apple’s trends while maintaining independence from its ecosystem. And judging by the first screenshots circulating on X (Twitter), many users find this version smoother and more natural than that of iOS 26.