Telegram’s Android app quietly rolled out changes this month that bring it closer to how the iPhone version works. The update isn’t just visual polish — it finally opens Stories to regular users, not just premium subscribers.
A cleaner, more familiar layout
The interface changes are practical, not dramatic. The header shrinks down. Search gets a full bar instead of a small icon. The hamburger menu moves to the right side, which feels less awkward if you’re right-handed.
There’s now a bottom navigation bar with four tabs: Chats, Contacts, Settings, and Profile. It’s the kind of layout most people already know from other apps. Settings got simplified too, with a search function that actually helps when you can’t remember where something lives.
If you use chat folders, the labels now sit inside pill-shaped buttons. Small change, but it looks tidier.
Stories are here, with limits
The bigger shift is Stories. Telegram tested this feature on and off for premium users, then pulled it back. Now it’s rolling out to everyone with the new UI.
You can post photos or videos from the chat screen. The editor gives you the usual tools: stickers, drawing, location tags, music. You control who sees it — everyone, contacts only, close friends, or specific people.
One catch: free accounts get one story per day. Premium users still have more freedom.
Stories auto-save to a private album in your account, so they don’t just vanish after 24 hours like on Instagram. That’s useful if you want to keep them without screenshotting.
The update feels overdue more than innovative. But for people who’ve stuck with Telegram despite its slightly clunky Android experience, this makes the app easier to navigate.
