Telegram has announced that the company is rolling out several new features with its first update of 2025.
As part of the changes, the instant messaging app gives users the ability to convert received gifts into collectibles which come with special attributes and can be transferred to others.
Additionally, the update brings an in-app QR code scanner, service message reactions, emojis in folder names, extra message search filters, and more features.
The company said this was meant to be the 17th major update of 2024 but could not meet the deadline due to a “lack of attention from Apple’s review team”.
New Features on Telegram
As per the company, the gifts received on Telegram can now be upgraded to collectibles. They can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces. Upgrading a gift into a collectible unlocks a new appearance with custom variations designed by Telegram artists.
The instant messaging platform says collectibles also get background color, icon, and number as secondary traits, making sure each collectible is unique and some are rarer.
Following the update, service messages—like someone joining a group or sending a gift—now support emoji reactions. Telegram has also improved search functionality by adding new filters, making it easier to find messages from specific chats, whether in private conversations, group chats, or channels.
Official third-party services can now assign additional verification icons to user accounts and chats to enhance transparency. A small logo will appear next to the name when a user receives third-party verification. However, Telegram clarifies that these third-party verification marks are distinct from the verified checkmarks the platform provides to public figures and organizations, as per the reports.
