Telegram introduces new features in July update: Multi-Tab In-App Browser and Mini App Store

Telegram unveiled a plethora of fresh features aimed at improving the overall user experience on Thursday. One of the main enhancements released on the instant messaging platform is a new in-app browser with support for multiple tabs. The messaging service also revealed that its 950 million monthly active users can now utilize the new feature to gift Telegram Stars to friends or family. This update comes a month after the platform added support for Copilot — Microsoft’s AI chatbot.

In a blog post, Telegram highlighted all the new features rolling out to users with the latest update. The update includes a new in-app browser that allows users to open multiple tabs and switch between collapsed and reopened windows.

Additionally, the new in-app browser on Telegram also supports decentralized websites hosted on the The Open Network (TON) on both mobile and desktop platforms. Users can now switch back to chats while viewing a webpage without losing their progress.

A new section for mini apps has been added under Search, allowing users to browse through the mini apps available on the platform. This feature also lets users view the list of apps they already use and explore some of the most popular mini apps on the platform. Developers can now upload video demos and screenshots for previews of these apps.

Moreover, content created through mini apps, such as leaderboard snapshots or AI-generated videos, can now be shared as a Telegram Story directly from the mini app. Stories now include a new animated weather widget. Telegram Stars, originally meant for purchasing content in mini apps or paid channel content, can now be gifted to friends or family.

Users can now use the front flash to brighten up the screen when recording a video story with the front camera. After updating to the latest version of Telegram on iOS or Android smartphones, a new flash icon will appear at the bottom-left corner of the camera UI. Telegram has also added the option to select a cover for a video story, allowing users to choose the image they want to display.

In addition to the mobile platform, the new in-app browser and mini apps tab features have also been introduced for macOS as part of the July update.