
Telegram’s return to wearables and smarter group tools offers useful context for a colleague in tech following platform shifts.

Telegram’s Smartwatch Comeback Story flow and key facts
Telegram has made a significant return to wearable devices with new native apps for Apple Watch and Wear OS, restoring functionality discontinued years ago. The Apple Watch app, officially launched on June 9, 2026, supports Series 6 and newer, allowing users to send and receive messages, view media, and share locations directly from their wrist. The Wear OS version, re-launched on May 30, 2026, offers similar features, re-establishing Telegram’s presence in the growing smartwatch ecosystem.
Alongside the wearable updates, Telegram introduced AI-powered bots called 'AI Guardians' to help admins manage large groups. These bots can screen new members using custom rules, quizzes, or verification checks, addressing spam and low-quality engagement in communities with millions of users. The platform also enhanced bot functionality with support for rich text formatting, including tables, headings, collapsible sections, and math formulas, allowing messages up to 32,768 characters.
Additional improvements include clickable links in poll options and support for Markdown files in Telegram’s in-app browser. Users can now choose their preferred browser for opening links, reinforcing Telegram’s emphasis on privacy and control. With 700 million active users, these updates aim to strengthen Telegram’s appeal among tech-forward audiences and developers while laying groundwork for future monetization through premium tools and APIs.
Facts
- Telegram launched native apps for Apple Watch (Series 6+) and Wear OS on June 9 and May 30, 2026, respectively.
- AI-powered 'AI Guardians' can screen group members using quizzes or verification checks.
- Telegram bots now support rich text formatting, including tables, math formulas, and collapsible sections.
- Polls in Telegram can now include clickable links in options.
- The in-app browser supports Markdown files and allows users to select their preferred browser.
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