Telegram founder Pavel Durov explained the reasons behind the delay of the latest messenger update on the App Store. In his explanation, he cited Apple’s primary objection: animated Telemoji emoticons, a feature Telegram introduced as part of its ongoing effort to push visual expression beyond the traditional emoji. According to Durov, Apple requested the removal of Telemoji from the newest version before it could be released publicly.
He described the move as unusual. Telemoji promises to bring a fresh layer of expression to users, advancing beyond the common low-resolution static emojis that have dominated conversations for years. Durov argued that the revised Telemoji standard would enrich the broader emoji ecosystem by offering more nuance and variety, potentially changing how people communicate within digital chats. Despite Telegram’s enthusiasm, Apple determined that the updated Telemoji could not be approved in its current form, leading to the postponement of the update on the App Store.
The Telegram founder suggested that this stance from Apple might, in the end, benefit Telegram. In Durov’s view, the delay could help Telemoji become more distinctive and recognizable once it is finally approved and rolled out. He hinted that the timing of the full Telemoji release was still undetermined, but he remained confident that the feature would eventually reach users as part of a refined update strategy.
Earlier reports from the source noted that Telegram had introduced a feature for Premium users to block voicemails, highlighting Telegram’s ongoing efforts to enhance user control and customization. This development sits alongside other iterations aimed at improving the overall user experience and expanding the platform’s capabilities for paying subscribers. The broader context shows Telegram’s continued focus on giving users more tools to tailor their messaging experience while introducing new, expressive elements like Telemoji as part of its evolving identity.