Following a post by Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, Apple reportedly delayed an update to the messenger in the App Store. This claim came from Georgy Lobushkin, a former press secretary for VKontakte, and was circulated by the Telegram channel network. The delay in bringing the update to iPhone users became evident when the new version rolled out around 17:00 Moscow time, bringing with it notable additions such as animated emoji and the Premium subscription tier for iOS users. The report underscores the ongoing influence of Telegram channels in shaping conversations around major tech platforms, a point Lobushkin emphasized in discussing the episode with his audience on the Telegram channel network.
Version 8.9 of Telegram also introduced a restriction: the ability to send audio and video messages was removed for all users except Premium subscribers. Those who hold Premium access could still enable who can send these media formats within chats, choosing among options like everyone, only contacts, or no one. This tiered capability highlights Telegram’s approach to monetization while balancing user experience for non-paying members, a strategy repeatedly observed in how the app negotiates feature access across its user base.
On the evening of August 10, Pavel Durov offered public comments criticizing what he described as a protracted and opaque moderation process within the App Store ecosystem. The businessman argued that these verification steps, conducted by dominant players such as Apple and Google, constrain his team’s ability to operate with the same fluidity seen in other app markets. The critique reflects a broader debate about gatekeeping in major app distribution platforms and its impact on innovation, developer timelines, and user expectations. Durov’s stance was shared through discussions within the Telegram community and echoed in conversations among industry observers who follow how platform policies shape product updates and global accessibility of messaging services.