Hold onto your hats, Android users – Telegram just shook things up with a bold redesign that’s dividing opinions. The messaging app has gone all-in on a Liquid Glass-inspired look, rolling out now in version 12.4.0 via the Play Store. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the update builds on last year’s subtle hints of this design language, it’s now front and center, and not everyone’s a fan. Let’s dive into what’s changed and why it’s sparking debate.
Following its initial flirtation with Liquid Glass elements in the October/November 2025 update (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/27/telegram-for-android-adds-a-touch-of-liquid-glass-in-beta-gallery/), Telegram has now fully embraced the aesthetic. The most striking change? A four-tab bottom bar that feels eerily reminiscent of iOS, complete with transparent elements that pop in light mode. While it’s not a carbon copy of Apple’s design, the influence is undeniable – after all, Liquid Glass is about more than just transparency (https://developer.apple.com/documentation/TechnologyOverviews/liquid-glass#Adopting-Liquid-Glass). These tabs – Chats, Contacts, Settings, and Profile – remain visible even as you scroll, a move that’s both functional and polarizing.
And this is the part most people miss: the beloved hamburger menu is gone. Instead, features like “New Group” now live in a three-dot overflow menu at the top right of the chats screen. It’s a streamlined approach, but one that’s left some users scratching their heads. This redesign follows Telegram’s iOS overhaul from early January (https://telegram.org/blog/new-design-ai-summaries), but Android users seem less enthused, with reactions ranging from lukewarm to outright critical (https://www.reddit.com/r/Telegram/comments/1qxqtxy/thisnewinterfacedesignis_awful/).
So, what’s the verdict? Is this a refreshing update or a step too far? Let’s spark some discussion: Do you think Telegram’s Liquid Glass redesign is a win for Android users, or does it miss the mark? Share your thoughts below – we’re all ears.
While we’re on the topic of Android, here are a few other updates worth noting:
- Honor, Nothing, and Google Pixel were among 2025’s fastest-growing phone brands (https://9to5google.com/2026/02/05/honor-nothing-and-google-pixel-were-some-of-2025s-fastest-growing-phone-brands/).
- Google hints at AirDrop-like functionality coming to more Android devices ‘very soon’ (https://9to5google.com/2026/02/05/google-teases-airdrop-support-for-more-android-phones-exciting-announcements-very-soon/).
- Court documents suggest ChromeOS could be phased out by 2034, making way for Android PCs (https://9to5google.com/2026/02/03/chromeos-phased-out-court-docs-android-desktop-pcs/).
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