Telegram arrives on Wear OS, Apple Watch watches. Huawei might follow
Telegram has released official apps for smartwatches after years of absence from wearables. The messaging service now runs on Wear OS, Apple Watch and could be ported to Huawei watches, giving athletes direct access to chats from the wrist instead of waiting for phone notifications.
The apps launched on 11 June, following Telegram’s announcement of watch support. Apple Watch users have not had an official Telegram app since 2015. Wear OS support was discontinued in 2021. So, it’s a significant come back for the company.
What the apps do
Both versions let users send and receive text and voice messages, listen to voice notes, view media and video, read longer messages, preview locations, send stickers and manage chats. The feature set differs slightly at launch: Wear OS includes chat muting, pinning and message deletion, while Apple Watch adds location viewing and sticker sending. Telegram says these will be unified in the next update.
The distinction matters for sports use. Group chats during training, shared media from workouts and voice notes from coaching sessions all work directly from the wrist. No phone required.
Better than notifications alone
Smartwatch notifications already alert users to new Telegram messages. The difference is passive versus active. A notification appears, you glance at it, then it disappears. The new apps let you open Telegram on demand, browse your full chat history, pull up older messages and check shared content without returning to the phone.
For group training, that changes the dynamic. You can see whether a message needs a reply, send a quick voice note back and handle longer coordination on the phone later. Athletes coordinating races, group rides or training sessions no longer need to dismiss the watch, pull the phone and lose context.
Huawei watches
Huawei watch users cannot run the Wear OS app directly. Telegram invites Huawei users to request a dedicated app through their suggestions platform. Developers building for other exotic OS platforms can use Telegram’s TDLib (Telegram Database Library), an open-source SDK that supports all Telegram features across any platform.
When it launched
The apps shipped on 11 June 2026, available immediately in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store watch sections.
FAQ
Can I send voice messages from the watch?
Yes. Both Wear OS and Apple Watch apps support text and voice messages. This is useful for hands-free replies while running, cycling or during group activities.
Will my group chat media appear on the watch?
Yes. The apps display images, videos and shared media from conversations, though on a smaller screen. You can also preview locations sent in chats.
Does Telegram watch support group chats?
Yes. You can browse and reply to group chats directly. The app manages individual and group conversations the same way.
Last Updated on 12 June 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
