More than a decade after launching and later discontinuing its first native Apple Watch app, Telegram is back on the device with a fully native experience. Here are the details.

Today, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced on X that Telegram now has “a fully native” Apple Watch app.

When users first launch the Telegram app on the Apple Watch, they’re asked to scan a QR code from the Telegram app on their iPhone, just as they would when logging in from another platform, such as the web or the Mac. Then, if applicable, they’re also requested to input their cloud password.

After that, users can access their contacts and conversations, with support for GIF and video playback, voice and text messages, location sharing, stickers, and more.

Today’s release comes more than 10 years after Telegram first rolled out Apple Watch support, with Telegram 3.0 back in June, 2015. After a few years, Telegram joined several other platforms that discontinued its native support for watchOS, a trend that Apple has managed to reverse in recent years.

Interestingly, Telegram’s App Store release notes don’t mention the new Apple Watch support. Still, the update is now rolling out and can be downloaded wherever Telegram is available.

Download Telegram on the App Store

Do you use texting apps on your Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments.

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