Telegram Turns Chat Messages Into Mini-Apps With New Widgets

How the widgets work

Unlike traditional Mini Apps, which open web pages hosted by developers, widgets sit in the message bubble and stay visible as users scroll through a conversation. Once a message is sent, its code is locked. Widgets cannot accept keyboard input and cannot connect to the internet directly. Requests go through Telegram to the bot, which can then update the widget's data. Anything more complex still needs a bot or a regular Mini App.

For users, that could mean using small services without bouncing between chats, browsers and apps. For developers, it is a new way to distribute lightweight tools inside conversations.

TON payments

The bigger addition is payment support through Telegram's native wallet and TON Connect transaction formats. Developers can reuse existing TON Connect code without building a separate wallet connection. The widget asks its bot to prepare a transaction, then Telegram opens a wallet confirmation screen showing the bot, the amount and the destination. The user must authorize the payment, and developers are advised to verify transaction details and results on the blockchain before treating a payment as complete.

The integration builds on Gram Wallet, Telegram's own non-custodial wallet. Gram is the native currency of TON, previously known as Toncoin. Wallet availability depends on app support and regional restrictions.

The rollout is limited. Production access covers only private chats between users and bots, while widgets for groups and forwarded messages remain on Telegram's test server. Wider availability depends on how quickly Telegram extends production support beyond those one-to-one bot conversations.