Android app should follow Material Design, not iOS patterns
The recent Android update (12.4.*) introduces design elements directly ported from iOS, creating a non-native experience that ignores platform conventions and reduces usability.
Core issues:
Platform-inappropriate navigation
The fixed bottom tab bar (Chats / Contacts / Settings / Profile) wastes screen space on rarely used sections. Settings and Profile are accessed only occasionally, yet occupy permanent space. This reduces chat visibility and forces extra scrolling—especially problematic on smaller screens and during one-handed use.
Material Design addresses this with navigation drawers or contextual bottom sheets, showing relevant actions only when needed instead of always displaying everything.
Reduced information density
New borders, spacing, and visual effects in chat lists add visual clutter without functional benefit. Users scan dozens of chats regularly—extra noise slows this down and reduces the number of visible conversations per screen.
Inconsistency with platform expectations
Android users expect Material Design patterns because they are consistent across the OS and well-designed apps. Deviating from these creates cognitive friction and makes Telegram feel like a lazy cross-platform port rather than a thoughtfully designed Android app.
Why this matters:
iOS enforces Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines through App Store review. Android does not mandate Material Design, but this freedom should be used to create better native experiences—not to copy-paste iOS designs that don’t fit the platform.
Suggestion:
Design the Android UI according to Material Design principles. Use platform-appropriate navigation patterns, respect Android’s visual language, and optimize for different screen sizes and interaction models expected by Android users.
The desktop and web versions also deserve platform-native designs or their own Telegram style rather than a universal iOS aesthetic.
This is a big mistake, we should at least get an option to switch. Changes like these will make Telegram lose its authenticity and originality.
S
Sina
New design is terrible. Please give us option to revert the latest design. Telegram is popular for respecting the users
B
BrEl
Tbh I think they don't care
Антон
The designers-wankers need to be fired!
LuckyStike
Telegram isn't about freedom anymore but slavery, slavery to such terrible design.
Johann
Completely agree. The new buttons are difficult to use and the lower bar is in the way. Rollback!!
B
Benjamin McBeer
It took me 15 minutes trying to figure out how to call my girl back this morning. Switching a profile is senseless now. The bar along the bottom is horrendous and unusable. Why does it cover the bottom of the screen? It's garish! Who approved this? As a CMO and Creative Director if I let this out the door... This is why I haven't updated my Macbook yet. Is this what iOS looks like?! Please revert the Android design or fork it or SOMETHING. Woof.
G
Gabriel Cárdenas
I totally agree, iOS users have been hostage to UX/UI terrorists for so long that they can't understand how bad it is to bring that terrorism to Android.
At least you can reinstall previous version - they work properly and not disabled.
Use Telegram 11.14.1 for completely native experience. After v12 there is a small changes, for example Profile and Group menu which looks like on iOS but without liquid ass. 12.2.11 has semi-iOS design in some places without liquid ass. It supports passkeys if you use them. 12.3.* has text input area with glass ui.
You can find apk on apkmirror and other websites.
P
Pharrahe 🚜🐙
The island at the bottom of the screen really is useless, and the chat arents visually separated from eachother anymore so it makes it really jarring to look at.
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Use Telegram 11.14.1 for completely native experience.
After v12 there is a small changes, for example Profile and Group menu which looks like on iOS but without liquid ass.
12.2.11 has semi-iOS design in some places without liquid ass. It supports passkeys if you use them.
12.3.* has text input area with glass ui.
You can find apk on apkmirror and other websites.
Please roll back.