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Platform · macOS

Telegram for macOS: a Swift-native messenger for Apple desktops.

Unlike the cross-platform Telegram Desktop build, the macOS client is written in Swift and compiled as a universal binary — it feels like a first-party Apple app and takes full advantage of Apple Silicon efficiency cores.

Universal binary · Swift

Telegram · macOS edition

Native performance on M-series Macs and Intel machines alike, with menu-bar integration, Split View support and system-wide dark mode.

Version
Latest
Size
~90 MB
Runs on
Apple Silicon + Intel
Requires
macOS 10.13+

Redirects you to the official Telegram download page for macOS.

What is unique about the Mac client?

  • Written from scratch in Swift — noticeably lighter on battery than Electron-style desktop messengers.
  • Universal binary for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and older Intel Macs; no Rosetta translation needed.
  • Native menu-bar item, Notification Center integration and full gesture support in Trackpad or Magic Mouse.
  • End-to-end encrypted Secret Chats are supported here — a feature the cross-platform Telegram Desktop lacks.
  • Perfect Split View: pin Telegram next to Safari or Xcode without compromising on smooth scrolling.

How to install Telegram on macOS

  1. Click the download button — you'll be taken to the official Telegram macOS page in a new tab.
  2. Download the DMG (or install directly from the Mac App Store link there).
  3. Open the DMG and drag the Telegram icon into your Applications folder.
  4. Launch Telegram from Launchpad; confirm the "downloaded from the Internet" dialog once.
  5. Sign in with your phone number and the code sent to your existing devices.

macOS integration tips

Menu bar mode. Right-click the Dock icon and choose "Options → Menu bar only" if you prefer to keep Telegram tucked in the top bar.

System notifications. Grant permission in System Settings → Notifications → Telegram and enable "Show previews" only for chats you trust.

Multiple accounts. Up to three accounts can live in a single Mac install, switchable from the sidebar avatar.

FAQ: Telegram for macOS

Does it run natively on M-series Macs?

Yes. The universal binary contains ARM64 code compiled for Apple Silicon, so it launches instantly and sips battery.

What's the difference between Telegram (macOS) and Telegram Desktop?

Telegram Desktop is the cross-platform Qt build. The macOS client is a separate Swift codebase that better matches Apple design patterns and adds features like Secret Chats.

Can I install both the App Store and the DMG version?

Yes, they can coexist, but running both simultaneously with the same account is unnecessary — they use the same Telegram cloud.

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