Starting June 12, Telegram Messenger Inc., the owner of the popular messaging app, is launching a new virtual currency called Telegram Stars. This currency will allow users to pay for goods and services within Telegram bots. Telegram Stars can be purchased through the shopping tools available in the App Store and Google Play.
Compliance with App Store Guidelines
The introduction of Telegram Stars comes as a response to compliance issues with the previous payment method. The earlier method of paying for goods and services in bots and mini-applications outside of Telegram was found to violate the App Store’s “App Review Guidelines” 4.7 and 3.1.1. Without this new system, many bots would become non-functional and unavailable in the versions of the Telegram app offered for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Continued Payment Options and Developer Opportunities
Telegram has emphasized that all user payments in bots and mini-applications will now be possible exclusively through Telegram Stars. However, the company has also acknowledged that the previous payment scheme may continue to be used in versions of the application downloaded from outside the App Store and Google Play.
In addition, developers of bots and mini-applications will be provided the opportunity to convert Telegram Stars to TON, offering them a flexible option for handling the new virtual currency, notes NIXsolutions. We’ll keep you updated with any further developments regarding this transition.
By implementing Telegram Stars, the company aims to ensure compliance with platform guidelines while providing a seamless user experience for payments within the app.