In 2025, accessibility is a fundamental expectation for all iOS apps. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines clearly state that apps should be fully usable with assistive technologies like VoiceOver, ensuring that no user is excluded from essential digital communication.

Despite this, the official Telegram app for iOS has become increasingly difficult or even impossible for blind and visually impaired users to operate. Core actions such as sending messages or recording voice notes are not consistently accessible with VoiceOver, even though these features were usable in the past. This represents a significant regression in accessibility.

The contrast with Telegram for Android is also notable. While not perfect, the Android version is considerably more manageable for blind users, with only a few unlabeled buttons. This shows that accessibility on Telegram’s platform is entirely achievable and demonstrates the potential for substantial improvement on iOS.

Telegram is a powerful and innovative platform with enormous potential. New features are frequently announced, and the app continues to grow worldwide. However, accessibility has been overlooked for too long. Millions of blind and visually impaired users rely on accessible communication tools to study, work, and stay connected. Ensuring that the iOS version of Telegram properly supports VoiceOver is not only aligned with Apple’s guidelines but also essential for equal access.

We, the undersigned, respectfully call on the Telegram development team to:

• Restore and improve VoiceOver accessibility for all essential functions

• Ensure that interactive elements are properly labeled and navigable

• Follow Apple’s established accessibility guidelines for iOS apps

• Commit to maintaining accessibility with future updates

By addressing these issues, Telegram can become a fully inclusive platform where everyone, regardless of visual ability, can communicate freely and independently.

We ask the Telegram team to acknowledge this petition and take action to make Telegram for iOS accessible to all.