VK is developing a competitor to Telegram — the MAX messenger with public services support
VK, with support from the Russian government, is developing a competitor to Telegram — the MAX messenger.
The app almost completely replicates the Telegram interface and promises integration with public services, making it also similar to China’s WeChat.
What is the MAX messenger?
MAX is a new messenger from VK that replicates the Telegram interface and adds integration with public services.
Thus, the app combines familiar chat and channel features with the ability to handle everyday tasks directly within the messenger interface.
Similarity to Telegram
- Almost a complete clone of the Telegram interface
- Support for channels, chats, and mini-apps
- Focus on familiar user experience
WeChat-level functionality
VK claims support for public services in the MAX messenger. This makes the app more than just a chat platform — it becomes a tool for interaction with government services, similar to China’s WeChat:
- Doctor appointment booking
- Paying fines
- Receiving notifications from government agencies
Telegram keeps up: Telegram Desktop 5.15.0 update
While VK is actively working on the MAX messenger, Telegram continues to evolve and adds new features. A recent update brought Telegram Desktop to version 5.15.0 with useful improvements.
New features in Telegram Desktop 5.15.0
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct messages in channels | You can now send personal messages directly from channels |
| New forum interface | Forums are now more convenient and visually intuitive |
| Up to 12 poll response options | More flexibility when creating polls |
| Editing file captions during upload | No need to wait for upload to finish to edit the caption |
| Support for ton:// links | New feature for mini-apps |
| Bug fixes and stability improvements | The update improves app reliability |
Where to download Telegram Desktop 5.15.0?
- Windows/macOS/Linux — on the official website or GitHub
- Windows — via Microsoft Store
- macOS — in the App Store
MAX or Telegram: who’s ahead?
Comparing the two messengers shows that Telegram maintains its lead in terms of features and flexibility.
However, the emergence of MAX could change the landscape, especially if users want to combine messaging and access to public services in a single app.
Telegram: advantages
- Active development
- Large community
- Many features and extensions
MAX: potential advantages
- Integration with public services
- Familiar interface
- Government support
Conclusion: Telegram remains a strong player, but the launch of MAX may attract an audience focused on government services and everyday task integration.