- Telegram plans to introduce a native non-custodial Gram wallet across every version of its messaging app this summer, targeting more than 1 billion users with instant, zero-fee crypto transactions.
- The initiative expands on the existing @wallet bot, which has already attracted over 150 million registered users operating in a partly custodial model.
- Founder Pavel Durov described the development as the largest rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet in human history, with the Gram token rising roughly 7% following the announcement.
- The move leverages recent performance upgrades to The Open Network (TON) blockchain and positions Telegram as a key on-ramp for mainstream crypto adoption and payments.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced plans to roll out a native non-custodial Gram wallet to every version of the Telegram app this summer, potentially bringing self-custodial cryptocurrency access and instant zero-fee transactions to more than 1 billion users worldwide.
The development, revealed on July 21, 2026, builds directly on Telegram’s existing Wallet bot (@wallet), which is operated by The Open Platform and currently serves over 150 million registered users in a partly custodial capacity. The new native implementation will be fully non-custodial, allowing users to retain full control of their private keys.
In a post on X, Durov stated: “This summer will see the largest rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet in human history. ⚡️Instant zero-fee crypto transactions for over a billion users are about to become reality. We’re bringing a native non-custodial Gram wallet to every Telegram app! 💎” posted on X.
The wallet will support Gram, the native token of The Open Network (TON) blockchain, which was rebranded from Toncoin in June 2026. The announcement triggered a positive market response, with Gram’s price increasing by roughly 7% to trade above $1.52, resulting in a market capitalization of approximately $4.18 billion, according to reports.
Decrypt reported that the rollout aims to facilitate seamless crypto payments for small businesses and retailers within the app ecosystem, capitalizing on Telegram’s vast global user base, particularly in emerging markets where the platform is dominant.
Recent upgrades to the TON blockchain, including a 6x increase in block rate and faster transaction finality, have paved the way for this scale of adoption. Durov has previously outlined a multi-step plan to enhance the network’s performance and reduce fees further.
While the precise rollout timeline within summer 2026 has not been detailed, the phased deployment is anticipated to commence imminently. Observers highlight the potential for substantial growth in on-chain activity and user onboarding to non-custodial solutions, though success will depend on user experience, security measures, and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes across jurisdictions.
