Telegram has announced it will discontinue support for all blockchains except The Open Network (TON) within its ecosystem, including its Mini Apps feature. This decision, announced on January 21, solidifies TON as the exclusive blockchain infrastructure powering Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem.
A New Partnership with TON Foundation
The move comes as part of an expanded partnership between Telegram and the TON Foundation. Telegram will also continue to exclusively accept Toncoin as the only cryptocurrency for payments within its platform, including for services such as Telegram Stars, Telegram Premium, Telegram Ads, and Telegram Gateway. According to the TON Foundation, this partnership strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the two entities and reinforces TON as Telegram’s preferred blockchain for Web3 infrastructure.
The exclusivity agreement further integrates Toncoin into Telegram’s ecosystem. Mini App developers, channel owners, and advertisers will now receive payments exclusively in Toncoin. Additionally, Telegram Mini Apps will only deploy blockchain functionality via TON Connect, TON’s protocol for linking blockchain wallets to the platform.
“Many builders previously used other blockchains like Sui, Solana, and Aptos for Mini App launches,” a TON Foundation spokesperson said. “This partnership ensures that TON is the sole blockchain infrastructure for Mini Apps moving forward.”
Driving TON Adoption and Growth
The TON Foundation credits Telegram’s adoption of TON for its significant role in growing the blockchain network. Features such as Mini App integrations, Toncoin-based payments, and Telegram’s advertising platform have driven user engagement within the TON ecosystem.
Manuel Stotz, the TON Foundation’s new president, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “Telegram is the sixth most downloaded app in the world and a hub for the global blockchain community,” Stotz said. “This exclusive partnership positions TON for explosive growth in 2025.”
With Telegram’s support and exclusivity, TON aims to further solidify its position as the blockchain of choice for decentralized applications and payments, leveraging Telegram’s massive global user base.
