After over a decade of user requests, Instagram has finally introduced a dedicated app for iPads. The social media platform, owned by Meta, announced that the app is available starting today, concluding years of workarounds and dissatisfaction for tablet users. Previously, iPad owners had only two options: using the stretched iPhone app, which resulted in awkward black borders, or accessing Instagram through a web browser. Neither option provided the smooth experience that countless users desired. With the release of the iPad-specific version, Instagram aims to deliver a more refined and engaging interface that fully utilizes the tablet’s display.
The app has been completely redesigned, launching straight to the Reels feed, which reflects the format that currently drives most of Instagram’s engagement. On a larger iPad screen, Reels offer a more immersive experience—Meta even compares it to TikTok, but enhanced. From a user standpoint, the app retains nearly all familiar features from the iPhone version while leveraging the larger display. Stories are conveniently positioned at the top, and a left-hand sidebar provides quick access to feeds, direct messages, notifications, Explore, and Search. Unlike the cumbersome iPhone version, comments now appear alongside videos rather than overtaking the full screen.
Instagram has also revamped its feed options, allowing users to select from three categories: All—featuring a blend of recommended posts and accounts you follow; Friends—providing updates solely from mutual connections; and Latest—a chronological feed for those who favor a traditional timeline. Users can also reorder these feeds, giving them more flexibility than previously available. Direct messages have been redesigned with a split view, enabling users to view all active chats on the left while conversing on the right—similar to email or Slack layouts. Why the 15-year wait? Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, has often stated that the company was in no rush to create an iPad app, prioritizing mobile growth instead.
However, earlier this year, reports indicated that Meta had finally shifted focus to this project. Today, those reports have been validated. In the interim, third-party developers attempted to offer solutions through apps like Retro for iPad users. With the official release of Instagram, those alternatives are likely to become obsolete. The app is compatible with any iPad running iOS 15.1 or later. While it took Instagram nearly 15 years to launch this app, the outcome is a polished and user-friendly experience tailored for larger screens. Better late than never, right?
