Instagram Launches Dedicated iPad App After Years of User Demand
After a long wait, Instagram has officially launched a dedicated iPad app, giving users a native experience tailored for larger screens. This release marks a significant shift, as iPad users previously had to rely on the non-optimized iPhone app or the web version.
The new app prioritizes video content, opening directly to the Reels screen for immediate access to short-form videos.
Streamlined Design and Enhanced Functionality
The iPad app boasts almost all the features of its phone counterpart. Stories are prominently displayed at the top, and a convenient left-hand sidebar provides quick access to essential sections like the following feed, direct messages, search, explore, and notifications.
The Feed section on the iPad offers three distinct viewing options:
- All: A mix of recommended posts and Reels from followed accounts.
- Friends: Content exclusively from mutual followers.
- Latest: Posts and Reels displayed in chronological order.
Users can also personalize the order of these feeds based on their preferences.
A Redesigned Experience for Bigger Displays
Instagram has completely revamped the app, optimizing it for the iPad's larger display. The redesign allows users to view Reel comments alongside the video itself, and the messages tab lets you navigate between conversations while keeping the active chat visible on the left.
A Long Time Coming
Despite its 15-year existence, Instagram did not prioritize developing an iPad app until now. While the company has previously indicated they were not in a hurry to deliver a dedicated app, recent developments signaled a shift in strategy.
The absence of an official app also led to the creation of third-party viewers that aimed to improve the Instagram experience on iPads.
The new Instagram app is compatible with all iPads running iOS 15.1 or later.
