Instagram Likely to Introduce Dedicated App for iPad Users Soon

After over a decade of anticipation, Instagram is reportedly developing a dedicated app for iPad users. According to a recent report by The Information, the Meta-owned platform is working on an iPad-optimized version of Instagram. This move comes as part of Meta’s broader strategy to capitalize on the potential TikTok ban in the United States and attract more creators to its ecosystem.

Current Instagram iPad Experience Lacks Optimization

Although Instagram can be used on iPads by downloading the iPhone version, the experience is subpar. The app doesn’t scale properly for larger screens, making the user interface clunky and difficult to navigate. A dedicated app would resolve these long-standing issues, finally delivering a native iPad experience for Instagram users.

No Official Release Date Yet, But Hints Are Strong

While Meta has not officially confirmed a launch timeline, the internal development of the app suggests that the release could be on the horizon. The lack of a concrete launch date hasn’t stopped excitement among users and content creators who have long demanded an optimized tablet version of Instagram.

TikTok Ban Deadline Extended, Giving Meta a Strategic Advantage

The potential TikTok ban in the US has provided Meta with a strategic window. The Biden administration originally set April 5 as the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its US operations or face a ban. However, the deadline has now been extended by 75 days, keeping TikTok’s future in limbo.

Former President Donald Trump, who initially spearheaded the TikTok ban during his term, commented on Truth Social: “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’ We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.”

Instagram Steps Up Efforts to Lure Creators

Meta is aggressively trying to attract short-form video creators—many of whom currently dominate TikTok. One of the recent initiatives includes the launch of Edits, a new video editing app introduced during a creator meet-up in New York City. Edits aims to replace the popular CapCut app, a ByteDance-owned tool that was removed from app stores earlier this year. The app provides intuitive editing tools tailored for mobile-first creators focused on Reels and short-form videos.

Additionally, Instagram has extended the maximum length of Reels from 90 seconds to three minutes, bringing it in line with TikTok’s format. The app has also introduced minor UI changes, borrowing design elements from TikTok to enhance user familiarity and retention.

Meta Enhances Safety Measures for Teen Users

While focusing on creator acquisition, Meta is also tightening safety protocols for young users. In a recent update, the company announced that teens under the age of 16 will now need parental approval to livestream. This feature is currently rolling out in four countries—the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

In another move, Meta now requires parental consent for teens to disable a safety feature that automatically blurs suspected nude images in messages. These changes are part of Meta’s broader Teen Accounts initiative, which now extends beyond Instagram to include Facebook and Messenger.

The framework, originally introduced on Instagram in 2023, empowers parents with more control over their children's digital experiences, reaffirming Meta’s commitment to online safety.