Instagram Launches iPad App After 15 Years

After years of requests from iPad users, Instagram has launched a dedicated app for iPads, offering a more immersive and optimized experience. The new app brings all core features from the iPhone version, including Reels, Stories, DMs, and a redesigned feed, taking full advantage of the larger screen.

iPad Users’ Long-Awaited Wish Comes True

For over a decade, iPad users had to rely on the scaled-up iPhone app or the web browser version, both of which felt clunky and awkward. Now, Instagram has provided a tablet-optimized interface, making scrolling through posts, watching Reels, and interacting with content smoother and more enjoyable.

The app opens directly to the Reels feed, giving users an instant stream of vertical videos, much like TikTok but enhanced on a bigger screen. This emphasizes Instagram’s focus on video content, which drives much of its engagement today.

Features of Instagram for iPad

The iPad app retains most features from the iPhone version with an interface optimized for a larger display:

• Stories: Displayed prominently at the top of the screen.

• Sidebar Navigation: Quick access to Following, DMs, Explore, Search, and notifications.

• Feed Options:

  • All: Algorithm-based content plus posts from followed accounts.

  • Friends: Updates from mutual connections.

  • Latest: Chronological timeline.

• Users can reorder the feeds according to preference.

In addition, DMs now show a two-pane layout, similar to Slack or email, with active chats on the left and conversations on the right. Comments on Reels appear neatly to the side, rather than taking over the full screen, enhancing the viewing experience.

Why It Took 15 Years

Instagram’s iPad app has taken 15 years to arrive, largely because the company prioritized other projects over a tablet version. CEO Adam Mosseri repeatedly stated that Instagram was in “no hurry” to develop an iPad-specific app.

Previously, scaling the iPhone app for iPads resulted in large empty borders and awkward layouts. The new app has been fully revamped to utilize the larger screen, providing a more practical, desktop-like interface for Reels, feeds, and messages.

Third-Party Solutions Filled the Gap

During the wait, several third-party apps like Retro provided iPad users with a more polished Instagram experience. However, with the official app now available, these temporary solutions are expected to fade as users adopt the native iPad interface.

Compatibility and Availability

The Instagram iPad app works on devices running iOS 15.1 or later, making it accessible to most current iPads. The official release provides a smoother, more functional interface for scrolling, swiping, and engaging with content on the larger screen.

Benefits of the iPad App

The new iPad app offers several advantages over previous options:

• Optimized Layout: Content fills the screen efficiently.

• Enhanced Reels Experience: Vertical videos appear larger and more immersive.

• Improved Navigation: Sidebar allows quick access to main sections.

• Multi-Pane Messaging: Easier DM management with two-pane layout.

• Flexible Feed Options: Choose between All, Friends, or Latest.

Overall, the app improves usability and enhances the visual and interactive experience for iPad users.

Conclusion

Instagram’s long-awaited iPad app finally delivers a tablet-optimized interface with all the core features users love. From Reels and Stories to DMs and customizable feeds, the app enhances scrolling, swiping, and sharing on a larger screen. After 15 years, iPad users can now enjoy a seamless Instagram experience designed specifically for their device.