Instagram finally launches an iPad app
After 15 years, Instagram brings a bigger-screen experience to iPad users.
For years, iPad users have been asking about a native iPad app. After 15 years of waiting, Instagram has finally delivered. Instagram has finally launched a native iPad app.
Even though Instagram head Adam Mosseri said demand for an iPad app simply wasn’t there as little as three years ago, a report in April indicated that an Instagram iPad app was in the works.
The app works on iPad models running iPadOS 15.1 and later, and it’s not just a stretched version of the mobile app. Instagram says it took the time to fine-tune the experience for the bigger iPad screen.
So, what’s new?
A Reels-first experience
The most notable difference to the mobile version: when you open the iPad app, you’ll land straight on Reels, not the traditional feed. The reason? Instagram says Reels is now the main way people discover and share content on the platform.
Stories still sit at the top of the screen, and messages are tucked neatly into a sidebar for quick access. The design feels similar, but offers a simple and intuitive interface on a bigger screen.
New feed options
iPad users will still be able to see a traditional feed, with Instagram actually rethinking how the feed works. You’ll now have a few ways to keep track of posts and Reels from your favourite creators and friends:
- All feed: Recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow
- Friends feed: Recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow, and that follow you back
- Latest feed: A chronological feed from accounts you follow, so you don’t miss the latest uploads.
You can customise the order of these feeds to suit what you want to scroll through first.
This provides more control to your feed than the existing one available on mobile, which only gives the option of a chronological feed from accounts you follow.
Built for the bigger screen
A big part of Instagram’s announcement is how the iPad app is purpose-built for the bigger screen. Now, users can watch Reels while scrolling through comments, or view your DM inbox alongside an open chat (a setup similar to desktop).
It feels more natural, and gives more space for users who want to immerse themselves in the Instagram experience.
This isn’t just news for Apple fans either. Instagram confirmed that a tablet-friendly design for Android is coming soon.
A native iPad app for Instagram has been a long time coming. Now that it’s here, the bigger screen might just change the way fans and creators use the platform: