Instagram may finally be launching an iPad app
Instagram could be developing a long-awaited native app for Instagram, encouraged by TikTok’s legal uncertainty.
Is Instagram introducing an iPad app?
After over a decade of iPad users wanting a native Instagram experience, it looks like Meta may finally deliver. According to The Information, an Instagram employee has shared insights that the company is actively working on an iPad app.
Despite launching in 2010, Instagram has never released a version specifically designed for iPads. Instead, users have been stuck with the iPhone version, which runs on iPads but isn’t optimized for the larger screen. While the web app has improved in recent years, a native iPad version is long overdue.
Why now?
Instagram’s head Adam Mosseri, has publicly resisted an iPad app on numerous occasions. Mosseri has claimed that it hasn’t been a top priority, with the company having limited employees but lots to do. After ignoring the iPad for so long, why is Instagram finally prioritizing an iPad app now?
Yup, we get this one a lot. It’s still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority. Hoping to get to it at some point, but right now we’re very heads down on other things.
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) February 27, 2022
Now, the uncertain future of TikTok in the US has apparently prompted Instagram to develop an iPad app. Meta is hoping to capitalize on TikTok’s potential ban, positioning Instagram as the go-to alternative platform.
Instagram has recently rolled out several features inspired by TikTok, including an extended Reels length, interface tweaks, and even a new video-editing tool called Edits (which mirror TikTok’s CapCut editing app). A native iPad app could be the latest move in this strategy to capture displaced TikTok users, increasing Instagram’s accessibility across more devices.