Instagram finally comes to iPad with optimized experience

After years of anticipation, Instagram has officially launched a dedicated app for iPad, closing a long-standing gap in its platform offerings. The announcement, made by Meta, comes almost 15 years after Instagram was first introduced in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially conceived as a photo-sharing app for iPhone users, Instagram has since expanded across Android, Windows, iOS, Fire OS, and web browsers, yet an iPad version had remained conspicuously absent—until now.

The launch of Instagram for iPad has been a long time coming, despite occasional reports suggesting that Meta was actively developing and testing a native version for Apple’s tablets earlier this year. Many observers found it surprising that it took so long, especially considering that Instagram itself was originally designed for mobile devices, starting with the iPhone. Meta explained that the delay allowed the company to carefully craft an experience that takes advantage of the iPad’s larger screen while keeping the core features users love.

Meta emphasized that the iPad app is built for “lean back entertainment,” meaning it is optimized for relaxed browsing. The app leverages the tablet’s expansive display, offering users a more immersive experience while consuming content. One of the first things users will notice upon opening Instagram for iPad is the central feed of Reels displayed directly beneath Stories. This highlights Meta’s continued focus on its short-form video format as a key component of the platform, a feature that has driven engagement across Instagram for both mobile and desktop users.

The design borrows elements from Instagram’s desktop web interface, particularly in its use of a split-screen layout for messages and notifications. This allows users to access multiple features with fewer taps, streamlining interactions and making navigation more intuitive. While watching Reels, comments appear on the right side of the video player, and the larger screen provides the flexibility to expand the comments section without disrupting the viewing experience. This layout is intended to make it easier to engage with content, whether you are replying to messages, reading comments, or exploring Reels.

Another key addition in the iPad version is the Following tab, which enables users to switch between multiple feeds. The “Latest” feed presents posts from accounts you follow in chronological order, while the “Friends” feed surfaces recommended content from accounts that follow you back. In addition, the “All” feed aggregates recommended posts and Reels from accounts you follow, offering a broader mix of content to keep users engaged. Meta confirmed that the new design approach developed for the iPad will eventually be adapted for the Instagram app on Android tablets as well, ensuring a consistent cross-platform experience.

Instagram for iPad is now available globally on the App Store and supports more than 30 languages. The app requires iPad models running iPadOS 15.1 or later.