UPDATE: Meta has officially launched a native Instagram app for iPad users, available now in the App Store for iPadOS 15.1 and later. This long-awaited release, which comes after years of user requests, allows iPad owners to scroll through their feeds seamlessly starting September 3, 2025.
The new Instagram app is specifically designed for the iPad’s larger screen, offering a significantly improved user experience compared to the previous mobile version. Users can finally enjoy a more visually appealing interface without the clunky experience of using a browser. Meta’s decision to emphasize Reels—its short-form video content designed to compete with TikTok—means that opening the app will take users directly to the Reels page, enhancing engagement with trending content.
In a statement, Meta explained, “we’ve redesigned the experience to reflect how people use bigger screens today—for lean back entertainment.” This strategic move not only caters to iPad users but also seeks to capture more of the audience that gravitates towards TikTok’s engaging format.
The app features an updated user interface, enabling a full-screen vertical experience that highlights content. The new “Following” tab allows users to focus exclusively on posts from accounts they follow, while the “All” tab displays a default feed filled with suggested content. A “Latest” tab arranges posts in chronological order, meeting a long-standing demand from users for better feed curation options.
Additionally, direct messages (DMs) now resemble Meta’s Messages app, featuring larger text bubbles for easier reading. This enhancement allows users to view more message content at a glance, streamlining communication on the platform.
Meta has hinted that an Android version of the app will also be released soon, although no specific date has been provided. Given Instagram’s growing popularity, surpassing even Facebook, this update represents a significant investment in optimizing the platform for various devices beyond smartphones.
As Instagram continues to innovate and expand its features, users can expect additional updates that may eventually make their way to the mobile app. This launch is not just a technical upgrade; it represents a shift in how users interact with social media on larger screens, reinforcing Meta’s commitment to enhancing user experience.
With the launch of Instagram for iPad, users can now enjoy a more dynamic and visually appealing way to connect, discover, and share content like never before. Stay tuned for more updates as Meta continues to roll out features across its platforms.
