Instagram has launched a specific app for the iPad, fulfilling years of user demands for improved compatibility on the device.
As reported by TechCrunch, the updated version eliminates the necessity of using the iPhone app, which did not adequately support larger displays, or depending on the web version.
The app launches straight to the Reels screen, enabling users to browse short videos on a larger display.
The iPad edition comprises almost all functionalities present in the mobile application. Stories are displayed at the top, while navigation features like Following, Messages, Search, Explore, and Notifications can be found in a sidebar on the left.
The feed has three tabs: ‘All’ presents suggested content and updates from accounts you follow; ‘Friends’ features posts and reels from your mutual followers; and ‘Latest’ shows posts in order of their posting time. These choices can be organized based on user preference.
Instagram used to provide only a larger iPhone version for iPad, which was visually unappealing. The company has now revamped the layout for a more appropriate experience. For instance, when watching a Reel, comments show up on the right, and in the Messages area, a chat opens on the right side while ongoing conversations stay visible on the left.
Despite being launched almost 15 years ago, Instagram has not prioritized creating a version specifically for iPad. The company’s leaders showed no sense of urgency in previous years. In early 2025, The Information announced that work on an iPad application had started.
This postponement resulted in the emergence of third-party applications like Retro, which sought to enhance the Instagram experience for iPad users.
The latest Instagram app is now accessible for all iPads operating on iOS 15.1 or higher.
