Instagram iPad App: Finally Launching!

Instagram Launches Dedicated iPad Application

Following sustained requests from its user base, Instagram is now officially releasing a dedicated application for the iPad. This development eliminates the need for users to rely on the iPhone application, which wasn't designed for larger displays, or the web-based version of Instagram on their iPads.

Enhanced Viewing Experience

Upon launching, the new iPad app defaults to the Reels screen, providing an optimized platform for viewing short-form video content on a larger scale. Users can seamlessly scroll and enjoy videos with an improved visual experience.

Feature Parity with the Mobile App

The iPad application incorporates almost all of the functionalities present in the mobile app, focusing on content consumption. Stories are prominently displayed at the top of the interface.

Access to various sections, including the following feed, Direct Messages (DMs), Search, Explore, and notifications, is conveniently provided through a left-hand sidebar.

Customizable Feed Options

Instagram’s Feed on the iPad offers three distinct viewing modes:

• “All” – Displays recommended posts and Reels from followed accounts.
• “Friends” – Focuses on content from mutual connections.
• “Latest” – Presents posts and Reels in chronological order.

Users have the ability to personalize the order of these feeds to align with their preferences.

Optimized Interface for Larger Screens

Previously, Instagram on iPad functioned as a scaled-up version of the iOS app, resulting in a suboptimal user experience. The company has now redesigned the interface to fully leverage the larger screen real estate.

For example, while viewing a Reel, comments are displayed alongside the video. Within the messages section, users can simultaneously view an active conversation and a list of all ongoing chats.

A Long-Awaited Release

Despite being available for nearly 15 years, Instagram did not prioritize the development of an iPad app until recently. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, previously indicated the company wasn't actively pursuing an iPad version.

Reports surfaced earlier this year, however, confirming that Instagram had begun building a dedicated iPad application.

Rise of Third-Party Solutions

The absence of an official iPad app spurred the creation of third-party viewers, such as Retro, aimed at enhancing the Instagram experience for iPad users.

Compatibility and Availability

The new Instagram app for iPad is compatible with all iPad models running iOS 15.1 or a later version of the operating system, according to the company’s announcement.