Meta Instagram Update: After Years Of Delay Meta Started Working On Dedicated Instagram App For iPad Users

For over a decade, iPad users have eagerly awaited a dedicated Instagram app that fully leverages the capabilities of the device's larger screen. Now, it appears that their patience may finally be rewarded.

According to a report by MacRumors, citing The Information, Meta is said to be developing a dedicated Instagram app specifically for Apple iPads. This new version promises to be optimized for larger displays, which is a much-anticipated improvement.

At present, iPad users are limited to the iPhone version of the app, a scenario that leaves much to be desired. The lack of proper optimization results in a stretched interface and a less-than-ideal user experience. While details about the upcoming app are still scarce, it is expected to provide an interface that is more compatible with tablet screens.

In the past, Instagram had downplayed the necessity of an iPad version. In 2023, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, addressed user inquiries by stating that developing an iPad app wasn’t a priority at the time.

So, what has sparked this change? Why is Meta now considering an iPad version of Instagram?

As reported by The Information, this shift may be influenced by the uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S. With lawmakers pushing for potential bans and increased scrutiny on TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, Meta might be seizing the moment to bolster its position in the short-form video market, particularly with its Reels feature.

If TikTok becomes less accessible or is banned outright, millions of users—including content creators—may seek new platforms. By optimizing Instagram for a wider range of devices, including the iPad, Meta could make its app a more appealing option for users looking for alternatives.