Instagram Finally Prepared to Launch an iPad App!

In response to ongoing user demands, Instagram is rolling out an iPad app today. This will provide users with a customized experience rather than depending on the iPhone app, which is not optimized for larger displays, or the web version available on iPad.

The new app features a Reels screen as the starting point, allowing users to browse and view short videos on a larger screen.

The iPad app includes nearly all functionalities from the mobile version for content consumption. Stories appear at the top, and various options can be accessed through the left sidebar, such as the following feed, DMs, Search, Explore, and notifications.

The Instagram Feed on iPad is now divided into three sections: “All” for posts and reels from accounts you follow, “Friends” for your connections, and “Latest” for viewing posts and reels in chronological order. Users can also adjust the order of these feeds according to their preferences.

In the past, using Instagram on iPad meant encountering an enlarged version of the iPhone app, which lacked aesthetic appeal. Now, the interface has been redesigned for an improved experience on larger screens. For instance, while watching a reel, comments can be seen on the side, and in the messages tab, users can open a specific conversation while also reviewing all active chats on the left.

Though Instagram has existed for almost 15 years, it is only recently that the company has taken steps to develop an iPad app. Instagram head Adam Mosseri has repeatedly mentioned that they were not in a hurry to bring one to market. Earlier this year, a report confirmed that development on an iPad version was underway.

This delay resulted in the emergence of third-party applications like Retro, which sought to enhance the Instagram experience specifically for iPad users.

According to the company, the new Instagram app for iPad is compatible with all iPads running iOS 15.1 or newer.