Instagram Unveils a Native iPad App with Advanced Features
Responding to long-standing user demand, Instagram has launched a dedicated iPad submission, moving beyond the previous reliance on an enlarged iPhone app or web interface. This new version is specifically crafted to utilize the expansive display of iPads, delivering a richer and more intuitive user experience.
An Interface Designed for Large Screens
The updated Instagram app for iPad now opens directly to the Reels section,inviting users to engage with high-quality short videos optimized for tablet viewing.Unlike earlier versions where reels appeared cramped on scaled-up phone layouts, this release introduces a split-screen design that displays comments alongside videos for seamless interaction.
Navigation has been reimagined with a sidebar positioned on the left side of the screen, granting swift access to essential features such as Direct Messages (DMs), Search, Explore, notifications, and your following feed. Stories continue to be prominently featured at the top of the interface in line with other platforms.
Flexible Feed Filters Tailored to User Preferences
- All: A curated blend of recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow.
- Friends: content exclusively from mutual connections including posts and reels.
- Latest: Chronologically sorted updates showcasing recent posts and reels.
This customizable feed arrangement allows users to reorder categories based on their interests or social circles-an enhancement not previously available in tablet versions-making content finding more personalized than ever before.
The Shift from Adapted Phone Apps to True Tablet Optimization
Until now, Instagram’s presence on iPads was limited by an upscaled phone app that frequently enough felt awkward due to its lack of optimization for larger screens. Recognizing this limitation, Instagram rebuilt its interface specifically for tablets. The new design supports multitasking within messaging by enabling users to view all active chats while focusing on one conversation simultaneously-a feature enhancing productivity during social interactions.
A Strategic Update After Over a decade Without Native Support
The absence of an official Instagram app tailored specifically for iPads persisted despite increasing calls over many years. Company leadership had previously deprioritized such development until shifting trends in user behavior-especially surging video consumption-and rising competition from platforms like TikTok accelerated this initiative in 2025.
This gap also encouraged third-party apps like Retro Viewer that gained traction among tablet users seeking enhanced Instagram experiences prior to today’s official launch filling that void fully.
user Compatibility & Rollout Information
The newly released Instagram application supports all apple tablets running iOS 15.1 or newer versions, ensuring broad compatibility across current devices worldwide. with over 500 million daily active mobile users globally as reported early in 2025, optimizing performance across diverse hardware remains vital for social media growth strategies-including this latest step toward dedicated tablet software by Instagram.
