Instagram May Soon Launch Native App For iPad
After years of delay, Meta may finally be building a native Instagram app for the iPad. According to a report from The Information, development is now underway. Until now, iPad users have had to rely on an enlarged version of the iPhone app, which never felt optimized for the tablet experience.
This sudden shift raises the question: why now? One possible reason is the growing uncertainty around TikTok’s future in the United States. As lawmakers push for new restrictions or even a possible ban, Meta could see an opportunity to strengthen its foothold in the market by expanding Instagram’s accessibility.
Although the company has resisted creating an iPad app for over a decade, it appears the landscape is changing. In previous years, Instagram’s leadership made it clear that the iPad wasn’t a priority. Back in 2022, Instagram head Adam Mosseri responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by saying that the iPad user base simply wasn’t large enough to justify the effort.
Meta’s Past Resistance to the iPad App
Mosseri echoed similar thoughts again in 2023, stating that while a native app was a good idea, the company had limited resources. As a result, Instagram focused on other developments. In his words, “We’ve got to pick the most important things to do.” Although Stage Manager support and the web version have improved, neither has fully replaced the experience users expect on larger screens.
Yet now, with increased pressure on TikTok and an evolving content landscape, Meta might finally be ready to change course. A native iPad app could help retain creators and attract users looking for a more polished experience.
A Long-Awaited Experience Could Be Near
For iPad owners, this news is promising. Despite no official statement from Meta at the time of reporting, the prospect of a purpose-built Instagram app has long been requested. If released, the app would take full advantage of the iPad’s display, potentially transforming how users interact with photos, reels, and stories on a tablet.
While the timeline remains uncertain, all signs suggest Meta is preparing to act—perhaps sooner than anyone expected.
