After more than a decade of waiting, iPad users may finally get what they've been asking for since Instagram launched in 2010. According to recent reports, Meta is developing a native Instagram application for the iPad, potentially ending years of frustration for tablet users who have had to rely on workarounds to access the popular social media platform.
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| Lifehacker profile on Instagram web app, illustrating current user experience for iPad users |
The Long-Awaited Change
Instagram has consistently sidelined iPad users, forcing them to either use the poorly optimized iPhone app on their tablets or access the service through web browsers. This stance was made clear in 2022 when Instagram head Adam Mosseri explicitly stated that developing an iPad app wasn't a priority because iPad users weren't a big enough group of people. However, according to a new report from The Information, which cites an Instagram employee with knowledge of the company's plans, this position appears to have changed.
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| Screenshot of Instagram web interface on an iPad, representing the experience users face in the absence of a native app |
Strategic Timing Amid TikTok Uncertainty
The timing of this potential development is particularly interesting. Meta appears to be strategically positioning Instagram to capitalize on TikTok's uncertain future in the United States. With TikTok facing potential forced divestiture or restrictions under pressure from the U.S. government, Instagram may be looking to capture users who might be searching for an alternative platform. This move aligns with Meta's recent launch of Edits, a video-editing app designed to compete with ByteDance's CapCut, which was recently removed from Apple's App Store due to federal restrictions.
Why an iPad App Makes Sense
A native iPad application for Instagram makes perfect sense from both user experience and creator perspectives. The larger screen real estate of iPads provides a more immersive viewing experience for photos and videos, particularly for longer-form Reels content. Additionally, many content creators already use iPads as their primary tools for editing the very content they post to Instagram. A dedicated app would streamline their workflow significantly.
Current Workarounds for iPad Users
While waiting for the official app, iPad users have two main options for accessing Instagram. The first is installing Instagram as a web app by visiting instagram.com in Safari, logging in, and using the Add to Home Screen option from the share sheet. This creates a standalone web app that functions similarly to a native application, though with some limitations—notably, the inability to post images.
Alternatively, users can install the iPhone version of Instagram on their iPads. However, this approach results in either a small iPhone-sized window in the middle of the screen or a blown-up interface that isn't optimized for tablet use. While this method provides access to all of Instagram's features, the user experience is far from ideal.
No Guaranteed Timeline
Despite the encouraging news, there's no clear timeline for when the iPad app might be released. Meta could still change its plans, and development priorities can shift. For now, iPad users will need to continue using the available workarounds while hoping that this time, Instagram's apparent change of heart will result in a proper tablet experience.
The potential introduction of a native iPad app represents a significant shift in Meta's approach to Instagram's platform strategy and could signal the company's renewed focus on expanding its reach across all Apple devices as it continues to compete with TikTok for social media dominance.