After what feels like an eternity, Instagram is finally launching a dedicated app for the iPad. For anyone who has been stuck using the stretched-out iPhone app on their tablet for the last decade, this is welcome news. But before you get too excited, you should know this isn't just a bigger version of the app you know; it’s a clear signal of where Meta's head is at, and it has everything to do with TikTok.
Are you excited that Instagram is finally available for the iPad as a native experience?
Yes, it’s about time.
58.33%
No, I wanted it years ago but now I don’t care anymore.
0%
No, I don’t use Instagram.
25%
No, I don’t use an iPad.
16.67%
Unlike the mobile app that opens to your standard photo and video feed, the new iPad app will launch you directly into Reels. That’s right, it’s a video-first experience from the jump. You can still get to your regular feed, Stories, and DMs through separate tabs, but the message is clear: the iPad is for consumption, and Meta wants you consuming its TikTok competitor.
The new Instagram app for iPad. | Image credit — Instagram
This is obviously a direct shot at TikTok, which has always had a fantastic, full-screen viewing experience on tablets. For years, Instagram's official excuse for not having an iPad app was a mix of "technical challenges" and it being a "low priority," which always felt like a weak argument for a multi-billion dollar company. The truth is likely that they didn't see the value in it until now. With Reels now accounting for a staggering 50% of time spent on the platform, Meta needs a bigger stage to showcase its most engaging and lucrative feature.
So, while it’s great that we finally have a native app, it feels less like a gift to longtime users and more like a strategic move in the ongoing video wars. Meta is doubling down on what keeps users scrolling, and the iPad's larger screen is the perfect canvas for that. It's a smart business decision, but one that’s taken far too long to arrive. The app is available to download starting today, and it'll be interesting to see if this video-centric approach can make the iPad a primary screen for Instagram scrollers.
"Iconic Phones" is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! "Iconic Phones" is a beautifully illustrated book that we've been working on for over a year - and it's coming out in just a couple short month!
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a must-have coffee table book for every phone lover out there. Covering the stories of more than 20 fan-favorite phones, it takes you on a memorable journey through the technological revolution that shaped our lives. Sign up now to secure an early discount price!
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: