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Instagram is an integral part of everyday digital life. Millions of people use the platform every day to share photos, view stories, or discover Reels. It's all the more surprising that there isn't yet a dedicated Instagram app for the iPad. But that could soon change.
Anyone wanting to use Instagram on the iPad has always had to resort to a bloated iPhone version or the web browser. Neither really solves the problem: The display isn't designed for large screens, multitasking is limited, and the user experience lags behind the iPhone app. Now, for the first time, there's concrete evidence that Meta is working on a native app for the iPad.
Meta tests Instagram on the iPad internally
In April, Kaya Yurieff and Kalley Huang reported at The Information that Meta was working on an Instagram app for the iPad. This report has now been confirmed by Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter at Bloomberg. Gurman writes that Meta employees are actively testing the app internally. He predicts the app will launch later this year—barring any unexpected delays. This would bring one of the community's most requested features finally within sight.
Meta opens for the iPad
Interestingly, Meta has offered very few native iPad apps to date. While it has had a Facebook app for the iPad since 2011, many of the company's other services have been left out. A WhatsApp app for the iPad was recently released , showing that Meta is apparently rethinking its strategy. The upcoming Instagram app would be a further step in this direction. Users should benefit from a version specifically optimized for the iPad display. This means no more upscaling, better navigation, true multitasking, and an overall more comprehensive user experience.
What about threads?
It's unclear whether Meta is planning an iPad version of the Threads app. Previous reports have not provided any concrete indications, and Meta hasn't commented on the matter. It remains to be seen whether this service will also be expanded for the iPad.
Instagram for iPad: The launch is getting closer
The signs are good: Instagram could land as a native app on the iPad as early as 2025. This would close a long-standing gap. Regular Instagram users can look forward to a significantly improved experience. So, it's worth keeping an eye on the App Store in the coming months. (Image: Shutterstock / miss.cabul)
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