Snapchat came to iPad nearly 13 years after its initial launch on iOS. Now, Meta has launched the native app of Instagram for iPad users almost 15 years after its initial launch on iOS in 2010. This doesn’t mean iPad owners were unable to access their Instagram accounts before, but they had to rely on the browser. Meta has confirmed that the app has now been optimized for larger screens.
In this update, Instagram makes it easier to catch up on messages and notifications with layouts that display both tabs side by side. While watching Reels, users can also expand the comments section without shrinking the Reel, making it possible to enjoy reactions without missing any part of the video.
The update also introduces a new Following tab, allowing users to filter content from accounts they follow:
- All: Recommended posts and Reels from accounts you follow
- Friends: Recommended posts and Reels from accounts you follow who also follow you back
- Latest: Chronological posts and Reels from accounts you follow, with the most recent appearing first
Users can choose the order of these feeds to prioritize what they want to see first.
The rollout is happening globally and requires iPadOS 15.1 or later to download and install the app. In its press release, Meta also confirmed that a new tablet-optimized design will be coming to Android users soon.
