Instagram users have been asking for an iPad app for over a decade. The desire expressed by users to get a native Instagram app for iPad appears to be fulfilled. The parent company, Meta, is preparing to develop its own unique Instagram application for the iPad platform. Instagram users have been complaining for several years about ungainly presentations of their app on iPad screens.
Barely any options exist for iPad owners using Instagram, as all current versions stem from iPhone visual templates that create distorted image views. The introduction of the Android tablet-specific Instagram app in 2023 did not extend benefits to iPad users, who had to keep using the iPhone app. Meta plans to shift its attention toward gaining creators and enhancing Instagram for all users since TikTok encounters U.S. challenges.
Why Did Instagram Ignore iPad Users for So Long?
Instagram’s boss, Adam Mosseri, used to say making an iPad app wasn’t worth the effort. In 2022, he said, “It’s still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority.” Basically, he thought there weren’t enough iPad users to justify the work.
But that logic confused many people. After all, the iPad has a bigger and better screen than most Android tablets. Instagram is all about sharing photos and videos, so ignoring the iPad’s strengths seemed strange. Some think Meta’s engineers were too busy fixing bugs or working on other projects like Threads, its Twitter competitor.
TikTok’s Troubles Pushed Meta to Act
Meta’s sudden interest in the iPad might be tied to TikTok’s problems. American lawmaking bodies intend to ban TikTok because of privacy concerns. The platform is actively trying to recruit concerned TikTok creators through new features, including Reels and Edits video editing capabilities.
A native iPad app could be another way to lure creators. For example, editing videos or photos on a bigger screen would make Instagram more appealing to influencers and artists. It also helps Meta compete with TikTok, which already works well on tablets.
What the Instagram iPad App Might Look Like
While Meta hasn’t shared details yet, here’s what users hope to see
Better Photo and Video Displays
The iPad’s screen is perfect for showing off high-quality photos and videos. A real iPad app could let users view full-screen images without cropping. The visual appearance of Stories and Reels should exhibit enhanced sharpness with simpler editing tools in their interface.
Users can experience Split-Screen Multitasking (Combining Instagram with video streaming) and Apple Pencil optimization as key features. Content creators will probably gain access to enhanced production tools together with analytical capabilities to monitor their content metrics.
Challenges Meta Still Faces
Even if the iPad app launches, Meta has work to do. Many users are tired of Instagram’s constant updates and bugs. The iPhone app has had 19 straight updates labeled “bug fixes” in 2025 alone.
Plus, Meta has a history of promising apps that are not being delivered. For example, a WhatsApp app for iPad was announced in 2023 but was never released. If Meta wants to regain trust, the Instagram iPad app needs to be polished and reliable from day one.
Why This Matters for Regular Users
For everyday Instagram fans, an iPad app means a better experience. Browsing social media content and working on photo edits on big, vivid screens and detail-centered editing tools would have been possible. Through this platform, teachers would find new ways to use it for classroom tasks, and families could seamlessly exchange albums.
The change indicates Meta’s initiative toward improving business performance to stay competitive. The company’s attention to user needs through app enhancements helps it maintain its position in a fast-moving technology environment.
