Instagram has launched a native iPad app on September 3. The app opens directly to Reels when a user starts it. This change marks the first time Instagram has built a tablet native experience after many years of user requests.
The app keeps Stories at the top of the screen. A new Following tab lets users switch to posts from accounts they follow in a more classic feed view. The app also shows comments next to full-screen Reels and places the inbox and chats side by side. These layout choices make better use of the larger screen.
Reels Front Center
Reels are the most prominent element in the new iPad app. Instagram has expanded Reels features this year and now uses the iPad app to push short-form video even more. The company signals that it expects people to watch and share videos on tablets.
The app still supports regular posts and images. Users can tap the Following tab to see content in a chronological order if they prefer still photos to short videos. This split gives people a simple choice about how they want to use the app on a tablet.
Tablet Native Design
The iPad app includes a layout for direct messages that shows the inbox and the conversation at the same time. Comments on Reels appear beside the video. These small changes reduce tapping and make the app feel more like a tablet product. Instagram says a similar design will reach Android tablets soon.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has said demand for an iPad app was not always high enough to make it a top priority. The new app suggests Meta now sees more value in tablet users and in giving Reels a larger stage. The timing also follows broader shifts toward short-form video across social platforms.
What this means for users and creators
Tablet users will now get a smoother viewing experience for longer Reels sessions. Creators get another screen type where their short videos can gain attention. People who prefer photos still have a clear way to view posts from friends. The iPad app balances both approaches.
The app rollout is live on the App Store now, and the update appears as version 396.0.0. Instagram highlights the Reels first home screen in the update notes and invites users to sit back and watch. Early reviews show high ratings from users who have downloaded the app.