Instagram Set to Release Dedicated iPad App After Years of User Demand

Instagram is finally set to launch a dedicated iPad app after more than a decade of requests from frustrated users. For years, Meta’s popular photo and video sharing platform has forced iPad owners to rely on stretched-out mobile versions or third-party apps, which rarely matched the official experience. Now, the company appears ready to close that long-standing gap.

The timing reflects broader shifts in digital consumption. Tablets, particularly Apple’s iPad, have become central to how people watch video, create digital art, and manage productivity. Instagram, as one of the most visual social networks, has long felt like a conspicuous absence on larger screens. A native iPad app could transform the way users browse, create, and engage with content.

The iPad’s larger display promises fresh opportunities. Creators will be able to edit photos and reels with more precision, users will enjoy a more immersive feed, and businesses will have space to showcase products in greater detail. Many find it surprising that the launch took this long, given Instagram’s aggressive push into features such as Reels, Notes, and Shopping.

The delay, however, may have been strategic rather than technical. Instagram has always prioritised mobile-first engagement, and Meta may have hesitated to fragment the experience across devices. But with TikTok and YouTube Shorts continuing to dominate smartphones, the iPad app could help Instagram expand into more casual browsing and professional creative workflows.

For creators who already rely on iPads for photography, design, and video editing, the update will remove friction. Having a seamless Instagram experience on the same device they use for content creation could encourage more polished and professional posts.

Key questions remain: Will the iPad app simply replicate the iPhone version, or will it take advantage of unique tablet features such as multitasking, split-screen mode, and Apple Pencil support? If it’s only a scaled-up copy, enthusiasm may fade quickly. But if Meta rethinks the interface for larger screens, the app could mark a new chapter for Instagram.

After years of ignoring the calls, Meta now appears ready to deliver what millions of iPad users have been asking for. The app may not redefine Instagram overnight, but it is a clear sign the company is listening more closely to its audience, and bringing the platform to where people already are.