Instagram’s iPad Revival: A 15-Year Reimagining of Bigger Screen Engagement

Instagram, the popular social media platform owned by Meta Platforms Inc., has officially launched its iPad app after a 15-year absence, marking a significant step in optimizing the user experience for larger screen devices. The app, now available on the App Store, is designed specifically for iPadOS 15.1 and later, offering a redesigned interface that takes full advantage of the iPad’s screen size and capabilities [2].

The new app introduces a distinct user interface that differs from the mobile version, with a focus on “lean back” entertainment. Upon launching the app, users are greeted with Instagram Reels as the default content feed, a strategic move by the platform to emphasize short-form video content. The Stories feature is positioned at the top of the screen, and users can access various tabs through a menu on the left. This design shift reflects Instagram’s recognition of how users interact with content on larger screens [1].

One of the most notable features in the new app is the “Following” tab, which allows users to switch between three different content streams: “All,” which displays recommended posts and reels from followed accounts; “Friends,” which highlights content from mutual connections; and “Latest,” which presents a chronological feed of recent content from followed accounts. Users also have the ability to customize the order of these feeds, ensuring a more personalized experience [1].

The redesign also enhances the messaging and notification experience with a multi-column layout that allows for a more seamless navigation. For example, when users open messages, a split-screen view displays the conversation on the right and a list of contacts on the left. This optimization reduces the number of taps required to access key features, aligning with the broader trend of improving productivity on tablet devices [2].

The arrival of the Instagram iPad app follows the recent launch of a native WhatsApp app for iPad earlier this year, signaling a broader effort by Meta to adapt its applications for the iPadOS ecosystem. The company had long faced criticism for maintaining a stretched, mobile-optimized version of Instagram on tablets, which often resulted in subpar performance, including issues like low-resolution image posting [2].

The new app is expected to appeal to users who frequently use their iPads for social media engagement, particularly those who consume and create content for Reels. With a more immersive interface and streamlined navigation, the Instagram iPad app could further solidify the platform’s position in the competitive short-form video market, while also enhancing user retention and engagement [1].

The redesign underscores the importance of adapting to user behavior on larger screens, especially as tablet usage continues to evolve in both personal and professional contexts. Instagram’s long-awaited iPad app is more than a visual update—it represents a strategic move to align with modern digital consumption patterns and provide a more seamless experience across devices [2].

Source:

[1] Instagram launches official iPad app, now available on App Store (https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/03/instagram-launches-official-ipad-app-now-available-on-app-store/)

[2] The Instagram iPad App Is Finally Here (https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-ipad-app-is-finally-here/)