Meta has started working on a native Instagram app for iPad. This decision appears to be driven by the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding TikTok, including discussions about a potential sale or ban in the United States. The situation is further complicated by tariff measures introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency.
At present, iPad users can only access Instagram through an enlarged version of the iPhone app, which limits the interface’s functionality and reduces overall usability. According to The Information, the recent developments in the U.S., particularly the proposed bill that would require ByteDance to sell TikTok or exit the American market, may have prompted Meta to reconsider its strategy. We’ll keep you updated as the situation evolves.
Past Resistance to a Dedicated App
Until recently, Meta had consistently declined to release a separate Instagram app for iPad. In February 2022, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri responded to a query from blogger Marques Brownlee: “We get asked this question a lot, but it’s not a large enough group of users to be a priority yet. Hopefully we’ll do that someday, but we’re really busy with other things right now.”
A year later, in 2023, Mosseri reiterated this stance: “We’re not doing that right now. I think it will be useful over time. But we have a limited number of people on the Instagram team, so we have to prioritize things that will really help improve Instagram at this point. And right now, this just isn’t one of them.”
Improving the iPad Experience
While Instagram can be used in Stage Manager mode on supported iPad models, the experience remains limited, notes NIXsolutions. The web version of the platform has seen noticeable improvements over recent years, offering users a more refined alternative. However, the introduction of a dedicated app could mark a key shift—enhancing user engagement and optimizing the interface for larger screens.
Although Meta has not made any official announcements about a release date, the move signals a shift in priorities. The company now seems more open to adapting Instagram for devices beyond smartphones, likely influenced by the changing competitive and regulatory landscape. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.