admin After more than a decade of waiting, the Instagram iPad app is finally here. On September 3, 2025, the platform released its first native tablet version for devices running iPadOS 15.1 or later. Unlike the stretched phone app users tolerated for years, this new Instagram iPad app has been designed specifically for larger screens. And in a surprising twist, it opens directly to Reels instead of the traditional feed, marking a bold push toward video-first consumption.
The new Instagram iPad app transforms the browsing experience with a redesigned layout. Multi-column views allow users to check notifications and browse messages while watching videos. Reels continue playing in the main column, eliminating the constant switching between tabs. Comments expand dynamically without interrupting playback, echoing features popularized by short-video platforms.
Beyond the video upgrades, Instagram has refined the Following tab with three options. The All tab shows recommended content, Friends highlights mutual follows, and Latest restores a chronological timeline. Stories remain visible at the top for quick updates, while messaging receives a more accessible position to support seamless multitasking.
The launch of the Instagram iPad app signals a larger strategy shift. Tablets are no longer treated as secondary devices for social media. Instead, they are becoming essential tools for both communication and entertainment. With Reels already accounting for half of the time users spend on Instagram, the video-first direction makes sense.
The timing also reflects wider market trends. iPad sales continue to climb as demand for bigger screens grows. Consumers increasingly want optimized apps that feel native rather than scaled-up. Instagram’s tablet release arrives late but delivers a carefully redesigned experience that matches modern user behavior.
For iPad owners, the arrival of the Instagram iPad app marks the end of blurry photos and awkward layouts. Instead, they now get an interface that prioritizes multitasking, engagement, and immersive video content. This launch proves Instagram sees tablets as core to its future, not just productivity devices.
The new app offers exactly what users asked for: a polished, video-first Instagram built for larger displays. With Reels at the center, customizable feeds, and fluid multitasking, Instagram finally gives tablets the social experience they deserved.
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