Instagram finally releases that very popular iPad app! That’s a big deal, indeed, for the platform, as it comes 15 years after its original release. The announcement completely blindsided users, who had been waiting impatiently for this day for years. This new app brings what amounts to a complete version of Instagram tailored specifically for Apple’s tablets. It’s now got a fully scrollable feed and packed with even more improved features!
Meta, parent company of Instagram, allegedly only started developing the iPad version this year. Both Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri had previously claimed that an iPad app wasn’t in the cards. Fast forward to today, the company has completely pivoted to actually building it. Still, in 2023, Mosseri indicated that they are not working on a native iPad version. After the COVID impacted budgets of 2023 went through, feelings didn’t change much even into 2024. That all started to change with the recent, unexpected announcement through the backdoor of Instagram’s blog.
Features of the New App
Their newly launched iPad app gives users a vertical scroll feed where Reels content is featured front and center. This short-form video exclusive has massively increased user engagement on the platform. These kinds of videos have become a hugely viral trend on the platform. You’ll see Stories featured front and center at the top of the app. This intuitive placement affords easy discovery of this key user feature!
The app’s design caters to the larger screen of the iPad, providing a more immersive experience compared to mobile devices. With this improved soundscape, users will have a deeper interface experience, drawing them into more compelling interactions as they scroll through their feeds. In an effort to stay competitively relevant, Instagram is prioritizing Reels and has faced backlash as a result. This decision is a perfect fit with their long-term play.
Response from Users and Stakeholders
This is something users have been clamoring for, and one that users have long wished for. Others have turned to third-party options or using Instagram via web browsers. Consistent questioning aimed at Zuckerberg and Mosseri on the app’s rollout received flippant retorts the last couple of years. This is a defining moment that users have been waiting for, for more than a decade. The unexpected roll-out of the official app has fueled their excitement even more.
Industry analysts are confident that once released, the changes will significantly boost user engagement on Instagram. This is particularly important for those users who prefer to use social media on a tablet device. The news has generated buzz across various platforms, further solidifying Instagram’s position in a competitive market.
Implications for Meta’s Strategy
The launch of the new iPad app might very well herald a wider change in Meta’s thinking when it comes to their approach to building product. By finally addressing user demand for a dedicated iPad application, the company demonstrates its commitment to enhancing user experience across all devices. The unexpected rollout may indicate that Meta is prioritizing innovation in response to competitive pressures from other social media platforms.
