After 15 years, the iPad finally has a real proper native official Instagram app

After nearly 15 years since the platform’s original release and several years of users asking for it, Instagram has finally launched its first native app for iPad. Until now, iPad users only had access to a resized version of the iPhone app, which lacked horizontal support and the optimizations needed to be considered a proper native experience. The new app is now available worldwide from the App Store and introduces a design adapted for larger tablet screens.

The new interface includes split-screen navigation for direct messages, notifications, and Reels comments, so users can view multiple sections at once; for instance, the inbox and individual chats appear side by side, while comments on Reels display next to the video instead of in a separate overlay. The app also opens directly into a feed of Reels and includes the option to switch to a chronological feed, restoring a feature from Instagram’s early days. The Following tab separates content into 'Latest,' 'Friends,' and 'All,' combining posts and Reels with recommended content.

The new app for iPad supports over 30 languages, requires devices running iPadOS 15.1 or later, and Meta confirmed that some of the tablet-oriented features will be added to a future Android update.