After years of requests, Meta has finally confirmed what many users have been waiting for: Instagram is now coming to iPad. The new app isn’t just a blown-up version of the mobile experience. Instead, it has been carefully designed to take advantage of the bigger screen, making Instagram feel more immersive and easier to use.
When you open Instagram on iPad, the first thing you’ll see is Reels. Meta says this is intentional, as Reels has become one of the most popular ways people discover and enjoy content. Watching short videos on a larger display makes for a more relaxed, entertainment-driven experience. Just above Reels, you’ll still find Stories, so it’s simple to stay connected with the people who matter most. Messaging has also been made more convenient, with a one-tap shortcut that allows you to view your inbox and chat in a DM thread at the same time. You can even expand the comments while watching a Reel, making it easy to keep up with the best reactions without missing a moment of the video.
One of the most interesting additions to Instagram for iPad is a new Following tab. This section is designed to help users keep track of updates from the accounts they care about most. It includes three different feed options: a general feed that shows posts and Reels from all accounts you follow, a friends-only feed that highlights updates from accounts that also follow you back, and a latest feed that displays posts in chronological order. To give you more control, you can choose how these feeds appear and prioritise the one you want to see first.
By bringing Instagram to iPad, Meta is responding directly to one of the most common user requests. The app feels less like something designed for quick scrolling on the go and more like a platform you can sit back and enjoy. With a design that emphasises entertainment, stronger ways to keep up with friends, and multitasking features that take advantage of the iPad’s larger screen, Instagram is finally ready to deliver a richer experience beyond the phone.
