15 years later, Instagram for iPad is finally here, will come to Android tablets soon

Instagram has finally launched a native iPad app with enhanced functionality, optimized for larger screens, and focus on entertainment.

iPad native Instagram app with Following Tab has arrived

After 15 years, iPad gets a native iPad app

One of the most exciting iPad-exclusive optimizations is the focus on entertainment. When users launch the Instagram app on their iPad, they are immediately taken to reels. This allows a seamless full-screen viewing experience that's perfect for relaxing on the couch or propping up your tablets.

Stories is strategically placed prominently at the top of the interface to make it effortless for users to stay connected with friends and family. Direct messaging is just one tap away, too, in order to streamline communication without disrupting the user's flow.

This interface design reflects modern tablet usage trends, where users prefer a 'lean-back' approach to consuming short-form videos, content on larger screens, setting it apart from the phone app's more compact navigation.

All, Friends, and Latest Tabs are on top

Instagram is addressing user feedback regarding missing updates from favorite accounts with the new 'Following' tab. The 'Following' tab is exclusive to the iPad and is customizable, where users can pick between All, Friends, or Latest.

All - Recommended posts and reels from accounts the user follows, blended with algorithmic suggestions related to the user's interests.

Friends - Focused content from mutual follows with emphasis on recommendations from people the user knows and who the user interacts with.

Latest - A chronological feed showing the most recent posts and reels first, which gives users control over seeing updates in real-time without algorithmic interference.

Users have the option to rearrange these feeds to prioritize what matters to them the most. This should make it easy for users to stay on top of content from creators, influencers, family, and friends. This tab is a tablet-specific addition that utilizes the extra space to display more content at once and to reduce scrolling fatigue.

Side-by-side view has arrived for iPad users

Instagram is boasting that the new native app maximizes the device's large screen real estate to deliver a cleaner and more intuitive layout by introducing side-by-side views, an expanded comments section, and reducing the overall taps needed to access key features in the app.

The Instagram app for iPad is now available globally to download on the Apple App Store for compatible iPads with iPadOS 15.1 or later. Android tablets can look forward to similar optimizations coming soon.

What do you guys think?

Source: Instagram