Meta has recently launched an official iPad application for WhatsApp, representing a major development after years of user requests. This move has led many to question the potential for an Instagram app on the iPad, and it seems that Meta is actively pursuing this initiative as well. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Meta employees are presently testing a native Instagram app for the iPad, with hopes for its release later this year.
Historically, Instagram has failed to deliver an optimized experience for iPad users, leading them to utilize the iPhone version of the app, which is not designed for the larger display. The stagnation in creating an iPad app has been linked to a mix of technical hurdles and perceived conflicts between Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. Previous clashes, including public disputes over privacy matters and Meta’s brief expulsion from Apple’s developer program, have heightened speculation regarding the reasons for the absence of iPad support.
The timing for advancing an Instagram app seems more advantageous now, owing to the expanding iPad user demographic and the progression of Instagram’s content, which now encompasses high-resolution images and widescreen videos. Furthermore, the competitive environment has changed, with platforms like TikTok rising in popularity on the iPad, underscoring the necessity for Meta to adjust to evolving user demands and market trends.
As competition escalates and Meta searches for new revenue streams, the launch of an Instagram app for the iPad seems to be a crucial measure in fulfilling user expectations and improving the overall experience for its audience.
