After more than a decade of user requests and public hesitation, Meta is finally developing a native version of Instagram for iPad, according to a report by The Information. The move could mark a significant shift in the company’s mobile strategy as it faces increasing competitive and regulatory pressures in the social media space.
Until now, iPad users have had to rely on a scaled-up version of the iPhone app, which lacks optimization for larger screens. Despite repeated user pleas, Meta has previously resisted building a dedicated iPad app. Instagram head Adam Mosseri publicly cited limited user demand and resource constraints in 2022 and 2023 as reasons for the delay.
In a 2022 response to tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, Mosseri said, “It’s still just not a big enough group of people to be a priority.” A year later, he echoed similar sentiments, noting that the iPad app “[wasn’t] quite making the cut” due to competing priorities.
However, recent developments may be prompting a change. The uncertain legal future of TikTok in the US—spurred by the looming “divest-or-ban” legislation and heightened trade tensions, including new tariffs introduced by Donald Trump—may be influencing Meta’s decision to expand its reach on Apple’s tablet platform.
While the current Instagram experience on iPad via web browsers and Stage Manager has improved, users have long called for a native app that better utilizes the iPad’s larger display, advanced multitasking features, and enhanced hardware.
Meta has not yet confirmed the development or provided a timeline for release. The company did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
If released, a dedicated iPad app could not only boost user engagement but also help Meta capitalize on a growing demographic of iPad power users—including creators and digital professionals—especially as its main rival, TikTok, faces increased scrutiny and potential disruption in the US market.