A few days ago, and after a long wait of fifteen years, Meta has officially launched a native iPad app for WhatsApp. This move has been celebrated by many users who have long awaited this release, marking the end of one of the most perplexing software delays in the history of the App Store. However, amidst the excitement, a pressing question arises: “Can we expect an Instagram app for iPad next?” The good news is that, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Meta is indeed working on it.
Mark Gurman reports that Meta is currently “full steam ahead” in the development and testing of a native Instagram app for the iPad. He states, “I’m told that employees on the Meta Platforms Inc. campus are actively testing Instagram for the iPad and that development work is full steam ahead. I would expect it to be released this year if all goes to plan.” This news is particularly notable given that despite being part of one of the largest tech companies globally, Instagram has never provided an optimized experience for iPad users.
For years, iPad users have had to settle for the iPhone app on their devices, which often results in a zoomed-in experience that detracts from the vast capabilities of the iPad’s larger screen. Many have speculated about the reasons behind this delay, with some suggesting it could be a form of retribution from Mark Zuckerberg towards Apple CEO Tim Cook, stemming from past disputes between the two tech giants.
One significant moment of contention was when Cook remarked, “I wouldn’t be in this situation,” in response to a question about how he would handle a privacy scandal like the one involving Cambridge Analytica. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Onavo, which led to Meta's temporary removal from Apple’s developer program, has also fueled the perception of a strained relationship between the two companies.
The absence of an optimized Instagram app for iPad has always seemed peculiar, especially given how well Instagram’s features align with casual browsing and multimedia consumption—activities that are enhanced on a larger display. However, Gurman notes that part of the delay was technical: “Pictures also have often been low-resolution, something that would be more evident on a larger screen.”
Another potential reason for the delay may be rooted in the aforementioned pettiness. Nevertheless, times have changed. The iPad user base has grown significantly, and Instagram has evolved to include high-resolution content, widescreen video, and long-form media consumption.
Additionally, with the rise of platforms like TikTok, which is readily available on iPad, the pressure is mounting on Meta to adapt. While the company may have hoped that its challenges with TikTok would diminish, the reality is that competition is intensifying. With limited options to expand revenue from its existing user base, Meta appears to be recognizing that, similar to WhatsApp, having an iPad version of Instagram is becoming essential.
As we look forward to the anticipated release of the Instagram app for iPad, it’s evident that Meta is making strides to enhance its offerings and address user demands. The excitement surrounding these developments highlights not only the evolution of Meta’s platforms but also the growing importance of optimizing apps for diverse devices in today’s digital landscape.
