It’s hard to believe, but until now, Instagram didn’t have a proper iPad app. For about 15 years, anyone wanting to scroll on a tablet had to use a browser, just like on a computer.
That all changes with the new Instagram app for iPad, which launched on September 3rd. And it’s not just a bigger version of the phone app—there are some noticeable changes.
For starters, opening the app doesn’t take you to your main feed. Instead, it jumps straight to Reels. Meta clearly wants Reels front and center.
Comments also look different. Instead of leaving the video to see what people are saying, they now appear next to the Reel. With all that extra screen space, Instagram can show more info at once, similar to the desktop experience.
Apple seems to be using the iPad app to test new features. One is the “Following” tab. This lets you see only posts from people you actually follow, instead of sorting through a mix of suggested content. Plus, posts show up in chronological order, so you won’t miss anything important.
And don’t worry, Android tablet users aren’t left out—the app is coming to those devices soon. If you want a fresh start or just need a break, you can also delete your Instagram and start over.
