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Instagram Launches Native iPad App With Reels-First Design

The long-delayed release signals a tablet-focused pivot that prioritizes short-form video to boost engagement versus TikTok.

Overview

  • The app is rolling out globally on the App Store as a free download for iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or later.
  • By default, the experience opens to a Reels feed with Stories at the top and one-tap access to messaging.
  • A new Following tab adds All, Friends, and Latest views, including a chronological option, and users can reorder these feeds.
  • Tablet-specific layouts include split-pane DMs, side-by-side notifications, and expandable comments that sit next to videos without stopping playback.
  • Instagram says an Android tablet–optimized version is coming soon, underscoring a reversal after years of deprioritizing iPad support as Reels already accounts for over 20% of time spent on the platform.