The iPad is such a popular gadget that it has become the noun most people use to refer to all tablet computers, but despite Apple’s dominance in this area, the iPad has lacked some key apps for years.
The first iPad was launched in 2010 yet it took until September 2024 and the release of iPadOS 18 for Apple to give the iPad an official calculator app, a baffling omission until that point.
But it isn’t always Apple’s fault if a major app isn’t available for the iPad, and according to a new report, one very popular missing app could finally be making its way to the tablet having for years remained unavailable.
According to The Information (via 9to5Mac), Instagram is working on an app for iPad that could finally end Apple users’ 15 year wait for one – Instagram launched in 2010, the same year as the first iPad, yet if you head to the App Store on your iPad today, Instagram is nowhere to be seen.
You’ll be able to download the iPhone version of Instagram, but this displays only in portrait and as a zoomed in version that looks odd on the larger tablet screen, which can pixelate images.
“Instagram is also working on a version of the Instagram app designed for iPads, the current employee said, which could further drive usage of Instagram,” the report in The Information said. “Currently, iPad users can download a version of the Instagram app designed for iPhones, which appears zoomed-in on iPads—not a good experience!”
The report claims Instagram is exploring new ways to take on competition from TikTok. We’d have thought an iPad app would have helped with this before now.
There is still no indication as to when Instagram would release its official iPad app, and the firm hasn’t officially confirmed it’s coming, but it would presumably shoot to the top of the download charts. Viewing photos, reels and everything else on Instagram on a larger screen would surely be appealing to the millions of iPad owners who also use the Meta-owned social network.
Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said in 2021 that an Instagram iPad app “would be nice to do” but made it clear that it wasn’t a priority. It’s not clear exactly why this has been the case for so many years, other than that Mosseri and the company believe adding new features to the iPhone and Android version is more important.
Developers have to make separate apps for iPhone and iPad, but this is not the case for Android. Any Android app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store onto an Android smartphone or tablet, so all Android tablets can run Instagram.
But given the iPad is overwhelmingly the world’s best selling tablet, it seems strange that Instagram would choose to not release an official app for the devices.
