Instagram is finally building a dedicated iPad app—something users have requested for over a decade. The platform, which has long resisted adapting to larger screens, appears to be shifting its stance, likely to stay competitive with TikTok, which already supports iPads and foldable phones with tailored interfaces.
The clearest evidence of the change is the appearance of an Instagram app for iPad on Apple’s TestFlight, the testing platform developers use to share pre-release apps. While there’s no official confirmation from Meta or a public release timeline, the TestFlight availability signals internal testing is underway. A similar TestFlight build has also appeared for WhatsApp on iPad, suggesting a broader effort by Meta to optimize its apps for tablets.
Historically, Instagram co-founder Adam Mosseri repeatedly dismissed the need for an iPad app, arguing in 2022 that the iPad user base wasn’t large enough to justify the work. But that logic seems outdated in 2025. iPads are everywhere – from content creators to students and professionals – and app expectations have evolved. Users now expect fluid, full-screen experiences that adapt to larger and foldable displays, not stretched-out phone apps.
Instagram already has a responsive web app that works well on tablets, but wrapping that into a native iPadOS app would be a simple and effective step. Beyond that, Instagram could also benefit from redesigning its UI to suit not only iPads but also foldable phones with book-style displays, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series or the OnePlus Open. These devices are becoming more mainstream, and Meta’s apps need to meet users where they are.
In contrast, TikTok has been ahead of the curve. It offers a fully functional iPad version and optimized experiences for foldables. This accessibility, especially for creators and heavy users, could be one of the reasons TikTok continues to dominate engagement metrics. Instagram’s decision to adapt may be part of a broader realization: forcing users to switch back to a phone for the full experience is no longer acceptable.
While the iPad app may not go public anytime soon, the shift signals Meta’s quiet acknowledgment that user experience on large screens can no longer be an afterthought.
Discover more from Techish Kenya
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
