Meta is reportedly developing a native Instagram app for iPad — a notable shift after years of tablet users relying on scaled-up phone or web versions. The change reflects Meta’s intent to better tailor the experience to larger screens and to further prioritize short-form video consumption.
Why a dedicated iPad app matters
Tablets encourage a different viewing posture: users often “lean back” and watch longer or full-screen content. A native iPad app can deliver a Reels-first experience, larger previews, and multitasking features such as split-screen DMs and side-by-side editing — improvements that should benefit creators and casual viewers a like.
What to expect from the iPad build
Insiders and company posts suggest the app will emphasize Reels and support tablet-optimized UI patterns like an easier-to-access “Following” tab, fluid landscape layouts, and better DM handling so watching video isn’t interrupted. These design choices point to a product that makes consuming and creating short-form video on a bigger canvas simpler and more natural.
How this fits the broader short-video battle
The timing lines up with ongoing platform shifts in short-form video. As governments and market events influence where creators publish, platforms are doubling down on their editing and publishing tools — for example, Meta’s own creative tooling push seen in its new video editing app. See the announcement on Instagram’s editing app for creators for more context.
What creators and viewers should know now
Creators can expect a larger editing workspace and better previews, while viewers should see smoother full-screen Reels and easier navigation of Stories and DMs. If you follow developments around short-form video regulation and platform competition, the TikTok timeline and its extensions are useful background reading.
- For policy context about short-video platforms: TikTok Ban on Hold Again, US Government Issues Another Extension.
- Instagram DMs Get a New Music Sticker, Here’s How to Use It.
