Instagram's Application Now Available for iPad Users

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has unveiled a redesigned version of the Instagram app tailored specifically for iPad users. The new app, designed for larger displays, offers a host of features aimed at improving the user experience.

The most notable change is the addition of a new "Following" tab. This tab offers various options to view specific content from accounts you follow. One option is "Latest", which displays posts and Reels from accounts you follow in chronological order, with the newest at the top. Another option is "All", which shows suggested posts and Reels from accounts you follow. Yet another option, "Friends", displays suggested posts and Reels from accounts you follow and who also follow you.

The redesigned app is not just about the "Following" tab, though. It also offers a full-screen mode for both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing users to immerse themselves in Reels without distractions. The home screen takes users directly to the Reels page, making it easier to discover and enjoy content.

The app's compatibility extends to Apple's Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Apple Pencil (Pro), making it a versatile tool for creating and consuming content. It is also optimized for iPadOS 15.1 and later, ensuring smooth performance on these platforms.

Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, explained the decision to develop the iPad app. Previously, the iPad user base was too small to justify a native app, but Meta decided to develop it recently due to changing market conditions and competitive pressure, especially from TikTok.

One of the most useful features of the redesigned app is its ability to keep the inbox in view while reading a DM chat. This means users can quickly respond to messages without having to navigate away from their conversations. The app also enables reading comments while watching a Reel, enhancing the overall user experience.

The app's support for iPadOS's multitasking and window system allows users to multitask more effectively. Stories are displayed along the top of the screen in the redesigned app, making it easy to keep up with friends' updates.

In summary, Meta's new Instagram app for iPad offers a comprehensive redesign aimed at enhancing the user experience. With its full-screen mode, compatibility with various Apple devices, and optimisation for iPadOS, it is a valuable tool for Instagram users on iPad.