The wait is over for iPad users. After more than a decade of requests from its global community, Instagram has officially launched its optimized application for Apple’s tablet. The decision comes just as TikTok gains ground in terms of entertainment, viral content, and popularity among young audiences. Now, Meta doubles down with a redesigned experience that puts Reels at the center and aims to position the iPad as a key tool for visual content consumption.
Meta launches Instagram for iPad
Instagram had never had a dedicated app for iPad, despite being one of the most popular platforms in the world. Until now, users had to rely on the enlarged iPhone version, which offered a limited experience.
The new app was officially introduced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and is available globally for devices running iPadOS 15.1 or later. “Hoy, nos entusiasma anunciar la llegada de Instagram a iPad. Las personas lo pedían, y nos tomamos el tiempo para diseñar una experiencia que optimice los aspectos favoritos de Instagram para una pantalla más grande,” the company announced.
What does the new Instagram interface look like on iPad?
Upon opening the app, users are taken directly to a Reels feed, designed for relaxed content consumption, which Instagram refers to as “lean-back entertainment”. Stories remain pinned at the top, and messaging is now just one tap away.
Key features of this version include:
- Reels-centered feed
- Split-screen messaging and notifications
- Expandable comments without stopping the video
- Interface optimized for large screens
“Siéntate, relájate y mira Reels,” states the official announcement from Meta’s platform. The focus on Reels is because they account for more than 20% of the time users spend on Instagram, making it the central pillar of Meta’s strategy to increase engagement.
What does the “Following” tab offer on Instagram for iPad?
One of the most praised features by the community is the addition of a new tab called “Following”, which gives users more control over the content they see. This tab is divided into three sections:
- All: shows posts and Reels from accounts you follow.
- Friends: content from accounts you follow and who follow you back.
- Most Recent: posts displayed in chronological order.
“Sabemos que querían maneras más fáciles para asegurarse de no perderse nada de sus cuentas favoritas,” Instagram noted. Additionally, this tab is fully customizable, allowing users to choose which content they want to see first.
Instagram vs TikTok: A look at the numbers
- In the United States, Instagram has 171.7 million users, representing 60.5% of the adult population.
- TikTok has 135.8 million users in the same country.
- In Latin America, Instagram exceeds 80% penetration in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
- In Mexico, TikTok’s projected penetration for 2025 is 40.6%, slightly higher than Brazil’s (40%) and well above Argentina’s (28.9%).
These Statista figures show that while TikTok leads in active users in the region, Instagram remains a key player in user preference — especially for those looking for a more complete social network, with photos, videos, Stories, and now Reels on a large screen.
