After years of anticipation, Meta is reportedly pushing forward with a native Instagram app for iPad! Following the long-overdue release of WhatsApp for iPad, many users have been asking the all-important question: when will Instagram join the party?

According to the renowned tech reporter Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, development for the iPad version of Instagram is in full swing. Gurman states that internal testing is already underway at Meta's headquarters, and if everything goes smoothly, we can expect its official launch later this year.

A Long Time Coming!

It’s hard to believe that a platform as beloved as Instagram has never tailored its experience for iPad users. For too long, iPad owners have had to settle for a scaled-up version of the iPhone app, usually disappointing for something so visual.

The Indecipherable Delay

Many speculate that this tardiness was, at times, a grudge against Apple. Zuckerberg seemingly felt a personal vexation toward Tim Cook following their previous confrontations, particularly regarding privacy issues linked to the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Moreover, a prior debacle with Meta’s Onavo app that resulted in their exit from Apple’s developer program only added to the frictions. This has led some to believe that the absence of an Instagram app for iPad was strategically avoidant.

Changing Times and User Demands

However, the landscape of mobile usage is shifting. Instagram’s user base is growing increasingly diverse, leaning toward high-resolution photography, widescreen videos, and even long-form content. In this new era of media consumption, high-quality displays—like those on iPads—become essential.

Not to mention the threat posed by TikTok, which has confidently established its presence on iPad. With TikTok's popularity soaring, Meta may realize that resisting iPad support is no longer a viable strategy.

Is the Wait Over?

As competition intensifies and the need for innovative revenue streams becomes paramount, it seems the moment has finally arrived for Meta to embrace the inevitable. An optimized Instagram app for iPad could not only enhance user experience but also help Meta reclaim its footing in the evolving landscape of social media.

So, get ready, iPad users—Instagram’s long-awaited arrival could be just around the corner!