Meta has recently rolled out a long-awaited iPad app for WhatsApp, sparking joy among users who’ve wondered why it took so long. While many celebrate this new functionality, the internet buzzes with another question: when will Instagram follow suit?
Good news! According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Meta is actively developing a native Instagram app for the iPad. Employees at Meta’s campus are already testing the app, promising a release later this year.
Historically, Instagram has forced iPad users to use an unoptimized version of the iPhone app, leading to frustration. It’s puzzling that a platform so suited for sharing images hasn’t catered to iPad users sooner.
There are speculations about why Meta was slow to embrace the larger screen. Some believe it was partly a response to rivalry with Apple, stemming from past disagreements between Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook. For instance, Zuckerberg felt slighted by Cook’s remarks about Facebook’s handling of privacy issues.
Despite these tensions, times have changed. The iPad user base is expanding, and Instagram now includes high-resolution images and video content. Plus, there’s increased competition from apps like TikTok, which already offers a great experience on the iPad.
A recent study revealed that more than 60% of users prefer social media browsing on larger screens. This shift in user behavior puts pressure on Meta to adapt. As the landscape continues to evolve, the need for an optimized Instagram app becomes clear.
As we await the Instagram update, it’s evident that Meta is finally recognizing the importance of catering to its iPad audience. With competition heating up, it seems they’ve realized that an Instagram app for the iPad is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have for staying relevant and engaged with users.
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