Meta just surprised iPad fans by finally launching an official WhatsApp app for iPad — and now it looks like Instagram is next in line. According to reports, Meta is actively developing and testing a native Instagram app for iPad, with a public release expected by the end of this year if all goes smoothly. The news comes from several reports including The Information’s Kaya Yurieff and Kalley Huang, who first revealed Meta’s plans back in April, and it was recently confirmed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

According to Gurman, Meta employees are already actively testing the iPad version of Instagram, and unless there are major setbacks, it should be available to the public before the end of 2024. For more than a decade, Instagram has been a glaring omission on the iPad. Particularly given that Instagram is all about visual content — photos, videos, and Stories that are simply better enjoyed on a bigger screen.

Many users have had to make do with the zoomed-in iPhone version of the app, which never truly took advantage of the iPad’s larger and more immersive display.

But why did Meta leave iPad users waiting for so long? Some tech insiders point to a mix of technical and personal reasons. On the technical side, Instagram’s earlier focus on lower-resolution photos meant that images could appear pixelated or blurry on the iPad’s high-resolution display. However, there’s also been some behind-the-scenes drama. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s Tim Cook have had ongoing tensions, particularly after public disputes over privacy and Apple’s App Store policies. Some reports suggest that the lack of iPad support may have been a subtle way for Meta to push back against Apple.
But with the recent release of WhatsApp for iPad, it seems Meta is finally ready to move past old grudges and focus on what users actually want.

There also seems to be a strategic angle here. According to Gurman, previous concerns around image quality on larger screens contributed to the delay. However, now Instagram itself has evolved, and it supports high-resolution images, widescreen videos, and longer-form content that’s perfect for tablet browsing.

Additionally, competition from platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok — which already has an iPad app and continues to draw younger users — has also likely given Instagram a push to not make its iPad users feel left out. With WhatsApp now on iPad, Meta is likely to bring the Intagram soon to keep users engaged and grow both its audience and revenue.

Now, Meta employees are reportedly going “full steam ahead,” says Gurman, with internal testing. Unless there are unexpected setbacks, the Instagram app for iPad should be available before the year ends. While there’s no word yet on whether Meta will also bring its Threads app to iPad, Instagram’s arrival alone is a big deal— especially for users who enjoy editing and browsing photos on a larger screen.