Instagram redesigns the iPad app to be what it always should have been

Instagram finally launched an iPad app last fall, more than 15 years after the iPad launched. But the iPad version of Instagram differed from its iPhone app in key ways. Now, after a new update, Instagram for iPad has been redesigned to be what it always should have been.

The new Instagram app for iPad works exactly like the iPhone version, ditching the Reels-first design

The wait for a native Instagram app for iPad seemed endless, especially for those who matter.

But when Instagram finally came to iPad last fall, it came with a curious design choice.

Rather than replicating the familiar iPhone experience, Instagram for iPad brought Reels to the forefront.

Excerpt from the announcement message:

With Instagram for iPad, we’ve redesigned the experience to reflect the way people use larger screens today – to entertain with ease. Now when you open the app, you’ll access Reels, so you can get the entertaining content you love on a bigger screen. You’ll also see Stories at the top, so you can easily connect with the people who matter to you, and messaging is just a tap away.

It was an interesting experiment, but it apparently wasn’t well received by users.

For what? Because Instagram has just redesigned its iPad app to be largely identical to its iPhone version.

In simple terms, this means three main changes:

1. Now the Home tab on iPad works just like it does on iPhone. It offers a feed of posts from people you follow and suggested posts.
2. Reels have been placed in a second dedicated navigation tab, just like on iPhone.
3. The Instagram-only “Following” tab is now gone, as it was essentially the iPhone’s Home tab, but confusingly renamed.

Overall, Instagram on iPad will now offer the same basic layout and design as Instagram for iPhone, but with the benefit of a larger screen. And in my mind, at least, that’s exactly what should have been done from the start.

What do you think of the new design of Instagram on iPad? Let us know in the comments.

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