Meta's Native Instagram App for iPads: How Is It Different?
Humpy Adepu
Reels-First Homepage: The iPad app launches directly into a full-screen Reels feed, unlike the iPhone which opens to the standard photo/video feed
Following Tab: A new "Following" tab allows users to filter their feeds to show content from everyone, just friends, or chronologically.
Larger Screen Interface: The app takes advantage of the bigger screen with multi-column layouts for DMs and a dedicated space for comments alongside posts.
Designed for Tablets: It's an optimized native app, not a stretched version of the iPhone app, providing a clearer, more tailored viewing experience.
Lean-Back Experience: The new design, especially the Reels focus, is intended for "lean-back entertainment," emphasizing passive video watching on a larger screen.
Enhanced Multitasking: The multi-column layout makes it easier to navigate DMs or view comments without leaving the main content screen.
Vertical Navigation Bar: The main navigation bar, usually at the bottom on iPhones, is placed vertically on the left side of the screen.
More Control: The new "Following" tab offers more control over feed content than the mobile app, which has limited filtering options.
Stories at the Top: Stories are still prominently displayed at the top of the app, similar to the iPhone version.