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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Instagram’s dedicated iPad app arrived in September 2025, but its launch design opened straight to Reels instead of the familiar photo feed many users expected. Meta pitched that choice as a way to watch entertaining video on a larger screen. The interface was later reported to have changed: a May 2026 report said Home became the landing tab and Reels moved elsewhere. That update has not been confirmed here against a current official changelog, so check the live app for its present layout.
Does Instagram have an iPad app?
Yes. Meta announced a dedicated Instagram app for iPad on September 4, 2025. It replaced the need to rely on the iPhone app, which was not optimized for the larger display, or Instagram’s web version on an iPad, according to TechCrunch’s launch coverage.
Apple’s current US App Store listing identifies Instagram as an iPhone and iPad app and describes it as free with in-app purchases. It currently requires iPadOS 16.3 or later; Apple notes that some features may vary by country or region. See the US App Store listing for the current requirement and feature details.
Why did Instagram open to Reels on the iPad?
At launch, Reels was the default screen by design, not because of a documented technical problem. Meta described the iPad app as a “lean back entertainment” experience and said: “Now, when you open the app, you’ll drop into Reels, so you can get the entertaining content you love on a bigger screen.” The September 2025 announcement from Meta explained the decision.
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That choice could frustrate anyone who wanted to open Instagram and see photos from followed accounts first. The original app did include a Following tab, but reaching it meant navigating away from the Reels landing screen.
What the iPad app included at launch
Meta designed the launch version around larger-screen viewing and multitasking. Its main features included:
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- Reels on opening: The app launched directly into short-form video.
- Stories at the top: Stories appeared above the main viewing area.
- Following tab: The tab offered three ways to browse posts and Reels from followed accounts:
- All: Recommended posts and Reels from followed accounts.
- Friends: Recommended posts and Reels from mutual follows.
- Latest: Posts and Reels from followed accounts in chronological order.
- Large-screen layouts: Messages and notifications could appear side by side, while comments could expand next to a full-size Reel.
The app also provided access to DMs, Search, Explore, and notifications, according to TechCrunch.
What reportedly changed after launch
A T3 report published May 11, 2026, said an update made the iPad app more like the iPhone layout. According to that report, Home showed followed and suggested posts, Reels moved to a separate tab, and the Following tab disappeared. T3 said the rollout was global.
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- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
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This is a dated report, not confirmation from a current official changelog or a direct device check. The launch-era Reels-first complaint may therefore no longer describe the layout you see. Open Instagram on your iPad and check its tabs and Home screen to see how the current version behaves.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which iPadOS version do you need?
The requirement depends on whether you mean the initial launch or the current US App Store listing. TechCrunch reported that the app supported iPads running iPadOS 15.1 or later at launch in September 2025. Apple’s current US listing specifies iPadOS 16.3 or later. These figures describe different points in time, not a single unchanged requirement.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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