Latest news with #KayaYurieff
India Today
02-06-2025
- India Today
Instagram for iPad coming soon, likely by the end of this year
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 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 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 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 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.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Instagram for iPad in Progress, Meta Gears Up for Late 2024 Launch
After years of anticipation, Meta appears to be finally answering the call of iPad users. Reports indicate that a native Instagram app tailored for the iPad is under active development, with a public release expected by the end of 2024. The news comes on the heels of Meta's recent launch of WhatsApp for iPad, surprising fans and fueling hopes for more tablet-optimised experiences. Now, Instagram seems to be the next major Meta-owned platform to make the leap, according to industry insiders. This development was first hinted at in April by The Information's Kaya Yurieff and Kalley Huang. More recently, Bloomberg's tech correspondent Mark Gurman confirmed that Meta employees are internally testing the iPad version. Gurman added, 'Unless there are major setbacks, it should be available to the public before the end of 2024.' Instagram's absence on the iPad has long puzzled users, especially given the platform's visual nature—designed for sharing photos, videos, and stories that are arguably best experienced on larger screens. For over a decade, iPad users have been left with the zoomed-in iPhone version of Instagram, which fails to fully utilise the iPad's expansive display. So, what took Meta so long? Experts point to both technical challenges and underlying tensions between Meta and Apple. Initially, Instagram was built around lower-resolution images, which often appeared pixelated on iPad's high-resolution display. But beyond the tech limitations, a frosty relationship between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook may have also played a role. For years, the two tech giants have clashed publicly over issues like user privacy and App Store policies. Some believe that Meta's delay in releasing Instagram for iPad was, in part, a subtle form of pushback against Apple. That said, the tide now appears to be turning. With WhatsApp now officially on iPad, and Instagram supporting high-resolution media, widescreen videos, and long-form content, Meta seems ready to prioritise the user experience over past rivalries. Competition may also be a driving factor. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts already offer robust tablet support and continue to capture the attention of younger users. Meta likely sees the Instagram iPad app as essential for retaining engagement and expanding its user base. Internal efforts are reportedly in full swing. 'Meta employees are going full steam ahead,' says Gurman. The launch timeline remains subject to change, but the outlook appears optimistic. There's no confirmation yet on whether Meta's Threads app will also come to iPad, but for now, the promise of a native Instagram experience is big news for creators, casual users, and everyone who prefers editing or browsing on a bigger screen.
