A few days ago and fifteen years too late, Meta released an official iPad app for WhatsApp.
Instead, iPad users have had to settle for the iPhone app, zoomed in.
In any case, the decision has always felt odd, especially considering how naturally Instagram lends itself to casual browsing and media consumption.
But now that WhatsApp has made the leap, it looks like Instagram is finally next in line.
While Meta probably expected its TikTok problem to go away in court, that’s looking less likely by the day.
The official iPad app for WhatsApp was released by Meta a few days ago, fifteen years too late. As many rejoiced over the demise of one of the most puzzling software holdouts in App Store history, others posed the most obvious follow-up query: “Thanks! Can we have Instagram next?”.
Yes, it turns out.
It has been reported to me that workers at Meta Platforms Inc. Instagram is being tested on campus for the iPad, and development is moving forward at full speed. If everything goes according to plan, I would anticipate it being released this year. “.”.
Instagram is a popular iPhone app for many users and is owned by one of the largest tech companies in the world, but it has never provided an iPad-optimized experience. The iPhone app, zoomed in, has been the only option available to iPad users.
Why the wait?
Many have long perceived Meta’s lack of iPad support as a small-minded jab at Apple, Mark Zuckerberg’s retaliation against Tim Cook for previous disputes between the two companies.
Journalist Kara Swisher asked Cook what he would have done if Apple had been embroiled in a privacy scandal similar to Cambridge Analytica, to which Zuckerberg reportedly felt personally betrayed when Cook replied, “I wouldn’t be in this situation.”.
Subsequently, the Onavo controversy caused Meta to be temporarily (and highly publicly) expelled from Apple’s developer program.
Regardless, the choice has always seemed strange, particularly in light of Instagram’s inherent ability to facilitate casual browsing and media consumption. Each of which is enhanced by a larger screen.
However, Instagram appears to finally be following in WhatsApp’s footsteps.
Why now?
Technical issues contributed to the delay, according to Gurman: “Pictures have also frequently been low-resolution, something that would be more evident on a larger screen.”. “”. Perhaps being petty was another factor. Look up.
However, things have changed, and more people are using iPads. Additionally, Instagram’s own use cases have expanded to encompass long-form media consumption, widescreen video, and high-resolution content.
Then there is TikTok, which is accessible on the iPad and is still growing. Although Meta likely anticipated that its TikTok issue would be resolved in court, that is becoming less and less likely.
The time may have finally arrived for Meta to acknowledge that, similar to WhatsApp, having an iPad Instagram app is now required as competition heats up and the company runs out of ways to boost revenue from its current user base.
