A New Era for Instagram: iPad App Launches and Reels Go PiP

Instagram is ushering in a new era of usability and convenience with two landmark updates. The platform has officially launched a native iPad application and has begun testing a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, fundamentally changing how users interact with content on different devices and during different activities.
The launch of the native iPad app is a moment many users have been waiting for. It replaces the stretched-out iPhone app with a user interface designed from the ground up for the tablet’s larger screen real estate. This makes viewing high-resolution photos, watching full-screen Reels, and navigating the app a far superior experience, encouraging longer and more engaged usage.
Simultaneously, the PiP test for Reels introduces a new layer of multitasking capability. This feature allows a video to continue playing in a small, resizable window when a user switches apps. It’s the perfect solution for replying to a quick message without having to completely pause the entertainment, blending content consumption with social communication.
For the Instagram ecosystem, these changes are highly significant. The iPad app opens up new possibilities for content engagement on a shared, family-friendly device. Meanwhile, the PiP feature ensures that creators’ videos have a better chance of being watched to completion, which is a critical factor for visibility and growth on the platform.