Meta Finally Brings WhatsApp to iPad: A Long-Awaited Victory and What It Means for the Future

After more than 15 years since the iPad’s debut in 2010 and WhatsApp’s launch in 2009, Meta has finally released a native WhatsApp app for iPadOS, a move that has left many users both relieved and puzzled. This long-overdue development, announced on May 27, 2025, marks a significant shift in Meta’s approach to Apple’s tablet ecosystem. But why did it take so long? How does this compare to Meta’s ongoing resistance to creating a native Instagram app for iPad? And what does this mean for the future of Meta’s apps on iPadOS? Let’s dive in.

The 15-Year Wait for WhatsApp on iPad

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, has been a staple on iPhones and Macs, yet iPad users were left in the lurch, forced to rely on workarounds like WhatsApp Web or third-party clients with limited functionality and security concerns. Despite the iPad’s growing popularity and versatility, Meta’s neglect of a native iPad app seemed perplexing—until now.

The primary reason for the delay appears to be technical and strategic. Historically, WhatsApp’s authentication relied heavily on a mobile number tied to a smartphone, which posed a challenge for iPads, many of which lack cellular capabilities. While Meta introduced multi-device support in 2021, allowing up to four devices to link to an account without the primary phone being online, the company was slow to capitalize on this for iPadOS. In 2022, WhatsApp’s head, Will Cathcart, acknowledged the demand, saying, “People have wanted an iPad app for a long time,” and expressed interest in developing one. Yet, progress crawled, with a beta version only appearing in TestFlight in September 2023, limited to a small group of testers.

Strategic priorities also played a role. Meta has long prioritized its mobile and desktop ecosystems, where WhatsApp’s user base is massive—over 2 billion monthly active users globally. The iPad, despite its growth, likely represented a smaller market segment, making it less urgent for Meta to allocate resources. The company’s focus on other initiatives, like integrating Meta AI across its apps and enhancing features like HD video sharing and Channels, further delayed the iPad app.

The newly released WhatsApp for iPad (version 25.16.81) finally addresses these gaps. It offers a two-column layout optimized for the iPad’s larger screen, supports video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, and integrates iPadOS features like Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager for seamless multitasking. Users can also leverage the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, making it a robust companion to the iPhone and Mac apps. Importantly, it syncs conversations across devices with end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and continuity.

Instagram’s iPad App: A Parallel Tale of Resistance

Meta’s approach to WhatsApp for iPad mirrors its reluctance to develop a native Instagram app for the platform, a saga that’s equally frustrating for users. Since Instagram launched in 2010, iPad users have been stuck with a scaled-up iPhone app that fails to utilize the tablet’s larger display. Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, has repeatedly downplayed the need for an iPad app, citing limited resources and a lack of sufficient demand. In 2020, he noted that an iPad app “would be nice to do” but wasn’t a priority due to staffing constraints. In 2022, he doubled down, stating that the iPad user base wasn’t “big enough” to justify the effort.

This resistance stands in stark contrast to competitors like TikTok and Snapchat, which have offered native iPad apps with features like landscape mode support. The absence of an optimized Instagram app has been particularly glaring given the platform’s visual focus, which would benefit immensely from the iPad’s high-resolution displays and creative tools like the Apple Pencil for editing Reels or Stories.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Reports from April 2025 suggest Meta is now developing a native Instagram app for iPad, possibly spurred by the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. due to regulatory pressures. Meta appears to be positioning Instagram—particularly its Reels feature—as a direct competitor to TikTok, and an iPad app could enhance its appeal for content creators and consumers alike. Unlike WhatsApp, Instagram’s login process is simpler, not requiring a phone number, which could make adapting it for iPadOS less complex.

The contrast between WhatsApp and Instagram highlights Meta’s selective prioritization. While WhatsApp’s iPad app took 15 years, its beta testing and multi-device framework laid the groundwork for a smoother release. Instagram, however, has lagged further, with no public beta yet, suggesting Meta’s commitment to iPadOS remains cautious and reactive rather than proactive.

Why Now? The Strategic Shift

The timing of WhatsApp’s iPad app release—and the rumored Instagram app—points to a broader strategic shift for Meta. Several factors likely contributed:

1. Market Pressure and Competition: With TikTok facing potential bans in the U.S. and Snapchat already offering a native iPad app, Meta may be feeling the heat to strengthen its presence on tablets. The iPad’s growing adoption for both productivity and entertainment makes it a platform Meta can no longer ignore.
2. User Demand and Ecosystem Integration: The vocal demand for iPad apps, amplified by posts on X and media coverage, has likely pushed Meta to act. The WhatsApp team’s subtle tease on X with an eyes emoji in response to a user’s request for an iPad app underscores this responsiveness.
3. Technological Readiness: The multi-device support introduced in 2021 was a critical enabler, allowing Meta to overcome earlier technical barriers. The success of WhatsApp’s Mac app, rebuilt for Apple Silicon, also demonstrated Meta’s growing commitment to Apple’s ecosystem.
4. Capitalizing on Apple’s Platform: By supporting iPadOS features like multitasking and Apple Pencil compatibility, Meta is aligning with Apple’s vision of the iPad as a versatile device for work and creativity. This could attract more users to its apps within Apple’s ecosystem.

Future Implications: A Turning Point for Meta on iPadOS?

The launch of WhatsApp for iPad is a milestone, but it also raises questions about Meta’s broader strategy for iPadOS and its implications for users and the tech landscape.

For Users

• Enhanced Experience: The WhatsApp iPad app offers a more seamless and feature-rich experience compared to WhatsApp Web, with proper multitasking and a tablet-optimized interface. If Instagram follows suit, users could enjoy a similarly polished experience for browsing and creating content.
• Cross-Platform Continuity: With WhatsApp now syncing across iPhone, Mac, and iPad, Meta is strengthening its ecosystem play, making it easier for users to stay connected across devices.
• Creative Potential: An Instagram iPad app could unlock new formats, like landscape-oriented Reels or advanced editing tools, leveraging the iPad’s larger screen and input options.

For Meta

• Competitive Edge: By embracing iPadOS, Meta can better compete with platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, especially if regulatory changes disrupt the social media landscape.
• Monetization Opportunities: Optimized apps could drive higher engagement, opening new avenues for ads and creator monetization, particularly on Instagram.
• AI Integration: Meta’s push to integrate its Llama-based AI chatbot across its apps, including a dedicated iOS app released in April 2025, suggests future iPad apps could incorporate AI features, though Meta’s decision to block Apple Intelligence features in its apps indicates a preference for its own AI ecosystem.

For the Industry

• Pressure on Competitors: Meta’s move could push other companies to prioritize iPadOS, reinforcing the tablet’s role in the app ecosystem.
• Shifting Device Trends: While some argue touchscreens are losing ground to augmented reality devices like Apple’s Vision Pro or Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, the iPad’s versatility suggests tablets remain relevant. Meta’s investment in iPad apps signals confidence in this form factor.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the excitement, Meta’s track record invites skepticism. The 15-year delay for WhatsApp and ongoing delays for Instagram have frustrated users, with some calling the iPad app a “boomer move” in 2025’s tech landscape. Privacy concerns also linger, as evidenced by X posts questioning Meta’s data practices. Additionally, Meta’s decision to disable Apple Intelligence features in its apps, including WhatsApp and Instagram, may limit functionality for iOS users who rely on features like Writing Tools or Genmoji.

Looking Ahead

The release of WhatsApp for iPad is a win for users and a sign that Meta is rethinking its approach to Apple’s tablet. If the rumored Instagram iPad app materializes, it could mark a turning point, making Meta’s apps more competitive and versatile. However, Meta must move faster and more decisively to shed its reputation for neglecting iPadOS. As tablets continue to evolve as hybrid devices for work and play, Meta’s newfound focus could redefine how its apps fit into users’ digital lives.

For now, iPad users can download WhatsApp from the App Store and enjoy a long-overdue native experience. Whether Instagram will follow remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after 15 years, Meta is finally taking the iPad seriously.