Instagram is rolling out two highly anticipated updates that cater directly to the modern habits of its user base: a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for Reels and a native application for the iPad. These changes are set to make the platform more flexible and user-friendly.
For the multitaskers, the new PiP feature is a dream come true. Currently in a limited test, it allows a Reel to continue playing in a small, floating window even when you switch to another app. This means you can reply to a message from a friend or check a notification without having to sacrifice the video you were enjoying, blending communication and content consumption.
For the tablet users, the arrival of a native iPad app is a massive quality-of-life improvement. The new app is designed to take full advantage of the larger screen, providing an optimized layout that makes photos and videos more immersive and interaction more intuitive. It’s a move that finally gives tablet users the first-class experience they have been asking for.
These updates signal a clear direction for Instagram: one that values user convenience and platform adaptability. By supporting multitasking and providing a superior large-screen experience, the company is ensuring that its platform remains a central part of users’ daily digital routines, regardless of how or on what device they choose to engage.