Snapchat is officially rolling out native support for iPad, the company announced in the app’s latest release notes. After more than a decade since its inception, the popular social networking app is transitioning from an iPhone-only application, marred by unsightly black borders on iPads, to a fully optimized app for the iPad’s expansive display.
With this groundbreaking update, Snapchat finally embraces iPad users, 13 years after its debut on iOS. “Snapchat now offers native support for iPad,” the App Store release notes simply state. “This enhancement not only promises a full-screen experience but also introduces a larger canvas for capturing Snaps and an improved layout to connect with more friends on select tabs.”
This move not only broadens access for iPad users but also positions Snapchat as a platform for innovation, allowing users to experiment with its suite of tools, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and artificial intelligence (AI) features on a grander scale. The decision to expand to iPad comes without explicit reasons from Snap, nor an announcement of any tailored experiences for iPad enthusiasts.
However, it should be noted that the app’s adaptation for tablets is not without its limitations, as it currently supports only portrait mode, excluding landscape orientation.
The introduction of a native iPad app closely follows TikTok’s update aimed at maximizing the utility of larger screens, which included landscape mode functionality and improved navigation. By stepping into the iPad arena, Snapchat not only strengthens its competitive stance against TikTok but also sets its sights on capturing more attention with its own TikTok rival, Spotlight.
Interestingly, Instagram remains on the sidelines without a native iPad app, placing Snapchat and TikTok in an advantageous position to leverage the larger screen real estate, a move that could potentially reshape social networking experiences on tablets.