After over a decade of anticipation, Snapchat has finally released a native version of its app for the iPad. This new version, arriving 13 years after the app’s initial debut on the iPhone, brings the same instant social media experience that users love, now optimized for larger screens.
For years, iPad users have been requesting a dedicated app, and Snapchat has now answered, offering fans a well-designed, properly scaled version. The new iPad app closely mirrors the iPhone experience, offering all the same features, from instant photo and video sharing to fun face filters.
However, some limitations remain. Users must hold their iPad in portrait mode, as the app does not support landscape orientation. Additionally, while most of the app is optimized for the iPad, certain screens, such as the login page, still appear as expanded versions of the iPhone interface.
Despite its late arrival, Snapchat’s move to the iPad is a significant step forward for the app’s user base. The release may encourage other apps, like Instagram, to follow suit and develop native iPad versions. The app’s presence on the iPad marks a win for users who have long sought a more immersive experience on their tablets.
The new app increases accessibility on iPads, while also serving as a bit of testing ground for new features, as users can play around with tools, AR experiences and AI on a bigger screen.
Snapchat recently introduced new features that allow Snapchat+ subscribers to engage with the in-app chatbot, My AI. This addition enables users to send Snaps of their activities and receive a generative Snap back from the chatbot, creating a unique and interactive conversation experience.
