Apple’s iPad Struggles with App Support: A Growing Frustration Among Users
Apple’s iPad has long been celebrated as a powerful and versatile device, bridging the gap between smartphones and computers. Yet, despite its hardware capabilities, many users feel the software ecosystem continues to let it down—particularly when it comes to app support. A recent discussion on Reddit, based on a 9to5Mac article, highlights the growing frustration with major apps refusing to offer proper iPad support.
From Instagram to PayPal, some of the most widely used apps still don’t have native iPad versions, forcing users to rely on blown-up iPhone apps or web-based alternatives. This ongoing issue has sparked debate in the Apple community about why developers continue to neglect iPadOS and whether Apple itself bears any responsibility.
Developers Say iPad Optimization Isn’t Hard—So What’s the Hold-Up?
A common sentiment among commenters is that developing a proper iPad app isn’t as difficult as companies make it seem. As one developer pointed out:
“As someone who develops apps for iPhones and iPads, it’s really not that big of a stretch to support both. Really confusing why they don’t.”
The iPad runs on iPadOS, which is closely related to iOS, meaning that adapting an existing iPhone app for the iPad shouldn’t require a complete rewrite. Several Reddit users noted that even a simple adaptation of the phone app to a larger screen—without adding desktop-level features—would be an improvement over the stretched-out iPhone versions they’re forced to use today.
Yet, major companies like Instagram have ignored these calls for years. Many users suspect that it’s not a technical limitation but a matter of corporate prioritization. Some even believe that Instagram’s lack of an iPad app is intentional, to drive users toward the iPhone and Mac experience instead.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance: A Cost Companies Don’t Want to Bear?
One theory that gained traction in the discussion is that companies simply don’t see iPad support as worth the effort in the long run.
“It’s not how easy it is to optimize the app; it’s that product teams don’t see the ongoing support cost to be worth it.”
This perspective suggests that while creating an iPad version might be relatively simple, maintaining it and ensuring compatibility with future iPadOS updates is a burden companies aren’t willing to take on—especially if iPad usage for their apps is perceived as minimal.
For companies like Meta (which owns Instagram), user engagement and data collection are primary business drivers. If iPad users aren’t seen as a valuable data source, then investing in a dedicated app may not be a priority. One frustrated user speculated:
“Honestly, I think iPads don't have any interesting data to gather from users, so they don't give a [expletive] about them.”
A Larger Issue Across Apple’s Ecosystem?
This discussion isn’t just about Instagram or PayPal; it reflects a broader concern about Apple’s software ecosystem. Some users have noticed that even apps that once had dedicated Mac and iPad versions are being abandoned in favor of iOS-only releases.
One example cited was YouTube’s decision to remove support for its progressive web app (PWA) on iPads and Macs. Another user pointed out that apps like WhatsApp still don’t have a proper iPad version, forcing people to rely on web-based alternatives.
This trend has left many Apple fans questioning whether the iPad can ever truly be a laptop replacement when key productivity and social apps are still missing. While Apple continues to market the iPad as a powerful device for creators and professionals, the lack of native support from major developers suggests otherwise.
Apple’s Role in the Problem
Some users in the Reddit thread argued that Apple itself shares some blame. While the company provides developers with powerful tools to optimize apps for multiple devices, it doesn’t seem to enforce or encourage proper iPad support. Unlike on the Mac App Store, where Apple has stricter guidelines, the iOS App Store doesn’t mandate universal app support.
“Apple needs to start making iPad apps a requirement, at least for major developers. The platform will never reach its full potential if big-name apps don’t bother supporting it.”
Others suggested that Apple could incentivize developers to create iPad apps by offering better revenue-sharing models or promotional opportunities within the App Store.
Final Thoughts: Will Things Ever Change?
The lack of proper iPad app support remains a pain point for Apple users, and the frustration continues to grow. While some companies, like Netflix and Microsoft, offer full-fledged iPad apps, others—including some of the most widely used apps in the world—remain stubbornly absent.
For now, it seems the issue comes down to developer priorities rather than technical challenges. Until companies see real value in optimizing for the iPad, users may be stuck with blown-up iPhone apps or limited web-based experiences.
Apple has an opportunity to push for change, whether through stricter App Store policies or better incentives for developers. If the iPad is to be taken seriously as a professional device, it needs the software support to match its hardware potential. Otherwise, it risks remaining in an awkward space—capable of so much, yet limited by the lack of developer attention.
What do you think? Should Apple step in to enforce better iPad support, or is it up to individual companies to decide? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!