It took 13 years, but Snapchat has finally launched native app support for the Apple iPad, and the update means Snapchatters can now utilize the entirety of their device's screen for the first time.
Before this update, iPad users were forced to use iPhone versions of popular apps that were optimized for the iPhone's smaller screen instead of the iPad's larger screen, meaning they were forced to run the apps at a lower resolution with large black borders. The apps debuted on the iPhone in 2011.
Snapchat for iPad doesn't support landscape mode on iPad, forcing users to run it in portrait mode, but that's probably how most Snapchatters use the app anyway.
Snapchat now offers native support for iPad, which means Snapchat will take up the full screen on your iPad, giving you a bigger canvas when capturing snaps and the ability to see more of your friends on the second and fourth tabs.
For the three iPhone or iPad users who have never used Snapchat, here's what the app does.
Snapchat is the fast, fun way to share moments with friends and family.
snap
• Snapchat opens instantly to the camera screen. Just tap to take a photo, or press and hold to record a video.
• Express yourself with lenses, filters, Bitmoji and more!
• Try a new Lens every day created by the Snapchat community!
chat
• Stay in touch with friends with Live Messages and share your day in Group Stories.
• Video chat with up to 16 friends at a time and use lenses and filters while chatting.
• Express yourself with Friendmojis, special Bitmojis made just for you and your friends.
story
• Check out your friends' stories to see what's happening today.
• View stories from Snapchat communities based on your interests.
• Watch breaking news and exclusive original programming.
Spotlight
• Spotlight showcases Snapchat's best features.
• Send your own snaps or sit back, relax and watch.
• Choose your favorites and share them with your friends.
map
• Share your location with close friends or go offline with Ghost Mode.
• When your friends share their location, you can see what they're up to on your most personal map.
• Explore live stories from communities near you or around the world!
memory
• Store unlimited photos and videos of your favorite moments.
• Edit old moments and send them to friends or save them to your camera roll.
• Create stories from your favorite memories and share them with friends and family.
Friendship Profile
• Every friendship has its own special profile to see the moments you've saved together.
• Discover new things you have in common with your Charms. See how long you've been friends, your astrological compatibility, your Bitmoji's fashion sense, and more.
• Because your friendship profile is just between you and your friend, you can bond over what makes your friendship special.
Happy snapping!
Snapchat is available for free from the App Store and requires iOS 13 or later on iPhone, and iPadOS 13 or later on iPad.