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Instagram releases completely redesigned iPhone app

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:17PM EST
Instagram Update

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Surprise: Instagram just released a major update to its iPhone app that completely changes the look of the world’s most popular photo-sharing app. We saw some hints that the Facebook-owned app was testing a pretty dramatic redesign, and early peeks at the new layout were universally praised by users. It looks like the redesign was so well-received that Instagram decided to move forward, and the new design is now available to all iPhone users.

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Here’s a video showcasing the new look as well as some new features:

“Today we’re introducing a new look. You’ll see an updated icon and app design for Instagram. Inspired by the previous app icon, the new one represents a simpler camera and the rainbow lives on in gradient form,: Instagram said in a blog post.

The post continued, “We’ve made improvements to how the Instagram app looks on the inside as well. The simpler design puts more focus on your photos and videos without changing how you navigate the app.”

What do we think of the fresh new Instagram design? We love it. Starting from the icon before you even open the app, Instagram’s old look didn’t fit well at all with iOS’s modern design. The same was true of the graphics within the app’s user interface — they were relics of the past. The new icon pops and fits much better, as does the app itself, from top to bottom.

The new app is available to download immediately, and as always it’s free in the iOS App Store.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.