This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Published on October 8, 2019, Instagram has finally introduced Dark Mode for its app on both Android 10 and iOS 13.
For those who have been eagerly waiting for a less straining Instagram experience, this is a significant update. However, there are some caveats to consider.
Firstly, users need to be running either Android 10 or iOS 13 to access the new Dark Mode. This means that millions of Android users who are yet to receive Android 10 or may never get it will be left out.
Furthermore, users need to enable system-wide Dark Mode on their phones for the Instagram Dark Mode to work. Unfortunately, there is no in-app toggle to switch to Dark Mode, unlike other apps.
On the positive side, Instagram has avoided making Dark Mode an iPhone-only feature, unlike Twitter's 'Lights Out' mode. Additionally, Instagram's Dark Mode is truly black, making it perfect for OLED displays.
As Instagram continues to update its features, users on Android 10 and iOS 13 can now enjoy the new Dark Mode. However, it's worth noting that the Following Activity Tab is also being removed, where users could check their friends' activities.
