What you need to know
Instagram is embarking on an innovative journey, courtesy of Meta’s Reality Labs, which is set to transform the way users interact with photos on the platform. This new feature introduces an immersive 3D experience to Instagram’s traditionally 2D images, allowing for a more engaging visual exploration.
- The test will enable users to scroll through Instagram with a heightened sense of depth and spatial awareness when using a Meta Quest VR headset.
- A select group of testers will soon have the opportunity to experience this immersive 3D functionality, enhancing their interaction with Instagram’s photo content.
In a recent blog post, Meta revealed its plans to roll out this intriguing test, which aims to breathe new life into the way users perceive and engage with images on Instagram. By leveraging the capabilities of the Meta Quest VR headset, the company is set to offer a glimpse into a more lifelike experience while scrolling through the app.
This initiative echoes the ambitions of Android XR, which aspires to create similar immersive experiences across Google’s applications. Android XR was prominently featured during the I/O 2025 event, where Google showcased its vision for Gemini-powered smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) glasses. During this presentation, Nishtha Bhatia, a product manager at Google, demonstrated Gemini’s impressive memory capabilities, highlighting how the AI could recall specific details, such as the name and location of a coffee shop, and provide directions seamlessly.
As Instagram ventures into this new territory, it stands at the intersection of social media and cutting-edge technology, promising an enriched user experience that could redefine how we share and connect through visuals.