After long wait, Facebook releases iPad app

iPAD APP This product image provided by Facebook shows the Facebook application as shown on an iPad screen. AP

NEW YORK—iPad users now have their own Facebook app.

Facebook released an updated version of its iPhone application on Monday, one that’s also designed to fill out the larger screen of the iPad. Like the previous iPhone version, it’s free.

The lack of an iPad app for the world’s most popular social network has been a mystery ever since Apple launched its tablet computer a year and a half ago.

Third-party developers have made money selling their own apps that present Facebook data.

“We’re releasing it now because it’s done,” said Bret Taylor, Facebook’s chief technology officer.