Instagram's Twitter rival ‘Threads’ to launch on July 6

Instagram's rumored Twitter competitor, Threads, is now available on the iOS App Store in the US. The app is expected to officially launch on July 6. 

According to the App Store description, Threads is described as a platform where communities can gather to discuss a wide range of topics, both current and trending. Users can follow and connect with their favorite creators and others who share their interests. Additionally, they can build their own loyal following to share their ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world. 

Over the weekend, a brief listing for Threads also appeared on Google Play for Android. The listing, initially discovered by developer Alessandro Paluzzi, included screenshots and initial details about the app. 

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has reportedly been working on Threads, previously known as Project 92, since January, according to The Verge. 

In terms of functionality, Threads will resemble Twitter, allowing users to create text-based posts that can be liked, commented on, and shared. The screenshots from the App Store listing indicate that users can follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram and retain their existing usernames. 

While Threads will maintain close ties to Instagram, it will function as a separate and stand-alone app. Although the App Store listing doesn't provide much information, it suggests that users will have the ability to engage with posts through liking, commenting, reposting, and sharing. Furthermore, the screenshots reveal that users will have the option to customise their post settings, specifically in terms of who can respond to their posts. The available options include allowing replies from everyone, restricting replies to people the user follows, or limiting replies to only those mentioned in the post. 

The unveiling of Threads comes as no surprise, as information has been gradually dropping in recent months. As per a report by Money Control, a spokesperson from Instagram described Threads as a decentralized platform.