NEW YORK >> One of the big, enduring questions of the technology world: "When will iPad users get their very own Facebook app?"

The answer is —now.

Facebook is releasing an updated version of its iPhone application on Monday afternoon, 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 most popular social network in the world 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.

Why now? "We’re releasing it now because it’s done," explained Bret Taylor, Facebook’s chief technology officer.