YouTube Launches Official App for Apple Vision Pro, Enhancing Native Experience
YouTube has launched an official application for the Apple Vision Pro, making native access available to users since the platform's February 2024 debut. This new app integrates standard YouTube functionalities with spatial video experiences, offering support for a range of video formats and features.
Previously, users were directed to access YouTube content through Safari or via third-party applications. These third-party options were subsequently removed due to violations of YouTube's terms of service.
App Availability and Previous Access
The official YouTube application for visionOS is now available on the App Store for Apple Vision Pro. Prior to this release, YouTube was not natively supported on the platform since its launch in February 2024. Google had previously advised users to utilize Safari for YouTube content and indicated that a dedicated app was on its development roadmap.
During the interim period, several third-party YouTube applications, such as Juno, emerged on the visionOS App Store. However, these applications were later removed following complaints from Google, citing violations of its YouTube guidelines and Terms of Service.
Key Features and Functionality
The newly released YouTube app for Apple Vision Pro provides a comprehensive viewing experience, including:
- Standard YouTube Features: Users can access their subscriptions, watch history, playlists, and view YouTube Shorts.
- Spatial Video Support: The app offers support for 3D, 360-degree, and VR180 video content. It includes a "Spatial" tab designed for discovering these immersive video formats.
- Immersive Viewing: Videos can be watched within built-in visionOS environments, transforming content into a spatial viewing experience.
- High Resolution Playback: The application supports video playback up to 8K resolution on compatible Apple Vision Pro models equipped with the M5 chip. It is also compatible with M2 chip models.
- User Interaction: Users can interact with the app using gesture controls for functions such as window resizing and video scrubbing.
- Full Signed-In Experience: The app provides a complete signed-in experience for accessing personalized content.
Market Context
The launch of the YouTube app comes as other major streaming services, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock, have offered native applications for the Apple Vision Pro since its initial release.
Reports from various sources, including The Financial Times, have indicated a decrease in user engagement with the Apple Vision Pro headset, alongside reported production adjustments and reduced marketing efforts by Apple. This broader context highlights YouTube's entry into a market facing evolving user adoption trends.