Key Highlights
- YouTube has launched its first dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro after two years of relying on web access.
- The new app supports immersive viewing, gesture controls, and spatial video formats.
- Owners of newer models can stream content in up to 8K resolution.
- The launch comes as overall Apple Vision Pro sales reportedly slow down.
YouTube has officially released a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro, ending a long wait for native support on Apple’s spatial computing headset. The move matters because it unlocks features that were missing from the web-based experience, including immersive viewing modes, spatial video discovery, and offline-friendly usability.
The app is now available on the visionOS App Store and works on both M2 and M5-powered models.
Why did YouTube avoid a Vision Pro app until now?
When Apple launched its headset, YouTube chose not to build a native visionOS app. Instead, users were redirected to watch videos through Safari. That decision limited functionality and blocked features like offline downloads and optimized controls.
In the gap, third-party apps such as Juno briefly filled the space before being removed for violating YouTube’s terms. The official launch now replaces those workarounds with a first-party solution built specifically for visionOS.
What can users do with the new YouTube Vision Pro app?
The new app allows users to watch standard videos and YouTube Shorts on a large, theater-style virtual screen. The experience is designed to feel immersive, with gesture-based controls for resizing windows and scrubbing through timelines.
A new Spatial tab helps users discover immersive formats, including 3D, VR180, and 360-degree videos. On Apple Vision Pro models powered by the M5 chip, YouTube also enables 8K playback, offering higher resolution than previously possible on the headset.
How does YouTube compare with other streaming apps on Vision Pro?
Most major streaming platforms launched native visionOS apps early. These include Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock.
YouTube’s late arrival stood out, given its scale and daily usage. The new app now puts it on similar footing, at least in terms of native headset support.
Why the timing raises questions
The launch comes as interest in Apple’s headset appears to cool. Reports suggest Apple Vision Pro shipments fell sharply in late 2025. According to the Financial Times, Apple reportedly paused production due to weaker-than-expected demand and reduced marketing in key regions.
Even so, YouTube’s move signals continued support for spatial platforms. For users who already own the Apple Vision Pro, the new app finally delivers a complete YouTube experience built for immersive computing.
