YouTube Finally Arrives on Apple Vision Pro
When the Apple Vision Pro was released in 2024, YouTube initially hesitated to develop a visionOS-specific app [2]. Instead, viewers were directed to use Safari to access content [1]. This meant missing out on features like offline downloads [1].To fill the void, third-party apps emerged but were eventually removed [1]. Now, users can watch standard videos and YouTube Shorts on a virtual theater-sized screen [1].
Features of the New App
The new YouTube app includes standard features like subscriptions, watch history, and playlists [3]. A "Spatial" tab lets users find immersive content like 3D, VR180, and 360-degree videos [1].Users with the second-generation Apple Vision Pro, powered by the M5 chip, can enjoy 8K playback [1]. Gesture controls are also supported, allowing users to resize windows and scrub through videos [1].
Why the Delay?
YouTube's initial reluctance to invest in a dedicated visionOS experience may have stemmed from waiting to gauge the headset’s traction [1]. According to TechCrunch, the timing of the app’s release is interesting, as the initial hype surrounding the headset appears to have diminished [1].The arrival of the official YouTube app is a welcome addition for Vision Pro users [3]. It also raises the question of whether more Google apps will follow [4].
The Bigger Picture
- Timing: The YouTube app launched two years after the Apple Vision Pro's initial release in 2024, a significant delay compared to other major streaming services [1, 2].
- Features: The app offers 8K playback for users with the second-generation Apple Vision Pro and supports gesture controls [1].
- Third-party apps: Before the official app, users relied on third-party options like Juno, which was eventually removed for violating YouTube’s Terms of Service [1].
- Spatial content: The app includes a dedicated "Spatial" tab for discovering 3D, VR180, and 360-degree videos [1].
