Key Points:
- YouTube released a dedicated app after a two-year delay.
- The app supports 8K playback on newer M5 chip models.
- Users can finally download videos for offline viewing.
- New features include hand gesture controls and spatial video.
YouTube has officially released a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro, ending a two-year wait for owners of the headset. When Apple first launched the device, YouTube refused to build a native application. Instead, they told users to watch videos through the Safari web browser. This limited what the headset could do, specifically blocking people from downloading videos for offline viewing during travel.
That changes today. The new app brings the full YouTube experience into a virtual environment. It fills a gap left after YouTube banned third-party alternatives like Juno for violating its terms of service. Now, users can watch standard videos, Shorts, and movies on a massive virtual theater screen without relying on a browser workaround.
The app includes features designed specifically for mixed reality. A new “Spatial” tab helps users find immersive videos, including 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats. The interface also supports intuitive hand gestures. You can resize the screen or scrub through a video timeline just by moving your hands.
Owners of the updated Vision Pro models running the M5 chip get an extra perk. The app supports 8K playback for these devices, offering a sharper image than the older M2 models. However, the app works on both versions of the headset available on the market.
The timing of this release is surprising to many industry watchers. While competitors like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock supported the platform immediately, YouTube held back. They released this app just as interest in the device seems to be fading.
Recent reports paint a grim picture for the headset’s popularity. Estimates suggest Apple only shipped about 45,000 units in the last three months of 2025. The Financial Times even reported that Apple halted production due to weak demand. Despite the low sales numbers, YouTube has decided the platform is finally worth supporting.
The app is available for download right now in the visionOS App Store. It offers a much-needed upgrade for the user base that has been asking for a proper video experience since day one.
