After nearly two years of delay, YouTube has officially introduced a native app for the Apple Vision Pro.
When Apple first released its headset, YouTube chose not to build a dedicated app, instead encouraging users to access the platform through Safari. That web-based experience lacked certain key capabilities, including offline downloads, which limited usability for travel or situations without internet access.
In the absence of an official app, third-party alternatives such as Juno appeared on visionOS, but were eventually removed after violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.
With the new launch, Vision Pro users can now access YouTube natively and watch standard videosands YouTube Shorts on a large virtual display within an immersive environment. The experience is designed to leverage the headset’s spatial computing capabilities.
One notable addition is a dedicated Spatial tab that lets users browse and view spatial video formats, including 3D, VR180, and 360-degree content. For owners of the latest Apple Vision Pro models powered by Apple’s M5 chip, the app also supports 8K playback, representing a significant upgrade in video quality.
The app integrates with visionOS controls, enabling users to interact via gesture-based input. This includes resizing the viewing window and scrubbing through video timelines directly within the virtual space.
The release is particularly noteworthy given YouTube’s earlier reluctance to commit to a native visionOS app. At the time of the headset’s debut, many major streaming platforms had already launched dedicated experiences, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock.
Another factor making the timing notable is that initial enthusiasm around the headset appears to have cooled. Despite the introduction of Apple Intelligence-powered capabilities nearly a year ago, engagement levels have reportedly been moderate. Estimates suggest that shipments fell to approximately 45,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to a Financial Times report, Apple paused production amid softer-than-expected demand and scaled back marketing in several major markets. The new YouTube app is now available in the VisionOS App Store and supports both M2- and M5-based Apple Vision Pro models.
