After a two-year wait, YouTube is now available as a native application on Apple’s Vision Pro headset, launching today on the App Store. The arrival of the app resolves a notable gap in the Vision Pro’s initial software offerings, which debuted in February 2024.
Google initially indicated a Vision Pro app was in development following the headset’s launch, but suggested users utilize Safari in the interim. However, the absence of an official app led to the emergence of third-party alternatives, many of which were subsequently removed by Apple at Google’s request due to violations of YouTube’s developer guidelines.
The YouTube app for visionOS provides access to core YouTube functionalities, including subscriptions, viewing history, playlists, and YouTube Shorts. A key feature is support for 3D, 360-degree, and VR180 videos, offering an immersive viewing experience within the Vision Pro’s spatial computing environment. According to Google, the app transforms “every video on the platform into a spatial watch experience.”
Users can now explore the full breadth of YouTube’s video library, from standard rectangular videos to immersive 360-degree content. The app also supports full account integration, allowing users to access their personalized YouTube experience. The application offers video playback in up to 8K resolution on Apple Vision Pro models equipped with the M2 chip.
Google highlights the immersive qualities of the app, stating that videos “stay front and center so you can enjoy a lean back experience.” The app allows users to become fully immersed in 360-degree videos, placing them at the center of the action.
