YouTube launches dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro

YouTube has officially launched a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro, ending a two-year period of initial hesitation where users were forced to rely on web-based access. When Apple’s headset first launched, YouTube opted for a web-based approach instead of developing a dedicated app, directing viewers to use Safari to access content. Until now, anyone wanting to watch YouTube on the headset has missed out on helpful features like offline downloads, making the device much less useful for travel or offline viewing. To fill the gap, third-party options, such as Juno, briefly appeared on visionOS—Apple’s operating system for the headset—before being removed for violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.

Today’s announcement changes this dynamic, allowing users to enjoy standard videos and YouTube Shorts on a virtual screen in an immersive environment. The app is compatible with both the M2 and M5 chip models and is available in the App Store for visionOS. It introduces several native features:

• Spatial tab: A dedicated section for discovering spatial videos, including 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats.
• 8K playback: High-resolution support for Apple Vision Pro models powered by the M5 chip, Apple’s latest silicon processor.
• Gesture controls: Native visionOS interactions, allowing users to resize windows or scrub through videos using gestures.

The timing of the release is notable, as YouTube initially hesitated to invest in a dedicated visionOS experience, possibly waiting to gauge the headset’s traction. Most major streaming services have offered native experiences on the platform since launch, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock. YouTube’s decision to launch the app now comes as the initial hype surrounding the headset appears to have diminished. Despite the Apple Vision Pro introducing Apple Intelligence-powered features almost a year ago, user engagement with the headset has reportedly been lukewarm. Recent estimates indicate that sales have significantly declined, with about 45,000 new units shipped during the fourth quarter of 2025. The Financial Times reported that production of the Apple Vision Pro was halted due to weak demand, resulting in a sharp reduction in marketing efforts across key markets.

Why it matters

The launch addresses a critical ecosystem gap for Apple’s headset, moving beyond web-based limitations to offer native features like offline downloads, even as the device faces broader market headwinds.