YouTube finally launches a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro

YouTube has officially launched its long-awaited app for the Apple Vision Pro, marking a significant shift after two years of indecision. Initially, the platform chose to direct users to a web-based version accessible through Safari when the headset was introduced. This left many users without essential features, such as offline downloads, which are particularly beneficial for travel or viewing without an internet connection. In the interim, third-party applications like Juno attempted to fill this void on visionOS but were quickly removed for breaching YouTube's Terms of Service. The arrival of YouTube's dedicated app now transforms the viewing experience, allowing users to immerse themselves in their favorite content on a grand virtual screen. This includes access to both standard videos and YouTube Shorts. Among the app's standout functionalities is the Spatial tab, which helps users explore spatial videos, encompassing 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats. For those equipped with the latest Apple Vision Pro models featuring the M5 chip, the app also boasts support for stunning 8K playback. Gesture controls enhance user interaction, allowing for intuitive actions such as window resizing and video scrubbing. The timing of this launch raises eyebrows, as YouTube had previously been cautious about developing a dedicated visionOS experience, possibly waiting to assess the headset's popularity. While several major streaming services, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount, have already established native experiences on the platform, YouTube’s late entry comes at a time when initial excitement for the Apple Vision Pro seems to be waning. Reports indicate that user engagement has been tepid since the headset's debut nearly a year ago, with recent estimates revealing that only about 45,000 units were shipped in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Financial Times noted a halt in production due to lackluster demand, prompting a significant decrease in marketing efforts across major markets. The new YouTube app is now accessible in the visionOS App Store and works with both M2 and M5 chip models.