After two years hesitant at firstYouTube has finally opened its dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro.
When Apple’s headset first launched, YouTube opting for a web-based approach instead of developing custom apps, directing viewers to use Safari to access content. Until now, anyone looking to watch YouTube on a headset has missed out on useful features like offline downloads – making it less useful for traveling or offline viewing.
To fill the gap, third-party options, such as Juneappeared briefly on visionOS before being removed for violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.
Today’s announcement changes the game, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content — including all standard videos and YouTube Shorts — on theater-sized virtual screens in an immersive environment.
Standout features include the Spatial tab that allows users to discover spatial videos, including 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats. For consumers with the latest Apple Vision Pro models powered by the M5 chip, the app supports 8K playback, a significant upgrade.
In addition, users can interact with new visionOS applications using gesture controls, such as resizing windows or scrubbing through videos.
The timing of the app’s release is interesting, as YouTube was initially hesitant to invest in a dedicated visionOS experience, perhaps waiting to gauge the appeal of the headset. Most major streaming services have offered original experiences on their platforms since launch, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock, among others.
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Another reason why YouTube’s decision to open the app now is interesting is that the initial hype around the headset seems to have died down.
Although Apple Vision Pro introduced Features Apple Intelligence-powered almost a year ago, user engagement with the headset was reportedly lukewarm. latest forecast shows that sales have fallen sharply, with only about 45,000 new units delivered during the fourth quarter of 2025. The Financial Times reported that production was halted due to low demand, resulting in reduced marketing efforts in key markets.
The app is now available on the visionOS App Store and is compatible with the M2 and M5 chip models.