YouTube has officially released its dedicated application for the Apple Vision Pro, bringing a fully native streaming experience to visionOS. The launch introduces a suite of features designed to leverage the headset’s spatial computing capabilities, including immersive video formats and high-resolution playback exclusive to the latest hardware.
The new app, titled YouTube for visionOS, aims to translate the platform’s massive library into a “spatial watch experience.” While users were previously able to access YouTube via the Safari browser, this standalone application offers deeper integration with the visionOS environment and specific enhancements for extended reality (XR).
Experience YouTube Like Never Before
The application is designed to support the full spectrum of YouTube content, adapting traditional video formats for a virtual interface while introducing support for immersive media. Key features at launch include:
- Comprehensive Video Support: Users can access the entire YouTube catalog, ranging from standard rectangular videos and YouTube Shorts to immersive formats such as 3D 360-degree and VR180 videos.
- Full Account Integration: The app provides a complete signed-in experience. Users can access their subscriptions, playlists, and watch history, ensuring continuity across devices.
- High-Fidelity Playback: In a hardware-specific update, the app supports 8K video playback. This feature is currently exclusive to the Apple Vision Pro M5 model, utilizing the updated processor’s capabilities to handle the higher bandwidth and rendering requirements.
See and Hear It All
The user interface has been optimized for the spatial environment, prioritizing a “lean back” viewing experience. Videos are presented front and center, with the interface dimming the surrounding virtual or physical environment to minimize distractions.
Additionally, the app emphasizes immersion through its support for 360-degree content. Users can view these videos in a fully spatial context, placing them at the center of the action rather than viewing it through a flat window.
The YouTube app for Apple Vision Pro is available now for download on the visionOS App Store for the Vision Pro models with the M2 chip and the M5 chip.