YouTube app released for Apple Vision Pro — with 8K and VR support

YouTube has taken a long-anticipated step for Apple Vision Pro users by releasing a native app built specifically for visionOS. With this launch, Vision Pro owners no longer need to rely on browser-based workarounds to access YouTube in a comfortable, full-featured way. As noted in the article, the move addresses a gap that had persisted for a considerable time and helps establish a smoother, more stable viewing experience on Apple’s spatial computing platform.

The new app is designed to take advantage of visionOS with a cinema-style “theater screen” viewing mode, aligning with the immersive strengths of the headset. Support extends across a wide range of content types, including standard videos, Shorts, 3D, VR180, and 360-degree formats. In addition, YouTube confirms 8K video playback on the newest Vision Pro models equipped with the M5 chip, which is particularly notable for users who prioritize high-resolution, immersive media.

From a user-experience perspective, the interface is positioned as a more “lean-back” viewing environment—keeping the video as the focal point while minimizing distractions. Navigation and playback controls are optimized for gesture-based interaction, and users can more easily adjust the window size, placement, and timeline controls within the spatial environment. The app also supports core account features such as subscriptions and watch history synchronization, enabling continuity across devices.

The article also highlights that YouTube’s arrival on Vision Pro has been relatively delayed. Although Apple Vision Pro launched in February 2024, YouTube had remained primarily accessible via Safari for an extended period, with Google previously pointing to demand considerations. The current release suggests a shift toward delivering a practical, reliable native experience rather than focusing purely on visual spectacle—while also noting that certain capabilities (such as offline downloads) are not yet positioned as a priority in this rollout.

Overall, YouTube’s native entry into the Vision Pro ecosystem is presented as an important milestone for immersive media and the broader evolution of spatial computing. The article points to future possibilities such as shared watch spaces, richer mixed-reality interactions, and contextual overlays that could make video consumption more interactive and environment-aware over time. As these experiences mature, the boundary between traditional video viewing and fully immersive formats is likely to c