YouTube Launches Native Application for Apple Vision Pro After Two-Year Delay

12.02.2026

YouTube has officially released its native application for the Apple Vision Pro, marking a significant shift in the platform's approach to spatial computing after two years of relying solely on web-based access through Safari.

Since the headset's initial launch, YouTube users were limited to browser-based viewing, which lacked essential functionality such as offline downloads and optimized playback controls. This limitation created opportunities for third-party solutions like Juno, which briefly appeared on visionOS before being removed for violating YouTube's Terms of Service.

The newly launched native application introduces several key features designed specifically for the Vision Pro platform:

• Full support for standard video content and YouTube Shorts in an immersive theater-sized virtual environment
• Dedicated Spatial tab for discovering 3D, VR180, and 360-degree video formats
• 8K playback support for Apple Vision Pro models equipped with the M5 chip
• Native gesture controls for window resizing and video navigation
• Offline download capabilities for enhanced portability

The timing of this release is particularly noteworthy, as YouTube initially adopted a wait-and-see approach while other major streaming platforms—including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, and Peacock—launched native visionOS applications at the headset's debut.

This strategic delay may have been influenced by market performance indicators. Despite Apple's integration of Apple Intelligence-powered features nearly a year ago, user engagement with the Vision Pro has remained subdued. Recent market analysis suggests that only approximately 45,000 units were shipped during Q4 2025, prompting Apple to halt production and significantly reduce marketing expenditures across key markets.

The YouTube application is now available for download from the visionOS App Store and supports both M2 and M5 chip-equipped Vision Pro models.

Sources:

YouTube for Vision Pro - App Store

PCMag - Apple Vision Pro Production Report

Financial Times - Vision Pro Market Analysis

Tags: YouTube visionOS Apple Vision Pro 8K video Spatial Computing

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