Official YouTube App Launches on Apple Vision Pro Headset

The long-anticipated YouTube app for the Apple Vision Pro headset has finally been released, two years after Google initially announced it was in development. This application is set to enhance the viewing experience for users, allowing access to a wide array of content on the platform.

The new app, available from Thursday, will enable users to watch all types of YouTube videos, including standard clips, Shorts, 3D videos, as well as 360-degree and VR180 content. Apple spokesperson Corey Nord confirmed the launch to The Verge.

When the Vision Pro was unveiled more than two years ago, YouTube did not initially commit to creating a dedicated app for the headset. However, soon after its launch, the platform reversed this decision, indicating in February 2024 that a Vision Pro app was indeed in the pipeline. This change represents just over two years of anticipation from users eager for an official application.

Prior to this launch, Christian Selig, the developer behind the discontinued Apollo app for Reddit, created an unofficial YouTube app named Juno for the Vision Pro. Juno was accessible at the time of the Vision Pro's release but was removed from Apple's App Store in October 2024.

With this significant update, users will no longer need to rely on third-party alternatives or Safari browser to access YouTube content on their Vision Pro devices. The official app will allow seamless viewing similar to that experienced on other Apple devices such as iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs.

Though the app does not introduce VisionOS-specific features, it encourages users to explore the broader field of vision offered by the headset, particularly when watching immersive 3D and 360-degree videos. By leveraging the expansive display of the Vision Pro, users can engage with content in a strikingly immersive manner.

Users can expect to access their subscriptions, playlists, and viewing history through the app, enhancing the custom experience to match individual preferences. Apple has long positioned the Vision Pro as a premium device for consuming digital content, and the arrival of the YouTube app aligns with this vision, providing a notable step forward in the headset's capabilities.

As the technological landscape evolves, the addition of dedicated applications such as this could play a crucial role in attracting users to augmented reality platforms, enriching their content consumption experiences.