The Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s first mixed-reality headset, was introduced in 2023 with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. Now, nearly two years later, Google has released an official YouTube app for Apple’s visionOS platform.
With this update, users can enjoy their favorite content on a large, theater-like virtual screen. Previously, Vision Pro users had to rely on YouTube’s web version through the Safari browser or use third-party apps. Notably, the new native app supports video playback of up to 8K resolution.
Native YouTube App Arrives on visionOS
The newly launched YouTube app provides direct access to the entire YouTube library within visionOS. Users can stream regular videos and Shorts, as well as explore 3D, 360-degree, and VR180 content through a dedicated spatial tab.
Additionally, subscriptions, playlists, watch history, and other account features are accessible directly inside the app. As a result, the experience is now smoother and more integrated compared to the previous browser-based method.
8K Support on M5-Powered Models
Google has confirmed that the app enables 8K video playback on the latest Vision Pro models equipped with Apple’s M5 chip. According to YouTube, videos remain clearly centered on the screen, while the surrounding virtual environment subtly fades into the background.
This creates a more immersive and comfortable “lean-back” viewing experience. The YouTube app for visionOS is approximately 180MB in size and works on devices running visionOS 26.0 or later.
What Were the Previous Limitations?
Apple first unveiled the Vision Pro at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2023. However, at launch, YouTube did not provide a dedicated app and instead advised users to access the platform via Safari.
As a result, users depended on the web version or third-party apps, which came with limitations such as restricted connectivity and the lack of offline download support.
Pricing and Future Plans
Apple launched an upgraded M5-powered version of the Vision Pro in October last year, offering several improvements over the first-generation model. The headset starts at $3,499 (approximately Rs. 3.07 lakh). According to the company, the updated version can deliver up to three hours of video playback on a single charge.
Reports also suggest that Apple is working on a more affordable Vision Pro variant with toned-down specifications. This budget-friendly model is expected to launch later this year.