YouTube’s Native App for Apple Vision Pro: A Step Forward with Room for Improvement
The arrival of YouTube’s native application on the Apple Vision Pro marks a significant milestone for users seeking immersive video experiences. This development is particularly noteworthy given YouTube’s initial reluctance to support the platform. In January 2024, YouTube, alongside other major streaming services like Spotify and Netflix, announced they would not be developing specialized apps for the Apple Vision Pro, advising users to access content via Safari instead. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/01/18/youtube-and-spotify-also-wont-offer-any-apps-on-apple-vision-pro?utm_source=openai))
This stance led to the emergence of third-party solutions, such as Juno, developed by Christian Selig. Juno provided a dedicated YouTube viewing experience tailored for the Vision Pro. However, in October 2024, YouTube requested the removal of Juno from the App Store, citing guideline violations, despite the app’s adherence to YouTube’s terms of service. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/10/01/youtube-gets-apple-vision-pro-app-juno-kicked-from-app-store?utm_source=openai))
By February 2026, YouTube reversed its position, releasing an official app for the Apple Vision Pro. This app offers access to YouTube’s extensive library, including support for 3D 360 and VR180 videos, enhancing the immersive capabilities of the Vision Pro. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/12/a-youtube-apple-vision-pro-app-is-finally-here-with-3d-video-support-and-more?utm_source=openai))
Upon hands-on evaluation, the YouTube app presents a user interface reminiscent of its iPad counterpart, with spatial elements like a floating sidebar and bottom video controls. A dedicated spatial tab facilitates easy access to 3D 360 and VR180 content. However, users have reported that even 8K VR180 videos appear somewhat fuzzy, likely due to compression and foveated rendering techniques. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/13/youtubes-bare-minimum-app-for-apple-vision-pro-is-better-than-nothing—-hands-on?utm_source=openai))
Notably, the app’s Shorts tab is currently non-functional, displaying a blank screen. This issue is expected to be addressed in future updates. For 2D video content, the app lacks a native video player with theater mode, making Safari or third-party apps like Television preferable alternatives for such viewing experiences. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/13/youtubes-bare-minimum-app-for-apple-vision-pro-is-better-than-nothing—-hands-on?utm_source=openai))
The introduction of YouTube’s native app is a positive development for Apple Vision Pro users, expanding the device’s content offerings. However, the app’s current limitations suggest that further refinements are necessary to fully leverage the Vision Pro’s capabilities.
