YouTube has finally launched a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro

After two years of initial hesitation, YouTube has finally unveiled its dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro.

When Apple’s headset first launched, YouTube opted for a web-based approach rather than developing a custom app, directing viewers to use Safari to access content. Until now, anyone who wanted to watch YouTube on headphones has missed out on useful features like offline downloads – making them much less useful for traveling or watching offline.

To fill this gap, third-party options, like Juno, appeared briefly on VisionOS before being removed for violating YouTube’s terms of service.

Today’s announcement is a game-changer, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content — including all standard videos and YouTube Shorts — on a virtual theater-sized screen in a fully immersive environment.

Notable features include a spatial tab that allows users to discover spatial videos, including 3D, VR180, and 360 degree formats. For consumers with the latest Apple Vision Pro models powered by the M5 chip, the app supports 8K playback, which is a notable upgrade.

In addition, users can interact with the new VisionOS app using gesture controls, such as resizing windows or browsing videos.

The timing of this app’s release is interesting, as YouTube was initially reluctant to invest in a dedicated VisionOS experience, perhaps waiting to gauge how powerful the headphones were. Most of the major streaming services have delivered original experiences on the platform since launch, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, Peacock, and others.

Another reason why YouTube’s decision to launch the app now is interesting is that the initial hype surrounding the headphones has seemingly waned.

Although the Apple Vision Pro has been offering features powered by Apple intelligence for about a year, user interaction with the headphones has been lukewarm. Recent estimates indicate that sales are down significantly, with only about 45,000 new units shipped during the fourth quarter of 2025. The Financial Times reported that production was halted due to weak demand, leading to a sharp decline in marketing efforts across key markets.

The app is now available in the VisionOS App Store and is compatible with the M2 and M5 chipset models.