YouTube Finally Launches Native Vision Pro App After Year-Long Wait

YouTube has finally launched its official app for Apple Vision Pro, ending a year-long gap in the platform's app ecosystem. The app is rolling out today on the App Store, bringing native YouTube functionality to Vision Pro users who have been relying on web browsers and third-party solutions since the headset's launch in February 2024.

When Apple Vision Pro debuted, YouTube was conspicuously absent from the platform. Google initially told users to access YouTube through Safari while working on a native solution. This led to a surge of third-party YouTube apps in the App Store, many of which were later removed after Google complained to Apple about guideline violations. The lack of an official app became one of the most notable gaps in Vision Pro's early software lineup.

The new YouTube app for visionOS brings the full YouTube experience to spatial computing. Users can access their subscriptions, watch history, and playlists just as they would on other platforms. The app also supports YouTube Shorts, ensuring short-form content works seamlessly in the immersive environment.

What sets this app apart is its integration with Vision Pro's unique capabilities. The app supports 3D, 360-degree, and VR180 videos, taking advantage of the headset's spatial display technology. Users can watch content in built-in visionOS environments, creating an immersive viewing experience that goes beyond traditional flat screens.

This launch represents a significant milestone for Vision Pro's app ecosystem. YouTube's presence validates the platform's potential for media consumption and entertainment. The app demonstrates how traditional 2D content can be enhanced through spatial computing while maintaining the familiar YouTube interface users know.

For Vision Pro owners, this means no more compromises when watching YouTube content. The native app provides better performance, deeper integration with visionOS features, and access to all YouTube's content types without workarounds. It also eliminates the need for potentially unreliable third-party apps that may violate YouTube's terms of service.

The timing is notable, coming just over a year after Vision Pro's launch. It suggests Google has been working on this app for some time, possibly waiting to see how the platform would develop before committing resources to a native implementation. The result is a polished app that feels purpose-built for spatial computing rather than a rushed port of existing code.

This launch could have broader implications for Vision Pro's future. As more major apps arrive natively, the platform becomes more attractive to potential buyers. YouTube's participation might encourage other holdout developers to create native Vision Pro experiences, accelerating the growth of the platform's software ecosystem.

For developers watching this space, YouTube's approach offers insights into building for spatial computing. The app maintains familiar YouTube features while adapting them to work naturally with Vision Pro's interface and capabilities. This balance between consistency and innovation will likely be crucial for other apps making the transition to spatial platforms.

The YouTube app for Vision Pro is available now on the App Store. Vision Pro users can download it immediately to start exploring YouTube content in their headset's immersive environments.

This development marks a turning point for Vision Pro, moving from a platform with notable app gaps to one with a more complete software offering. As spatial computing continues to evolve, having major platforms like YouTube fully committed to the ecosystem will be essential for its long-term success.