YouTube is all over the places, with apps readily available across platforms and devices. But, very shortly, it’s losing support for one device.
Update (03/03/2021): The time has arrived. The official YouTube app is no longer supported on the third-generation Apple TV. As a result, if you want to watch YouTube content on the set-top box from the app, you’ll need to use AirPlay and stream the content from a supported iPhone or iPad.
The original article continues below.
According to a report from 9to5Mac today, the third generation Apple TV is losing support for the YouTube app in “early March”. Once this date rolls around, it means that owners of the older set-top box will no longer be able to watch YouTube videos directly from the device.
However, YouTube videos can still be played on the set-top box via AirPlay. Just not directly. The content will need to be streamed to be viewed.
Tipster Niels O’Man posted an image showing the warning for the YouTube app on the older Apple TV:
That’s one way to fix the constant Apple TV crashes, @YouTube // cc @9to5mac @macstoriesnet @reneritchie @MacRumors pic.twitter.com/ieN8trM5mi
— Niels O'Man (@nielsmann) February 3, 2021
This does not affect the fourth- or fifth-generation Apple TV (so the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K). Just the older set-top box.
Starting early March, the YouTube app will no longer be available on Apple TV (3rd generation). You can still watch YouTube on Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, iPhone, or iPad. With AirPlay, you can also stream YouTube from your iOS device directly to any Apple TV (3rd generation or later).
This has been a long time coming, so it’s not a surprise it’s finally happening.
If you have a third-generation Apple TV, have you been experiencing any viewing issues with the YouTube app as of late?