Felix Paul Kuehne, lead developer for the iOS and OS X version of popular video player app VLC, has confirmed that VLC for iOS should be available again soon in the iOS App Store (via Softpedia). The app will be returning after an almost four-month absence from the iOS platform.

vlcipad.jpg
VLC for iOS mysteriously disappeared from the iOS App Store following the release of iOS 8 in September of this year. VLC did not comment on the removal, only stating that it was "working with Apple on a solution" to bring VLC back into the App Store. After several months of silence, the company announced in early December that it was launching a semi-public TestFlight beta trial of the updated version of the app.

Addressing a recent complaint about the app still not being available, Kuehne wrote in a VLC forum post that, "It will be again, but probably early next year due to the iTunes Connect holiday shutdown." He added on Twitter that the app will be back "Hopefully quite soon."

VLC recently released the TestFlight beta 2 version of VLC for iOS 2.4.0 with a handful of improvements. Based on Kuehne's comments, soon everyone, not just beta testers, will be able download the version as a new app or an update for versions downloaded before the app was removed from the App Store.

Top Rated Comments

vashspike Avatar
145 months ago
I've been using Infuse for quite some time now. It's best features are bought via in app purchase but it is the best video player I've found for my iPad/iPhone. No transcoding needed and it handles every obscure video format I can throw at it. My favorite feature is having it connect to a shared folder on my computer and it will allow me to download videos to my device or stream them from my desktop around the house.

Oh, almost forgot. It allows you to AirDrop your videos to other peoples devices! I love this!!

Get it, you won't regret it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
145 months ago
I still use the old non-retina iOS 5 or whatever version that was, it's useable and at least it can play videos without having to transcode them for endless hours like the useless built-in Videos app. Can't wait for it to be re-released, it's the only way to play videos really.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jebbe Avatar
145 months ago
Infuse has pretty much knocked them out of the water at this point.

I've grown tired of VLC.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Steve121178 Avatar
144 months ago
How about updating the UI for the Mac version for Yosemite? No?

Image (http://makeameme.org/media/created/Alrighty-Then.jpg)

It's a media player, it doesn't need lots of ridiculous garnish and is fine as it is.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMacDragon Avatar
145 months ago
Why only FaceTime?

Probably because they're not ready to support it in iTunes yet. I'd place bets that iOS 9 will open up the API to allow h265 too.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Erastopic Avatar
145 months ago
How about updating the UI for the Mac version for Yosemite? No?

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
M5 MacBook Pro

Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 11:46 am PST by
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year. First up...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...