YouTube App No Longer Available on 3rd-Gen Apple TV, AirPlay Now Required to Watch Videos

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As of today, YouTube has stopped supporting the YouTube app on third-generation Apple TV models, which means the YouTube channel is no longer available as a native option for watching YouTube on this ‌Apple TV‌ model.

youtube apple tv
Now that the app is defunct, third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ users will need to AirPlay YouTube content from a compatible Apple device like an iPhone or iPad to watch YouTube on the big screen.

The app's removal is limited to the third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ models. YouTube stopped supporting the second-generation ‌Apple TV‌ models back in 2015. The fourth and fifth-generation ‌Apple TV‌ models are not impacted as they have access to the tvOS App Store and the tvOS YouTube app.

Various app developers have slowly been phasing out support for the third-generation ‌Apple TV‌. In May 2020, HBO's apps were removed, and last week, the MLB app was pulled.

Those who have a third-generation ‌Apple TV‌ that are thinking of upgrading might want to hold off, as there is a refresh rumored to be coming later this year.

The new ‌Apple TV‌ is expected to feature a faster processor and more storage space, plus there could be a new remote control and U1 chip integration to allow it to better interface with other Apple devices. There could also be a gaming focus, with Apple rumored to be working on hardware that would support console-level games.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 14
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Top Rated Comments

Herrpod Avatar
Herrpod
9 weeks ago
The Youtube app on the newest Apple TV is already the worst version of that app I've seen on any modern device. I'm surprised there was a worse one on the older Apple TV.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neutrino23 Avatar
neutrino23
9 weeks ago
“Those who have a third-generation Apple TV that are thinking of upgrading might want to hold off, as there is a refresh rumored to be coming later this year.”

Where have I heard that before? I’ve been waiting to upgrade for years.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neoelectronaut Avatar
neoelectronaut
9 weeks ago
Looks like the 3rd generation Apple TV was introduced in March 2012, so it would be nine years old this month.

Nine years is longer software support than any Smart TV I've owned, that's for sure.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shanghaichica Avatar
Shanghaichica
9 weeks ago

I have a 3rd gen Apple TV on a spare tv and this is disappointing as it's to have access and for a guest to use who doesn't have an iOS device. YouTube could've supported it for a couple more years longer at least but this is why external devices for TV are ultimately temporary, even a brand new Apple TV is ultimately doomed to die slowly through a lack of support.
I’d rather have a steaming box like the Apple TV than a smart TV. I’ve had the original Apple TV, 3 and 4. They have all served me very well.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
flashy-cat Avatar
flashy-cat
9 weeks ago
And cue the moaners complaining that they can't run Youtube on their Apple Lisa...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
germinator Avatar
germinator
9 weeks ago

People need to learn to upgrade if they have such an old device.
WTF? Why would I have to upgrade if my old device still works perfectly? What logic is that?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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