The Apple TV 4K has been on the market since 2017, but various users are still using the predecessor. Although the third generation of Apple TV has not received any new features for a long time, Apple continues to publish software updates for the device that offer performance and stability improvements. Some customers therefore see no reason to switch to a more recent model – especially since various third-party services such as Netflix still support the TV box from 2012. But the app of a popular streaming service will soon no longer be available on Apple TV (3rd generation): YouTube. Corresponding content can then only be played via a detour.
“YouTube will soon only work via AirPlay”
Numerous users have already seen the YouTube warning on their Apple TV (3rd generation). Twitter user Niels O’Man shared a photo of the display via tweet. The headline of the note reads: “YouTube will soon only work via AirPlay.” From the beginning of March, the YouTube app will no longer be available for the third generation of Apple TV. However, there is still the way via the Apple AirPlay interface to play clips from the streaming service on the older TV boxes. Users therefore need an iPhone or iPad with which they can transfer their YouTube videos to the Apple TV. Alternatively, AirPlay also works via Mac.
Nothing changes with newer models of the Apple TV
For users of the Apple TV HD (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K, however, nothing changes – here the YouTube app is still available via the tvOS App Store. For some time now there have been rumors about a successor to the Apple TV 4K, which is supposed to be in the starting blocks at the Cupertino company. A publication was expected in the meantime as early as last year. Apple could possibly announce the new Apple TV shortly after the end of support from YouTube on the Apple TV (3rd generation). Major improvements in performance including a gaming focus and a new remote control are expected as innovations.