YouTube company's announcement
Introduction
YouTube, the world’s most popular video-sharing platform, has just made a shocking announcement for iPhone users. Millions rely on YouTube daily for entertainment, tutorials, news, and more, but a new update has brought surprising changes. In 2025, YouTube has officially confirmed that some older Apple devices will no longer support the app. For many long-time iPhone users, this is a major inconvenience and raises questions about device compatibility moving forward.
Details of the Update
The latest YouTube update, version 20.22.1, introduces advanced features, improved video streaming, and security enhancements. However, with these improvements comes a drawback: YouTube now requires devices to run iOS 16 or higher.
Unfortunately, this excludes several older Apple devices that cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 15. The following iPhones and Apple devices will no longer support YouTube:
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- First-generation iPhone SE
- iPod Touch 7
- iPad Air 2
- iPad mini 4
These devices, despite their historical popularity, are now officially obsolete for the YouTube app. Users on these devices will still be able to access YouTube via web browsers, but the app’s new features and interface improvements will not be available.
Why YouTube Dropped Support
YouTube has stated that the reason for dropping support on older devices is mainly technical limitations. Older iPhones cannot handle the new performance demands, including:
- Enhanced video playback quality, such as 4K streaming
- New AI-based recommendations and personalized feeds
- Updated security and privacy features
Maintaining backward compatibility would compromise the user experience and the app’s overall performance. Therefore, YouTube opted to prioritize newer devices that can fully support these features.
User Reactions and Concerns
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among users. Many expressed frustration on social media, particularly those using older devices who relied on YouTube for daily use. Some comments include:
- “I just bought a new iPhone SE (1st gen) last year! Now I can’t watch YouTube?”
- “Time to upgrade my iPad Air 2… This feels unfair to loyal users.”
On the other hand, tech enthusiasts have welcomed the change, saying it allows YouTube to innovate without being restricted by outdated devices.
Tips for Affected Users
If your device is on the unsupported list, here are a few tips to stay connected to YouTube:
1. Use a web browser: Access YouTube on Safari or Chrome; most content is still available.
2. Upgrade your device: Consider moving to an iPhone or iPad compatible with iOS 16 or higher.
3. Consider streaming alternatives: Apps like Vimeo, TikTok, and Instagram may fill the gap temporarily.
The decision by YouTube reflects the ongoing challenge technology companies face in balancing innovation with backward compatibility. While older devices have served users well for years, the demand for enhanced performance and security inevitably pushes platforms to move forward.
For iPhone users, this means a choice: continue with limited access or upgrade to stay on top of the latest features. YouTube remains a vital platform for entertainment, learning, and social interaction, and staying up-to-date ensures you won’t miss out on new developments.
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