In the YouTube app, you'll see 2160p as 4K and 2160 HDR as 4K HDR (both of which are Ultra HD at 3840-by-2160 pixels).īoth types should play in the updated YouTube app for iOS 14. The HDR aspect is the same resolution but has more information per pixel to create more vibrant images. There are two main variants of 4K: regular 4K resolution and 4K HDR. But hey, if it means we get to watch higher resolution YouTube videos on the iPhone, I'm not complaining. After all, this is the company that refused to add Flash support to iOS. It's a little surprising to see Apple cave in and add VP9 support for all of its devices. That split is why we haven't seen 4K or 4K HDR for YouTube beyond rentals and purchases on any of Apple's products, including the YouTube app for iOS and Safari for iOS and macOS. Apple uses one 4K codec for its services (H.265), and Google uses another (VP9). A video codec is essentially a program that makes processing video possible. The reason why iOS 14 lets you watch 4K content on YouTube is that it adds support for Google's VP9 video codec. Why Is 4K YouTube Only Available on iOS 14? Don't Miss: 200+ New Features & Changes in iOS 14 for iPhone.That's because streaming and watching 4K and 4K HDR videos on YouTube is entirely new to iOS 14, Apple's latest mobile operating system, which is currently in beta right now. If you're still running iOS 13 or an older iOS version, you won't see any 4K or 4K High Dynamic Range videos available in the YouTube app for iPhone unless they are films you rent or purchase. How frustrating is it to watch YouTube in 4K on your computer, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick, only to settle for measly 1080p on your brand-new iPhone? For years, those of us on iOS had no option for streaming YouTube videos in full resolution, but these days, things are finally different.

Can you watch 4k videos on youtube