An update has been rolled out for YouTube for iOS. The app has been updated with support for HDR on Apple’s new handsets, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Even though support for high dynamic range video has been added to the app it still doesn’t bring an option to view videos in 4K resolution.
YouTube for iOS has been updated to version 13.37. This particular iteration of the app brings new video quality settings options. Compatible clips will display the letters “HDR” alongside the resolution that it’s high dynamic range content. It will be possible for users to select HDR options manually. The Auto quality option will enable HDR if it’s available for the video currently being viewed.
Interestingly, YouTube’s changelog for the update does not mention the arrival for HDR support. The notes only mention that the app comes with bug fixes and performance improvements. There’s no mention of HDR support for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS MAX being added with this update.
Despite the addition of HDR support, the app still doesn’t allow users to view video in a resolution higher than 1080p. 4K content is quite common on YouTube now and yet the app will continue to play it at downsampled resolution on the new iPhones. It’s the same story on iPads with higher resolution displays as well as the Apple TV 4K.