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YouTube Premium subscribers will soon have access to SharePlay and an enhanced 1080p video quality option with a higher bitrate on the iPhone. In a blog post today, YouTube said both features will be available in its iOS app "in the coming weeks."

General-YouTube-Feature-1.jpg

SharePlay will let you watch YouTube videos with friends and family while on a FaceTime call together, while the enhanced 1080p option will make videos look "extra crisp and clear," especially when there is a lot of detail and motion, according to YouTube. The standard 1080p video quality option will remain available to all YouTube users.

Other perks available to YouTube Premium subscribers starting today include an option to queue videos in the iOS and Android app, the ability to continue watching a video where you left off when switching devices, and an option to have recommended videos automatically downloaded while on Wi-Fi for offline viewing at a later time.

YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month in the U.S. and provides ad-free video playback, the ability to play videos while using other apps or while a device's screen is locked, an option to download videos for offline playback, and more.

Article Link: YouTube Premium to Offer SharePlay and Enhanced 1080p Video on iPhone
 
Last edited:

JM

macrumors 601
Nov 23, 2014
4,086
6,381
Am I missing something? Do I have to pay for YouTube premium to watch 1080p on iPhone?

*edit: I don’t have the app. Is that the only place it exists? I only have 720p in safari YouTube.

Be helpful and not a heathen 😘
 
Last edited:

GMShadow

macrumors 68020
Jun 8, 2021
2,110
8,615
Am I missing something? Do I have to pay for YouTube premium to watch 1080p on iPhone?
Yes, you're missing that it's a higher bitrate option.


the ability to continue watching a video where you left off when switching devices

I've had this for a little while so I guess they'd just been testing it on my account.
 
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SW3029

macrumors 6502a
Sep 22, 2019
514
2,635
Honestly, YouTube Premium is the only streaming service I find value in day-after-day. YouTube creators put out so much quality content across such a wide array of subjects and interests. I find myself watching YouTube on my Apple TV more than Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime, and HBO Max combined.
 
The only reason I have YouTube Premium is to eliminate the ads. Totally worth every penny.

The other features are simply nice perks.
I think you can save lots of money by downloading Adblocker. This one is really good. Skips all ads instantly.

 

WhiteHawk

macrumors 6502a
Feb 16, 2008
595
369
“the ability to continue watching a video where you left off when switching devices”

Eh? What? That’s something it’s always done as it’s a standard YouTube account feature, I’ve done that many times between iPad, iPhone and LG TV app.
 

winxmac

macrumors 68000
Sep 1, 2021
1,532
1,799
I'm not sure if this only happens on Premium subscribers... YouTube on iOS automatically re-enables smart downloads and downloads random videos even after I have already made sure to disable smart downloads... I have deleted and re-download YouTube so it does not seem to be limited to a particular version...

I only watch in 1080p but a higher bitrate would be nice...
 

rgeneral

macrumors 6502
Dec 2, 2012
425
1,567
I use vinegar. it skips all the ads and gives you 1080p video as well. cost less than YouTube premium.
 

alchemistmuffin

macrumors 6502a
Dec 28, 2007
776
822
YouTube Premium subscribers will soon have access to SharePlay
How long before Apple reject the next YouTube app update? System feature like SharePlay can’t be put behind the paywall on iOS. This was the issue with Picture and Picture and instead of making it a Premium feature on iOS, they had to turn it on for all users since it was a system feature when it came out of beta.
 
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