In a move that has left many Apple users scrambling, YouTube has officially discontinued support for its iOS app on a range of older iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models. The latest app update, version 20.22.1, now requires iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or later to install and run, effectively cutting off several devices that cannot upgrade beyond iOS 15 or iPadOS 15. The affected devices include the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, first-generation iPhone SE, iPod touch (7th generation), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4. This change, reported across multiple tech outlets on June 3, 2025, marks a significant shift for users still relying on these older devices.
The decision, which aligns with a broader industry trend of phasing out support for aging hardware, reflects YouTube’s focus on newer systems capable of handling advanced features and security updates. Devices like the iPhone 6s, launched in 2015, and the iPod touch (7th generation), discontinued in 2022, have long been considered reliable for basic tasks, but their inability to support iOS 16 has now rendered them incompatible with the latest YouTube app. Similarly, the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, both released in 2014 and 2015 respectively, are no longer able to run the updated app due to their hardware limitations.
For many users, this change is particularly disruptive. Older iPads, such as the iPad Air 2, are often repurposed as dedicated media devices, especially for children’s entertainment or casual YouTube viewing. While the YouTube app may still function temporarily on these devices if already installed, performance is expected to decline, and new features will be inaccessible.
Fortunately, YouTube has provided a workaround: users can still access the platform via a web browser by visiting m.youtube.com. However, this solution comes with caveats. The browser-based experience lacks the seamless navigation, offline download capabilities, and background playback features that the native app offers.
The timing of this update, just days before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, has sparked speculation. Some see it as a subtle nudge from YouTube and Apple to encourage users to upgrade to newer devices. Industry analysts point out that this aligns with similar moves by other apps, like WhatsApp, which recently ended support for devices running iOS 15.1 or earlier.
For those affected, the options are clear but not ideal: continue using YouTube through a less polished browser interface or consider upgrading to a newer device. As technology marches forward, this update serves as a reminder that even reliable older hardware is increasingly left behind in the race for innovation.
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