YouTube for iOS gains HDR support for iPhone XS and XS Max, still lacks 4K

The YouTube app for iOS has received an update that adds support for high dynamic range video on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, but at the same time continues lack an option to view 4K-resolution video.

The update to version 13.37 of the iOS YouTube app adds new options to the video quality settings, with compatible clips now showing the letters "HDR" next to the resolution to denote the high dynamic range content. HDR options can be selected manually, but the Auto quality option will also enable HDR if it is available for the currently-viewed video.

HDR enables for a wider range of colors in a video to be displayed on a compatible screen, such as is the case for the Apple TV 4K and a supported HDR-enabled 4K TV. The effect can allow for a brighter, detailed, and more vivid picture, with less color banding and other digital approximation artifacts.

The OLED displays used in the iPhone XS and XR offer high contrast ratios, enabling it to be suitable to view HDR content, both created by the onboard cameras and those downloaded or streamed to the device through online services.

The addition of HDR to the app for the XS range was not announced by YouTube. The release notes for the app version simply state it includes bug fixes and improved its performance, with no mention of additional device support for HDR.

The YouTube app has had HDR support since May, specifically for the iPhone X, with the latest update extending that same support to the newer models.

While HDR support is likely to be welcomed by users of those devices, the app continues to avoid providing any higher resolution options than 1080p, with 4K content displayed on the iPhones at a downsampled resolution. The problem is not only restricted to iPhones, as iPads with higher-resolution displays and the Apple TV 4K are unable to play 4K or higher-than-1080p content.

The issue is also evident on macOS, as while Chrome can offer YouTube videos at up to 4K resolution, Safari is limited to only 1080p at most.

The problem is likely to be down to Apple's lack of OS-level support for Google's VP9 codec, used by YouTube. While it remains unclear when or even if Apple will include VP9 support in its software and devices, it is also unknown if Google will work around Apple's decision not to use the codec in software as it has done on the Xbox One, if only to enable 4K or 1440p video streams on hardware that could play it.

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20 Comments

bobbybosler 1 comment · 6 Years

About 6 years ago

It works on the iPhone X as well, not just the XS and XS Max.

kkqd1337 468 comments · 12 Years

These conflicts between companies really hurts consumers

mac_128 3452 comments · 12 Years

HDR is a far more important feature than 4K. It used to be that 4K was the only way to get HDR, but now that streaming services have added it to 1080p streams, 4K is no longer necessary. I actually prefer 1080p on my Apple TV 4K for daily viewing since the buffering takes less time, especially when channel flipping through Netflix -- yet I still get HDR where available. I only go into 4K when it's a big "event" film. Wish the ATV 4K had auto resolution matching, but that may never come.

As for mobile devices, this is especially true. No real need for 4K on a display that small. Where I notice the difference with 4K is on TVs that are 65" and larger where the seating distance is less than 8 feet.

mac_128 said:

HDR is a far more important feature than 4K. It used to be that 4K was the only way to get HDR, but now that streaming services have added it to 1080p streams, 4K is no longer necessary. I actually prefer 1080p on my Apple TV 4K for daily viewing since the buffering takes less time, especially when channel flipping through Netflix -- yet I still get HDR where available. I only go into 4K when it's a big "event" film. Wish the ATV 4K had auto resolution matching, but that may never come.

As for mobile devices, this is especially true. No real need for 4K on a display that small. Where I notice the difference with 4K is on TVs that are 65" and larger where the seating distance is less than 8 feet.

You can always argue that the previous format is 'good enough' and I agree with you that 1080p + HDR is exceptional, especially on a phone. Its amazing how good online video is now as apposed to just 10 years ago. But it's always frustrating when the 'best' available option isn't offered, especially when it's just due to propitiatory formats or some competitive dispute.