Apple may not use the codecs that YouTube prefers but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a second-rate viewing experience on the latest iPhones.
Since the launch of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, YouTube users realised they were unable to view high dynamic range content from the service, whereas the iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, and iPad Pro all can.
Fret not, as YouTube has finally expanded its High Dynamic Range (HDR) support to include two of Apple’s latest OLED smartphones – the iPhone XS and XS Max. YouTube mobile users are now able to watch the HDR version of videos when available.
The video-sharing website quietly added the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to its latest iOS app version, although users will need to update to see the changes. Once updated, the HDR playback option is listed within the video quality menu.
The highest resolution you will get from YouTube on both models is 1080p.
Similarly, Netflix has added HDR support for certain smartphones with compatible displays. The iPhone X was added to its support list months earlier than YouTube, although the iPhone XS and XS Max have yet to be included. The only Apple devices with Netflix Dolby Vision support, besides the iPhone X, are the second-generation iPad Pro and the iPhone 8.
