Owners of third-generation Apple TV boxes will soon be required to use AirPlay to view video playback via YouTube. Users will be required to start video playback on another device, such as their iPhone or iPad, and then AirPlay it to their third-gen Apple TV.
Owners of fourth-generation (Apple TV HD) and fifth-generation (Apple TV 4K) models will still be able to use the YouTube app on their devices, as the devices’ built-in App Store will continue to update the YouTube app.
A 9to5Mac report tells of one of its readers sharing a message that is currently being displayed before viewing videos from YouTube on the third-gen Apple TV:
Starting early March, the YouTube app will no longer be available on Apple TV (3rd generation). You can still watch YouTube on Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, iPhone, or iPad. With AirPlay, you can also stream YouTube from your iOS device directly to any Apple TV (3rd generation or later).
I’d venture to say that most Apple TV owners also own another Apple device, such as a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, that can be used to stream YouTube to their older Apple TV. Numerous other devices, including Smart TVs, Roku devices, Chromecast devices, Amazon Fire, and other streaming-capable devices are also capable of streaming YouTube.
