You cannot just download an IPA and tap it. iOS requires code signing. Here are the three safest methods for 2025.
In the stock app, you have "Auto," "144p" up to "2160p." In this mod, you will see a new toggle: youtube+ipa+for+ios+1034+extra+quality
For a 1080p video, "Extra Quality" consumes roughly 15-20 Mbps instead of 5-8 Mbps. The difference is visible on iPad Pro displays and 14-inch MacBooks (via Sidecar). You cannot just download an IPA and tap it
An IPA (iOS App Store Package) is the archive file for an iOS app. When you download YouTube from the App Store, you get an encrypted IPA. A "YouTube IPA" in the hacking/sideloading community usually refers to a decrypted, modified version (often called a "tweak" or "hacked" IPA). For a 1080p video, "Extra Quality" consumes roughly
You might think "Extra Quality" just means 4K. You would be wrong. Google already supports 4K via VP9. "Extra Quality" (a term popularized by the YouTubeKiller and iSponsorBlock tweaks) refers to:
In short: Version 1034 + Extra Quality = No buffering, buttery 60fps at near-lossless bitrates.
Most iOS devices play YouTube using the H.264 codec. By forcing the VP9 codec, version 1034 dramatically improves compression. This means you get higher detail at lower bitrates. "Extra Quality" here translates to sharper textures and fewer macroblocks in dark scenes.
