Google launched the Pixel 2 XL with a unique pinch-to-zoom feature in the YouTube app. The feature is pretty basic, allowing users to expand the video to full-screen on devices with 18:9 aspect ratios with a simple pinch gesture. Considering its simplicity, it was strange that the feature was limited to the Pixel 2 XL. Today that exclusivity has ended as the feature is rolling out to the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Note 8, LG V30, and LG G6.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 lines launched with a zoom button in YouTube, but yesterday, several users reported this button being removed. Shortly after the button disappeared, those same users noticed that the pinch-to-zoom feature was available when watching YouTube.
We noticed the feature on our Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8. This feature is not exclusive to Android Oreo as previously thought, as several Nougat devices have received the update already. Indeed, the feature is also not exclusive to Samsung — LG V30 and LG G6 users are seeing the same update hit their devices. Overall, it looks like all of the new flagships with extra-tall aspect ratio are seeing the feature hit today.
It looks like this update is a server-side switch, which means you won’t see it rolling out in a particular version of the YouTube app. If you’re not seeing the pinch-to-zoom feature on your device just yet, you can try downloading the latest Youtube APK or clearing the app cache to force a switch. Let us know in the comments below if you’re seeing this roll out to your device!
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