New YouTube Music code hints at offline downloads for Apple Watch

New code discovered in the YouTube Music app suggests Google is working on expanded Apple Watch functionality. References to download controls and storage management have appeared in the app, hinting at a feature Apple Watch users have been requesting for years.

Offline downloads have long been available in Apple Music, Spotify, and several other Apple Watch music apps. YouTube Music remains one of the few major streaming services that still lacks the feature.

Code reveals download controls

A code analysis shared by a MacRumors contributor on X uncovered several references related to downloads within the YouTube Music app for Apple Watch.

YouTube is working on adding offline download support for YouTube Music on Apple Watch

The latest YouTube Music for iOS update includes strings talking about clearing downloads and disk usage for an Apple Watch pic.twitter.com/QhDClbkrJl
Your Complete iOS 26 Playbook:
Get our exclusive Ultimate iOS 26 Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

— Aaron (@aaronp613) June 22, 2026

The discovered strings mention options such as “Clear Downloads” and include references to storage usage on the watch. While this is not confirmation that offline downloads are ready to launch, it suggests Google may be laying the groundwork for the feature.

Since offline music playback requires local storage management, the addition of download-related settings and storage controls is a notable development.

Although hidden code does not always result in a public release, it often provides an early indication of features currently being tested behind the scenes.

Already available on other smartwatches

Offline downloads would allow users to store music directly on their Apple Watch and listen through connected headphones or earbuds without needing an iPhone or an internet connection.

The feature is already available on competing platforms. YouTube Music supports offline downloads on Wear OS devices, including the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch. Garmin smartwatch users can also download music for offline playback.

Apple Watch users, however, have been waiting years for similar functionality despite repeated requests.

If the newly discovered code is any indication, that could finally change in a future update.

Google has not announced a timeline for offline downloads on Apple Watch, but the presence of download-related code strongly suggests active development is underway.

For Apple Watch owners who use YouTube Music, offline playback would be one of the most significant upgrades to the app since its arrival on watchOS.

Would offline downloads make you use YouTube Music on your Apple Watch more often? Let us know in the comments below.