Modern YouTube requires Premium to save videos offline. Older versions like 12.11.6 have less stringent DRM checks. Modified IPAs allow you to download videos directly to your camera roll or an internal library—free, forever.

Before we analyze version 12.11.6, a quick refresher: An IPA file (iOS App Store Package) is the archive file for an iOS app. It is the iPhone equivalent of an .exe on Windows or .apk on Android. When you download an app from the App Store, iOS installs the IPA.

Sideloading an IPA means installing it directly onto your device without going through Apple’s official App Store—often using tools like AltStore, SideStore, Sideloadly, or TrollStore. This process is critical for users who want to modify apps or install older versions that are no longer signed by Apple.

After installing, go to App Store → Updates → long-press on YouTube → Hide Update (on iOS 13+ only; for older iOS, disable automatic updates in Settings → iTunes & App Store)

In late 2021, YouTube famously hid the public dislike count to "protect creators." In 12.11.6, the dislike button works exactly as it did for a decade: you can see exactly how many people disliked a video before you watch it. This is a critical feature for tutorial-seekers (to avoid bad advice) and review-watchers.

If you're specifically looking for YouTube version 12.11.6 IPA, ensure you're using a trusted source and consider the implications of sideloading an app. For most users, the official YouTube app from the App Store will be the safest and most supported choice.

The most popular YouTube mods (uYou+, Cercube, YouTube Reborn) work best with version 12.11.6. These tweaks allow:

Modern YouTube updates break these mods every two weeks. By locking into 12.11.6, users can inject their tweaks once and ignore the App Store forever.