YouTube has chosen not to release a special app for the Apple Vision Pro launch. This means that viewers who wish to watch YouTube videos on the device will have to use the web browser version instead.
A spokesperson for YouTube stated, “We’re excited to see Vision Pro launch, and we’re supporting it by ensuring YouTube users have a great experience in Safari,” but did not provide a specific reason for the decision. It remains unclear if YouTube will support the Vision Pro in the future.
As the most popular video-sharing platform, YouTube’s absence as a dedicated app on the Apple Vision Pro may disappoint customers who will have to use Safari instead. This also means that they will not have access to YouTube’s offline download feature, which may be inconvenient for users who want to utilize the headset on flights. It is worth noting that YouTube does provide an app for the competing Meta Quest headset.
Meanwhile, Netflix has also confirmed that it has no plans to launch a dedicated app for the Vision Pro and will not be revising its iPad version for compatibility.
According to a report by MacStories, several other companies, including Meta-owned platforms Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp, may also be refraining from launching compatible apps at this time. However, this situation could change by the time Vision Pro is released on February 2. Meta has not yet responded to requests for comments. Other absent apps reportedly include YouTube Music, Roku, Snapchat, DoorDash, Bumble, and Lyft, among others.
Additionally, Spotify has decided not to introduce a new app and will not be making its iPad app available on the Vision Pro store, as reported by Bloomberg. Spotify has not confirmed its app plans for the Vision Pro.
It is noteworthy that many media companies are reportedly not participating in Apple’s mixed-reality headset launch, especially given that they already have apps for the iPhone and iPad, making it seemingly straightforward to release apps in the Vision Pro store. According to Apple, unless developers explicitly opt out, their iPad apps in the App Store will automatically appear in the Vision Pro store by default.
The reluctance of developers to support Apple’s latest venture is not entirely surprising, especially after the tech giant updated its App Store rules to comply with a court order, thereby giving Apple the authority to approve which apps are eligible to include a link or button to their websites. The new rules also include a 27% fee for out-of-app-store purchases.
Spotify has previously expressed its opposition to the 27% fee for transactions made outside of an app on a developer’s website, deeming it unreasonable. Additionally, Spotify’s decision to forego Apple’s latest device is not directly related to its public grievances over the new App Store rules, according to an informed source cited by Bloomberg.
However, there are several companies willing to join the launch. Nearly 20 apps, including TikTok, Disney+, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Red Bull TV, IMAX, and MUBI, will provide entertainment experiences on the headset.
