YouTube has followed in the footsteps of Netflix and decided not to release a dedicated app for the upcoming Apple Vision Pro. Like Netflix subscribers, viewers must use a web browser version if they want to watch YouTube videos.
“We’re excited to see the launch of Vision Pro and we’ll support it by ensuring YouTube users have a great experience in Safari,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. The company did not provide a reason for opting out. It’s unclear whether YouTube plans to support Vision Pro in the future.
YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform in the world, so customers are disappointed when they are forced to go to Safari to fix YouTube issues. It also means they can’t access YouTube’s offline download feature, which defeats the purpose of using headphones on a plane. It’s worth noting that YouTube offers an app on the competing headset, the Meta Quest.
Netflix confirmed to us yesterday that it has no plans to launch a dedicated app for the device. The company hasn’t modified its iPad version either.
According to MacStories, many other companies may not launch compatible apps, including Meta-owned platforms Instagram, Facebook, Threads and WhatsApp. However, that may change by February 2 when Vision Pro launches. Meta was unable to immediately respond to our request for comment. Other missing apps include YouTube Music, Roku, Snapchat, DoorDash, Bumble, and Lyft, among others.
Spotify has also chosen not to launch a new app, according to Bloomberg. The music streaming service also doesn’t offer its iPad app on the Vision Pro store. Spotify tells us it can’t confirm speculation about its plans for the Vision Pro app.
It’s notable, to say the least, that many media companies are reportedly moving away from Apple’s mixed reality headset. Especially since they both have apps for iPhone and iPad, they can easily publish their apps in the Vision Pro store. Apple explains that their iPad apps in the App Store will automatically appear in the Vision Pro store by default, unless developers indicate they don’t want to participate.
Developers’ reluctance to support Apple’s latest move is not surprising, as the tech giant recently updated its App Store rules to comply with a court order, allowing Apple to approve which apps are eligible to include links or buttons to their websites. The new rules include a number of other caveats, including a 27% fee for purchases made outside the App Store.
Spotify previously said in a statement that “charging a 27% fee for transactions outside of apps on a developer website is outrageous.” According to people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg wrote that Spotify rejected Apple’s latest device It seems to have nothing to do with public dissatisfaction with the new App Store rules.
However, there are companies willing to participate. Nearly 20 apps will launch entertainment experiences on headphones, 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.
