YouTube is following in Netflix’s footsteps as it has decided not to release a dedicated app for the upcoming launch of the Apple Vision Pro. Like Netflix subscribers, viewers will have to switch to the web browser version if they want to watch YouTube videos.
“We’re excited to see the launch of Vision Pro, and we 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 mention the reasons for its selection. It’s also unclear if YouTube plans to support Vision Pro in the future.
YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform in the world, so it will be disappointing for customers when they have to turn to Safari to get their YouTube fix. This also means they can’t access YouTube’s offline downloads feature, which defeats the purpose of using headphones on planes. Notably, YouTube offers an app on competing headphones Meta Quest.
Netflix confirmed to us yesterday that it is not planning to launch a dedicated app for the device. The company is also not modifying its iPad version.
according to Mac StoriesA large number of other companies may also move away from launching compatible apps, including Meta-owned platforms Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp. However, this may change by the time the Vision Pro launches on February 2. Meta was not immediately available to respond to our request for comment. Other missing apps include YouTube Music, Roku, Snapchat, DoorDash, Bumble, Lyft and others.
Spotify is also choosing not to release a new app, per Bloomberg. The music streaming service doesn’t make its iPad app available in the Vision Pro Store either. Spotify told us it couldn’t confirm speculation about its app plans for Vision Pro.
It’s noteworthy, to say the least, that several media companies are passing on Apple’s mixed reality headsets. Especially since they all have apps for iPhone and iPad, which makes it easier for them to release apps in the Vision Pro Store. apple He explains Unless developers declare they don’t want to participate, their iPad apps in the App Store will automatically appear in the Vision Pro store by default.
It’s no surprise that developers aren’t willing to support Apple’s latest project, given that the tech giant recently updated its App Store rules to comply with a court order, making Apple get approval for eligible apps to include a link or button to their websites. The new rules include several other caveats, including a 27% fee on non-App Store purchases.
Spotify previously said in a statement that “charging a 27% fee for transactions made outside the app on the developer’s website is outrageous.” Bloomberg writes that Spotify’s rejection of Apple’s latest devices appears to be unrelated to its general frustration with the new App Store rules, according to a person familiar with the matter.
But there are companies that want to participate. Nearly 20 apps will launch entertainment experiences on the headset, including TikTok, Disney+, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, and Red Bull TV, IMAX and Mobi.