YouTube is following in the footsteps of Netflix by deciding not to release a dedicated app for the upcoming release of 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 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 state its reasoning for the exception. It’s also unclear whether YouTube plans to support Vision Pro in the future.
YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform in the world, so it will be frustrating for customers when they have to go to Safari to get their YouTube fix. It also means they can’t access YouTube’s offline downloads feature, which defeats the purpose of using the headphones on airplanes. In particular, YouTube provides an app on rival headsets Meta Quest.
Netflix confirmed to us yesterday that it has no plans to release a dedicated app for the device. The company is also not modifying its iPad version.
According MacStories, a number of other companies may also refrain from releasing compatible apps, including Meta-owned platforms Instagram, Facebook, Threads and WhatsApp. However, that could change once the Vision Pro launches on February 2nd. Meta was not immediately available to respond to our request for comment. Other missing apps include YouTube Music, Roku, Snapchat, DoorDash, Bumble, and Lyft, among others.
Spotify also chooses 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 could not confirm speculation about its app plans for Vision Pro.
It’s notable, to say the least, that several media companies are reportedly passing on Apple’s mixed reality headset. Especially since they all have iPhone and iPad apps, which makes it easy for them to release apps on the Vision Pro store. apple explains that unless developers opt out, their iPad apps in the App Store will automatically appear in the Vision Pro store by default.
It’s not surprising that developers are reluctant to support Apple’s latest venture, given that the tech giant recently updated its App Store rules to comply with a court order, making it so that Apple can approve which apps are eligible to include a link or button on their websites. The new rules include several other caveats, including a 27% charge for out-of-app purchases.
Spotify previously said in a statement that “charging 27% for out-of-app transactions on a developer’s website is outrageous.” Bloomberg wrote that Spotify’s apparent rejection of Apple’s newest device is not related to its public frustration over new App Store rules, according to a person familiar with the matter.
However, there are companies willing to participate. Nearly 20 apps will launch entertainment experiences on the handsets, 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.
