YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix will not offer standalone apps for Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, when the device launches on February 2, 2024.
No YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix For Apple Vision Pro
According to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix, three of the most popular video and music services, currently have no plans to develop a dedicated app for Apple’s Vision Pro. However, customers with active subscriptions can access the web version of these services via the built-in Safari browser, although with certain limitations.
“YouTube users will be able to use YouTube in Safari on the Vision Pro at launch,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement to Bloomberg. Further, at least for now, Google’s YouTube won’t allow the iPad version of the app to work on the mixed reality headset.
Similarly, the music streaming platform Spotify is not planning to create a new app for visionOS – the Vision Pro’s operating system. In addition, the iPad version of the music app also won’t run on the device, cited a person familiar with the matter.
In a previous report by Bloomberg, it was reported that the popular video streaming platform Netflix has no plans to launch an app exclusively for Apple’s Vision Pro, nor does it want to make its iPad app compatible with the platform. This means users will have to watch content from Netflix in a web browser.
“Our members will be able to enjoy Netflix on the web browser on the Vision Pro, similar to how our members can enjoy Netflix on Macs,” a Netflix spokesperson had told Bloomberg.
On the other hand, other entertainment apps have announced support for Vision Pro, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, Max, Discovery+, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, TikTok, NBA, MLB and PGA Tour.
Moreover, customers purchasing the Apple Vision Pro will be able to buy or rent more than 150 3D-immersive movies, including “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Dune,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Elemental” and “Encanto.” Besides offering Spatial Audio, the headset also provides 2D and 3D viewing options, as noted by Apple.
Apple has already started taking pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro beginning Friday, January 19, 2024. Effective February 2, 2024, the mixed-reality headset will be available at all U.S. Apple Store locations and the online Apple Store, starting from $3,499.