After Netflix, YouTube and Spotify say they won't make native apps for Apple's Vision Pro

Following Netflix, Google’s YouTube and Spotify have also announced that they will not release a dedicated app for Apple’s upcoming spatial computer, the Mixed Reality headset Vision Pro.

YouTube has decided not to develop a native app for the Apple Vision Pro. The iPad app of YouTube also won’t be compatible with the $3,499 headset. YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby clarified that “YouTube users will be able to use YouTube in Safari on the Vision Pro.”

Other major services are also opting out of dedicated apps for the Vision Pro. According to a source cited by Bloomberg, Spotify has no plans to create a new app for the Vision Pro and is unlikely to enable its iPad app to run on the device.

This could potentially require users to access Spotify through a web browser. However, Spotify spokesperson Grey Munford stated that the company cannot confirm this report and has “made no announcement concerning plans for the Vision Pro.”

As per MacStories’ findings indicate that out of the 46 most popular apps on the App Store, none will have a native visionOS app at launch. While some apps may still offer Vision Pro support through existing apps on iPhone and iPad, the absence of native apps just weeks before the Vision Pro launch raises concerns.

All of this began when Netflix announced that they will not be offering a dedicated app for users of Apple’s $3,499 spatial computer, set to launch in the US on February 2. The streaming giant stated that, similar to subscribers watching Netflix on a web browser on Mac computers, Vision Pro users will need to stream content without a standalone app.

The absence of a dedicated Netflix or YouTube app on the Vision Pro is expected to come with some limitations, as reported. Users may face restrictions such as no offline download support, limited video quality settings, and in Netflix’s case, the absence of “Environments,” preventing immersive background viewing. Netflix already limits streaming quality on certain browsers, with only Safari and Microsoft Edge supporting 4K resolution.

Netflix was notably absent from Apple’s list of streaming services providing dedicated apps for the Vision Pro. The announced apps include Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Discovery+, Disney+, ESPN, Fubo, IMAX, MLB, MUBI, Max, NBA, PGA Tour, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Red Bull TV, TikTok, and Tubi.

Customers purchasing the Apple Vision Pro will have access to 150 3D movies, including popular titles like Avatar: The Way of Water, Dune, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The headset offers both 2D and 3D viewing options along with Spatial Audio, as highlighted by Apple.

While the Vision Pro offers an array of features, the absence of a standalone Netflix and YouTube app at launch might impact its appeal, especially for users seeking a more immersive viewing experience given the high price tag of $3,499.

(With inputs from agencies)