NEWS  Apple  January 19, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Two major streaming giants, YouTube and Spotify, have chosen not to offer dedicated apps for Apple's upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset. This move follows Netflix's recent announcement that it would not support the headset with a dedicated app, and now, both YouTube and Spotify have joined the ranks of abstainers.

According to Bloomberg reports, Google has confirmed that it will not develop a dedicated visionOS app for the Vision Pro, and it won't permit its iPad app to function on the headset. Similarly, an unnamed source has revealed that Spotify plans to follow suit. This collective decision by these entertainment giants implies that three of the most popular streaming services will be notably absent when the Vision Pro hits the market on February 2.

While these companies could have allowed their existing iPad apps to run on the Vision Pro without additional visionOS features, the fact that they deliberately chose to block their apps from functioning on the headset suggests a significant snub towards Apple. The absence of these major players raises questions about the Vision Pro's compatibility and attractiveness to users who rely on these platforms for their entertainment needs.

As of now, neither Netflix, Spotify, nor Google's YouTube has provided an official statement explaining their decision to forego native app support for the Vision Pro. However, users will still be able to access these services on the headset through Apple's Safari web browser, albeit without the seamless integration that dedicated apps would have offered.

Apple has heavily promoted the Vision Pro as a high-end entertainment device, and despite these setbacks, numerous smaller streaming services are committed to supporting the headset with their apps at launch. Notably, Microsoft has previously announced its support for the Vision Pro, promising versions of its Word, Excel, and Office apps tailored for the device.

With pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro set to begin today at a price of $3,499, Apple is gearing up for an anticipated release. The company is reportedly preparing its retail store employees to conduct in-depth demonstrations of the Vision Pro, with sessions that could last as long as 25 minutes. The absence of Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify apps, however, poses a unique challenge for Apple as it seeks to establish the Vision Pro as a leading device in the mixed reality landscape.

 COVER IMAGE: REVIEW SPACE | PRODUCTS IMAGES APPLE / YOUTUBE / SPOTIFY