Apple's Vision Pro Headset Doesn't Support YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify Apps: Here’s Why

As Apple gears up to launch its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset on February 2, 2024, there's a notable absence in the lineup of supported media streaming apps.

Despite the device's potential to revolutionize the struggling VR-AR industry, reports suggest that major players like YouTube and Netflix will not have dedicated apps for Apple's VisionOS at the time of launch.

YouTube and Netflix Won't Have a Dedicated App

YouTube recently announced that there will not be a native YouTube app for VisionOS on the Vision Pro. However, users will still be able to watch YouTube videos using the Safari browser.

Netflix is following a similar path, allowing users to stream content on the Vision Pro through any web browser. This is similar to the experience on Macs, where users can watch Netflix content through Safari or other web browsers.

Spotify's Undecided Stance

Spotify, another media giant, has not definitively taken a stance on the Vision Pro. Grey Munford, Spotify's PR Head, stated that the company has not made any decision about Apple's headset. Whether Spotify follows the footsteps of YouTube and Netflix or takes a different approach remains uncertain.

Impact on Entertainment Experience

Although Apple touts support for 3D movies and highlights compatibility with apps like Apple TV, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video, the omission of YouTube and Netflix presents a problem. These platforms are popular worldwide, and their absence may detract from the Vision Pro's entertainment experience, especially considering that they have dedicated apps on competing platforms like Meta Quest VR headsets.

VisionOS and iPad OS Compatibility

Apple's Vision Pro will support two types of applications. The first category includes apps developed specifically for VisionOS. The second category involves iPad OS apps running in compatibility mode on the headset. This raises possibilities of potential workarounds to run Netflix and YouTube apps on the Vision Pro.

Via