- tech360.tv
YouTube and Spotify Decline to Launch Apple Vision Pro Apps, Following Netflix's Lead
YouTube and Spotify will not be launching new apps for the Apple Vision Pro. YouTube recommends using the Safari web browser to access its content on the Vision Pro. Spotify does not expect its iPad app to run on the device but may still be accessible through a web browser.
In a move that mirrors Netflix's decision, Google's YouTube and Spotify Technology SA have announced that they will not be launching new apps for Apple Inc.'s upcoming mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. YouTube stated on Thursday that it has no plans to develop a dedicated app for the Vision Pro and will instead recommend users to access its content through the Safari web browser. Similarly, Spotify does not intend to release a new app for the Vision Pro's operating system, visionOS, but users may still be able to access the music service through a web browser.
The absence of YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix on the Vision Pro means that some of the most popular streaming apps will not be available when the headset launches on February 2nd. Apple has positioned the Vision Pro as a platform for video, games, and entertainment, making the lack of support from these major players a significant setback.
YouTube's absence is particularly notable, considering that it was one of the preinstalled apps on Apple's original iPad when it debuted in 2010. While YouTube and Spotify continue to offer apps for the iPhone and iPad, their decision not to support the Vision Pro raises questions about their reasoning behind this move.
Despite the absence of these streaming giants, other entertainment apps such as Disney+, Max, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video are still participating in the Vision Pro launch. Apple claims that the device will support over 1 million titles in its App Store, and preorders for the Vision Pro will begin on Friday.
Neither YouTube nor Spotify has provided specific reasons for their decision to opt out of supporting the $3,499 Vision Pro device. Spotify's absence on competing headsets, such as Meta Platforms Inc.'s Quest, and its ongoing dispute with Apple over App Store policies may have played a role. However, an anonymous source familiar with the matter stated that the decision regarding the Vision Pro is unrelated to the ongoing dispute.
It is worth noting that other key iPad apps, including Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are also not currently set to work on the Vision Pro. However, this could change before the device's launch, or developers may be planning dedicated versions for visionOS.
YouTube and Spotify will not be launching new apps for the Apple Vision Pro.
YouTube recommends using the Safari web browser to access its content on the Vision Pro.
Spotify does not expect its iPad app to run on the device but may still be accessible through a web browser.
Source: YAHOO