YouTube stated on Thursday that it has no plans to release a new app for the Apple Vision Pro or allow its existing iPad app to function on the device, at least not initially. In a similar move to Netflix, YouTube recommends users access its content through a web browser, specifically mentioning Safari on the Vision Pro at launch.
Spotify is also not currently developing a new app for the Vision Pro’s operating system, visionOS, and does not anticipate enabling its iPad app for the device’s launch. However, Spotify is expected to function through a web browser. This decision by YouTube and Spotify means that the most popular streaming apps will not be available when the Vision Pro headset launches on February 2. Apple has heavily marketed the device as a platform for video, games, and entertainment.
Despite not having support from YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix, the Vision Pro will offer access to Apple’s apps for music and podcasts, competing with Spotify’s offerings. YouTube’s absence is particularly notable, considering its preinstallation on the original iPad in 2010. While YouTube does not rule out supporting the Vision Pro in the future, it has no immediate plans to do so.
Both YouTube and Spotify still maintain popular apps for iPhone and iPad, theoretically making it easy for them to support the Vision Pro. Developers with iPad software in the regular App Store will automatically have their apps appear in the Vision Pro store unless they choose to opt out.
While YouTube and Spotify are not on board, several other entertainment apps, including Disney+, Max, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video, are participating. Apple claims that the Vision Pro will support over 1 million titles in its App Store. Preorders for the Vision Pro will begin on Friday.
Searches conducted by MacStories suggest that other key iPhone and iPad apps, including Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are not currently set to work on the Vision Pro. However, this could change by the device’s launch, or developers may plan new dedicated versions for visionOS. Apple’s executive overseeing the Vision Pro indicated a focus on health care, technician training, education, and corporate applications for the product. The Vision Pro marks Apple’s first major new product category since introducing smartwatches in 2015.