Before Apple released its Vision Pro headset, there were already several dedicated apps ready for use. However, three mainstream platforms have yet to create one for the visionOS, it's looking more positive for one of them.
YouTube on the Vision Pro Headset
The Apple Vision Pro was a revolutionary move for the tech giant, as users of the device will only need the headset in order to interact with it as opposed to having controllers on hand. But, it came short when it comes to dedicated apps.
Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube refused to create an app for the AR/VR headset, with one implying that there aren't enough potential users to make it worth the investment. With YouTube's recent announcement, it looks like they're having a change of heart.
Initially, the company only said that it intended to make sure that the site would run smoothly on the Safari browser. Now, YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby confirms that "a Vision Pro app is on our roadmap," as reported by The Verge.
It's unclear why the company suddenly decided that a dedicated app was worth developing. It might be due to the popularity of demonstration videos on social media, or the increase in the use of Christian Selig's Juno app for YouTube on the headset.
Either way, a dedicated app would make it easier for users to navigate the site without having to open the browser. YouTube did not give any specifics as to what a visionOS YouTube app would be like, but there are a lot of things that the company could add to it.
Aside from just allowing the iPad app to run on the headset, YouTube could improve the VR support for 360 and VR videos on the streaming platform, as it is still not accessible for users, especially through the browser.
This sort of beats the purpose of the Vision Pro being an AR/VR headset in some ways. Although, you might not want to hold your breath for that feature, as Apple isn't really looking into it at the moment.
Apple spokesperson Jackie Roy said that "much of this content was created for devices that do not deliver a high-quality spatial experience. In some cases, this content could also cause motion discomfort."
In addition to that, Roy expressed that the company has focused its efforts on "delivering the best spatial media experience possible including spatial photos and videos, Apple Immersive Video, and 3D movies available on Apple TV."
No News for a Netflix, Spotify App
YouTube might finally be warming up to the idea of a Vision Pro app, but Netflix and Spotify are both standing by their decisions, which means that Apple Vision Pro users won't be getting an app any time soon.
According to Gizmodo, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said that the company is careful about "investing in places that are not really yielding a return," saying that the Apple VR headset is not relevant to most of its members. As for Spotify, the company remains silent on the matter.
