When the Apple Vision Pro debuts on February 2, users will reportedly not find standalone applications for YouTube and Spotify, as per recent information. The anticipated mixed reality headset, marking Apple’s first foray into new hardware in nearly a decade, is set to hit the US market shortly. However, it appears that three major streaming platforms – YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix – will be absent from its list of supported services. Users with active subscriptions may resort to viewing content through the integrated Safari browser, albeit with certain limitations.
According to a statement to Bloomberg from the Alphabet-owned streaming platform, there are currently no plans to introduce a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro. Despite Apple’s provision allowing developers to enable users to access iPad app versions on the mixed reality headset, this flexibility won’t be extended to YouTube users, the company notes.
In a separate report, insiders suggest that Spotify, a prominent music streaming service with over 600 million users and a 30 per cent market share, won’t be offering an independent streaming app for the Vision Pro. Additionally, users won’t have the option to access the iPad app on the headset, according to an individual familiar with the matter.
It is essential to acknowledge the possibility that both platforms might eventually extend support for the Apple Vision Pro. This could involve dedicated apps designed for visionOS, the operating system tailored by Apple to optimise applications for the mixed reality headset. Alternatively, the companies might choose to make their existing iPad apps, routinely updated, and available on the Vision Pro.
Until such developments occur, purchasers of the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro headset will need to utilise YouTube and Spotify through the Safari browser. The absence of standalone apps also implies that users won’t access immersive ‘Environments’ related to the content they consume.
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When the headset becomes available in the US on February 2, customers can expect access to various streaming apps and services, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ESPN, and Apple TV+. A comprehensive list of supported streaming services is available for reference. Apple has also revealed that customers can view purchased or rented movies in 2D and 3D using the mixed reality headset.