YouTube changes its mind and says an app will come to Vision Pro after all
TL;DR YouTube was one of the most prominent holdouts that initially refused to create a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro. It appears YouTube has had a change of heart as a spokesperson says a Vision Pro YouTube app is on its roadmap. Until the app arrives, YouTube is optimizing the website for Safari on […]
TL;DR
- YouTube was one of the most prominent holdouts that initially refused to create a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro.
- It appears YouTube has had a change of heart as a spokesperson says a Vision Pro YouTube app is on its roadmap.
- Until the app arrives, YouTube is optimizing the website for Safari on Vision Pro as a stopgap measure.
A few weeks ago, Netflix, YouTube and Spotify made headlines after refusing to create dedicated apps for Apple Vision Pro. But it looks like something happened between then and now, as YouTube says a dedicated app is coming.
In an email sent to The edge, YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby talked about the company’s plans with Apple’s new headset. “We’re excited to see the launch of Vision Pro and we’re supporting it by ensuring YouTube users have a great experience in Safari,” Gibby told the outlet. “We have no specific plans to share at this time, but can confirm that a Vision Pro app is on our roadmap.”
It’s unclear how soon a dedicated YouTube app will come to the Vision Pro. But it appears the company is directing people to the web version of YouTube while it waits for the app to arrive.
If you’re wondering why change your mind now, several factors may have played a role. The first factor may be linked to Christian Selig’s launch of an unofficial third-party YouTube app called Juno. Another factor could be strong initial sales of the headset, which analysts Ming Chi Kuo Apple is estimated to have sold between 160,000 and 180,000 units during the first pre-order weekend. This number far exceeds the 60,000 to 80,000 units that Kuo predicted Apple would produce.
While owners will have to wait for a dedicated YouTube app, the website has an extensive library of VR and 360-degree content. However, this content may not be supported by Vision Pro. Apple spokesperson Jackie Roy told The Verge:
[M]Much of this content was created for devices that do not provide a high-quality spatial experience. In some cases, this content could also cause discomfort during movement. We’ve focused our efforts on providing the best spatial media experience possible, including spatial photos and videos, Apple Immersive Video, and 3D movies available on Apple TV.
It is currently unclear whether the new YouTube Vision Pro app will support virtual reality and 360-degree content. As for other high-profile holdouts, it appears Netflix and Spotify are sticking to their positions so far.
