In a surprising turn of events, YouTube, owned by Google, has reversed its previous decision and now plans to develop a dedicated app for Apple’s Vision Pro. This marks a shift from their earlier stance, where they had declared their reluctance to create native apps for Apple’s Spatial Computer.
As of now, users are limited to accessing YouTube on Safari or through the Juno app to watch videos on Apple’s Vision Pro. Despite Apple launching over 600 dedicated apps for Vision Pro, some major players like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify were missing from the roster.
In January, YouTube had firmly stated that it would not develop native apps for visionOS and would not permit its iPad apps to run on Apple’s Spatial Computer. However, in a recent statement to The Verge, a YouTube spokesperson revealed a change in their strategy, stating, “We do not have any specific plans to share at this time, but can confirm that a Vision Pro app is on our roadmap.”
The exact timeline for the release of the YouTube app for Vision Pro remains unclear. YouTube has traditionally been cautious in adopting new Apple features, often taking considerable time to embrace changes. While the statement acknowledges the development of a Vision Pro app, it does not provide a specific launch date.
Currently, users can utilize the Juno app for YouTube on Vision Pro, and also access videos through the Safari browser. However, neither Juno nor YouTube on the web fully supports the extensive collection of 360 and 3D YouTube videos. It is uncertain whether the upcoming YouTube app for Vision Pro will address this limitation or offer compatibility with 3D content.
An Apple spokesperson explained that the absence of certain content, especially 360 and VR videos, is due to concerns about motion discomfort. The content, originally designed for devices that do not deliver a high-quality spatial experience, may not meet the standards required for Vision Pro.
Despite this, Apple is actively working on supporting WebXR content, which could potentially enable Vision Pro users to watch YouTube VR videos on Safari in the future. WebXR, while still in its early stages, is a developing standard that Apple is contributing to, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing the spatial experience on Vision Pro.
In the complex landscape of emerging technologies, the confirmation of a dedicated YouTube app for Vision Pro brings optimism and anticipation for users eager to explore the platform’s capabilities.
