Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset, poised for release in a few weeks, is set to miss out on dedicated apps from Spotify and YouTube. Users can only access these services through the Safari web browser, limiting the immersive experience promised by the headset.
The Vision Pro, priced at $3,499, is Apple’s first “spatial computer,” offering advanced, realistic interactions with floating windows in a mixed-reality environment.
The device’s appeal hinges on the quality and variety of its apps. While iPad app developers will automatically find their software in the Vision Pro store, Spotify and YouTube have chosen not to participate.
This decision parallels Netflix’s approach, requiring users to rely on Safari for these services. This workaround means a less engaging experience compared to apps like Disney+ and Apple Music, and even less so than YouTube’s dedicated app for Meta Quest 3.
YouTube’s absence is particularly notable given its prior development for Meta Quest 3. This could hint at strategic decisions based on platform popularity and pricing, as YouTube previously avoided developing an app for Windows Phone due to low adoption rates.
Spotify’s decision not to develop a dedicated app, despite its contentious relationship with Apple over in-app sales revenue, is reportedly not influenced by this factor. The absence of these popular apps may impact the user experience and reception of Apple’s ambitious Vision Pro headset.
