The Apple Vision Pro launched in the US on February 2 without some notable apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, among others. However, now YouTube is reportedly saying that a Vision Pro app is on the roadmap.
In a statement given to The Verge, YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby said, “We’re excited to see Vision Pro launch and we’re supporting it by ensuring YouTube users have a great experience in Safari. We do not have any specific plans to share at this time, but can confirm that a Vision Pro app is on our roadmap.”
While optimism surrounds the potential for a YouTube app, precedent suggests a degree of uncertainty.
YouTube and its parent company, Google, have been known to take considerable time in adapting to new Apple hardware or features. Thus, the timeline for the release of a YouTube app for the Vision Pro remains ambiguous.
However, users can still watch YouTube videos through the Safari app on the Vision Pro. Alternatively,
Apollo developer Christian Selig has stepped in and introduced "Juno," an app designed for watching YouTube content on the mixed-reality headset. Both options currently lack support for YouTube's extensive collection of 360-degree and 3D videos.
According to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Jackie Roy cited compatibility concerns for the absence of these features, noting that such content was tailored for devices that do not offer a high-quality spatial experience.
“In some cases, this content could also cause motion discomfort. We’ve focused our efforts on delivering the best spatial media experience possible including spatial photos and videos, Apple Immersive Video, and 3D movies available on Apple TV,” she told The Verge.
While specifics regarding YouTube's potential app remain elusive, Apple hinted at future support for WebXR content. This development could pave the way for viewing YouTube VR videos through Safari, albeit with the caveat that WebXR is still an evolving standard.
“We’ve been actively contributing to the W3C web standards including WebXR — for example, proposing interaction standards that protect users’ privacy. We will continue to work with the community to help deliver great spatial computing experiences via the web,” Roy added.
