YouTube now claims that it has plans on its roadmap for a dedicated app for Vision Pro after snubbing the device ahead of its release, according to a new statement issued to The Verge.
The video-sharing platform says that it’s “excited” by Vision Pro’s launch, and has stated that a visionOS app is currently on their roadmap. However, YouTube stopped short of revealing when such an app is actually expected to be available, directing users who wish to access the service to do so through Safari.
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.
YouTube statement
Some third-party YouTube clients for Vision Pro are already popping up on the App Store. Chrisitan Selig, the developer behind the now-defunct Apollo for Reddit, has come up with Juno, a YouTube app for visionOS that provides a much better experience than navigating to Safari. However, both Juno and Safari are incapable of playing YouTube’s 360-degree and 3D videos, and it remains to be seen if the native app will support those formats.
Apple also seems to giving YouTube’s VR formats the cold shoulder. In an earlier statement to The Verge, the Cupertino company is directing users to try out Apple Immersive Video and 3D movies through Apple TV+ on Vision Pro.
Much of this content was created for devices that do not deliver 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.
Apple statement
YouTube was one of a few high-profile services that opted not to launch apps for Vision Pro. Other services like Spotify and Netflix also stated that they won’t offer visionOS apps in time for the headset’s launch, but it seems that the tide is already turning.
