Alphabet Inc’s YouTube released a dedicated app for Apple Inc’s Vision Pro on Feb 12, filling a notable gap in the headset’s lineup of entertainment options two years after its debut.
The software closely resembles the version of YouTube that shipped last fall on the Galaxy XR from Samsung Electronics Co, which runs Google’s Android XR platform. It offers full access to the platform’s billions of videos and supports playback of 3D content, along with immersive 180° and 360° clips.
Before now, YouTube was only accessible via the built-in Safari web browser on Apple’s US$3,499 (RM13,660) mixed-reality headset. The lack of an official app left users without the ability to download videos for offline viewing and take advantage of other features as they’ve long been able to do on mobile devices.
The fact that YouTube waited two years to deliver a Vision Pro app is another reminder of the niche status that surrounds Apple’s headset. Though the device is impressive from a technical standpoint – especially for viewing immersive videos – it lacks the vibrant app ecosystem of Apple’s iPhone, iPad and other hardware.
Netflix Inc remains a holdout, with no dedicated Vision Pro app available from the streaming service.
Third-party developers have tried to fill the void by releasing unsanctioned YouTube players for visionOS, the headset’s operating system. But some of these have been removed from the App Store since they violate the video platform’s terms of service.
The official YouTube app is a free download and is available now. – Bloomberg
