It will take a cue from Netflix as well by not launching its native app for the Apple Vision Pro. Just like subscribers to Netflix, viewers will have to depend on the web browser version if they want to watch YouTube videos.

"We are looking forward to Vision Pro launching and are supporting that with ensuring users in YouTube have an amazing experience in Safari," a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. The company didn't explain its decision to opt out. It is also not clear if YouTube will ever support Vision Pro.

YouTube is the world's leading video-sharing service, and customers will be disappointed to not get their YouTube fix but have to go to Safari for it. This would also mean they cannot access the offline downloads feature of YouTube, which defeats the reason for using the headset on the plane. Notably, YouTube offers an app for its rival headset Meta Quest.

We received confirmation yesterday from Netflix that it would not be developing an exclusive app for the device. The company is also not altering its iPad version.

Netflix confirms it won't have a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro

According to MacStories, a host of other firms may also be holding back from releasing compatible apps that include Meta-owned platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Threads and WhatsApp. However, it may be different when the Vision Pro hits the stores on February 2. Meta wasn't immediately available to comment on our request. Among the missing apps are YouTube Music, Roku, Snapchat, DoorDash, Bumble and Lyft, among many others.

The music streaming service is also not offering its iPad app in the Vision Pro store. Spotify told us it couldn't confirm speculation about its app plans for the Vision Pro. Bloomberg reports that Spotify is also choosing not to roll out a new app.

It's both surprising and not, at least to me, that many media companies reportedly are going to pass on Apple's mixed-reality headset. Especially since they all have apps for the iPhone and iPad, so it's easy to release apps in the Vision Pro store. Apple explains that unless developers say they don't want to participate, their iPad apps in the App Store will automatically appear in the Vision Pro store by default.

It's little surprise that developers aren't so keen on supporting Apple's newest move, considering the tech goliath recently updated App Store rules to comply with a court order, essentially letting Apple decide which applications get to include a link or button to their websites. New rules include many more caveats, such as the fee of 27% to buy out-of-app purchases.

Spotify said in an earlier statement that "charging a 27% fee for transactions made outside of an app on a developer's website is outrageous." Bloomberg reported that the move by Spotify to apparently snub Apple's new device has little to do with its public outcries about the new App Store rules, said a person aware of the matter.

There are willing companies, though. Close to 20 apps will make entertainment experiences available on the headset, including TikTok, Disney+, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Red Bull TV, IMAX and MUBI.