Alphabet Inc.'s GOOG GOOGL YouTube and reportedly Spotify Technology SA SPOT have decided not to launch their apps on Apple Inc.’s AAPL forthcoming mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro.
What Happened: On Thursday, YouTube stated they won’t be releasing new apps for Apple’s upcoming device, but users can access their content via a web browser since the iPad app won't also run on the device.
On the other hand, Spotify shared a similar stance as the music streaming platform doesn't intend to release a new app for Vision Pro's operating system, reported Bloomberg, citing a person familiar with the matter.
This decision aligns them with Netflix Inc. NFLX, which had previously declared its non-participation.
Other key iPhone and iPad applications, such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s META Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are currently not configured to operate on the Vision Pro, noted the report citing MacStories.
The lack of participation from these leading streaming platforms means Apple Vision Pro will debut without their support, despite Apple’s focus on video and other entertainment in their marketing strategies.
On the other hand, major entertainment apps like Disney+, Max, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video will be available on the Vision Pro.
Neither YouTube or Spotify gave explicit reasons for their decision to bypass the new device, the report noted.
See Also: Will Apple’s Vision Pro Give Goldman Sachs A Headache? Mark Gurman Does The ‘$1B Loan’ Math
Why It Matters: Apple and Spotify are currently embroiled in a dispute over App Store policies. However, the source cited by the report said that the issue is separate from the decision regarding Vision Pro.
The device, which earlier this week received FCC approval, has been the subject of high anticipation among tech enthusiasts and investors alike. However, it was previously reported that the headset will not support Wi-Fi 6E, potentially affecting its performance.
Earlier, it was also reported that Apple had introduced a face-scanning feature in the Apple Store app to determine the perfect fit for the headset.
Starting at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro is set to launch on Feb. 2 while the pre-booking for the company's first-generation mixed reality headset will start on Friday.
Image courtesy – Apple
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