YouTube says a “Vision Pro app is on our roadmap”, but doesn't offer a timeframe; Safari for visionOS does not support YouTube's library of 360 and VR videos
Here's a little bit of an about-face: YouTube now says it has a Vision Pro app on its roadmap.
The VergeNilay Patel
Context & Ripple Effects
YouTube’s roadmap reversal followed a report that it would not offer a native Vision Pro app or allow its iPad app on the platform. Apple had already made the visionOS development toolkit available through its visionOS SDK release, leaving YouTube’s absence as a notable gap in the new headset’s video offering.
The browser limitation matters because it prevents Safari from serving as a full substitute for a dedicated client, particularly for immersive video. Related coverage later records YouTube’s eventual Vision Pro app launch with 180° and 360° playback, making this commitment an early step toward closing that gap.
First-order effects
Vision Pro users gain a stated path to a native YouTube experience, but no near-term delivery commitment; YouTube’s 360° and VR catalog remains inaccessible through visionOS Safari in the meantime.
YouTube shifts from an initial non-participation stance to planning platform support, while retaining control over when and how its service reaches Vision Pro users.
Second-order effects
Apple’s headset proposition remains constrained by a major video platform’s browser incompatibility until an app arrives, increasing the value of native apps for immersive media rather than web access alone.
Independent workarounds face a less certain role: a later third-party YouTube Vision Pro app was removed after YouTube cited terms-of-service concerns, underscoring the platform owner’s control over access and distribution.
Third-order effects
If large video services treat immersive formats as native-app features, headset platforms may develop a more app-gated video ecosystem, where browser compatibility is insufficient for full catalog access.
The episode points to immersive-video support becoming a strategic distribution decision for major platforms, not merely a matter of adapting an existing tablet or web app.
The trend: Immersive video is moving toward native, platform-specific distribution as services seek to control access to advanced viewing formats and headset experiences.
YouTube tells me a Vision Pro app is now “on the roadmap,” albeit with no timeline. And visionOS webXR support means, um, ~ other kinds ~ of VR videos on the web don't work yet either. More: https://www.theverge.com/...
As I obnoxiously insist that indie devs and normal people can have an influence on new operating systems, it's already happening. — @christianselig cucked **YOUTUBE** with Juno, and now they're going to make a crappy app that doesn't launch for a year. — https://www.theverge.…
The best part of this XR war. Is when Samsung/Google comes with a headset that integrates Android. And “Meta” with a 10 year head start and 100 billion loss, still loses. Why? Simply because they treated devs like absolute trash and ran a predatory store with zero transparency.
@Comentamundo21 oh don't confuse unable with block Safari doesn't support playback of VR/360 video. Most websites use JS webviews developed to play on specific browsers on VR headsets. If it was a spatial MOV it would be supported, but that's a pretty new standard
Translation: We've seen the positive buzz, but are not sure of the staying power. If and when this becomes a thing, we'll release something. Now shut up about it. [image]