When Apple (AAPL) released its Vision Pro headset in early 2024, Google’s (GOOG)(GOOGL) YouTube, one of the most popular apps in the world, was glaringly absent.
However, starting today, YouTube finally has an app available for visionOS in the App Store. The app allows Vision Pro users to view any video on YouTube. It also supports 3D, 360-degree, and VR180 videos along with standard rectangular videos and Shorts. Videos can be viewed in 8K on the Vision Pro M5. The app requires visionOS 26.0 or later to run.
The Vision Pro, which starts at $3,499, is seen by many as too costly. Critics also said the headset is heavy, uncomfortable to wear, has a relatively low battery life, and features limited apps. Apple tried to address some of these issues by launching an upgraded M5 version in October, with extended battery life and a new headband design. It is expected to roll out a cheaper, lower-specification version this year.
Critics have also pointed out a limited App Store library.
The virtual reality headset market has been dominated by Meta Platforms’ (META) Quest, which holds about 80% of the market share. However, it starts at $370. Still, even Meta scaled back its digital marketing spending for the headsets over the past year.
Virtual reality headsets have largely struggled to grab consumer interest, with the overall market for the devices shrinking 14% year-on-year, according to Counterpoint Research.
Reportedly, Apple has shifted its focus to developing a line of AI-powered smart glasses instead of an extensive Vision Pro reboot.