Highlights

• Popular apps like YouTube and Spotify missing at Vision Pro launch.
• Netflix opts for web version over dedicated Vision Pro app.
• Disney+ to offer unique virtual environments on Vision Pro.
• Apple employees receive a 25% discount on Vision Pro purchase.

The upcoming launch of Vision Pro, slated for February 2, is generating buzz in the tech community, particularly regarding the availability of apps on this new platform.

YouTube, Spotify, Absent on Vision Pro

As per Bloomberg, the Vision Pro will present two categories of apps for users: those natively developed for Vision Pro and iPad apps that are compatible in a special mode.

However, a recent revelation indicates a notable absence of several popular apps in its initial offering.

As it stands, the majority of the top apps on the App Store, including key players like YouTube and Spotify, will not be natively available for Vision Pro at launch.

YouTube has confirmed that Vision Pro users can access its services via Safari, while Spotify’s plans for Vision Pro remain unannounced, with no immediate intention to enable its iPad app on the device.

This development reflects a broader trend among major social media platforms, with Instagram, Threads, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok also opting out of Vision Pro support initially.

On the brighter side, services like Uber and Uber Eats will be accessible on Vision Pro.

These developments, however, are not set in stone.

The tech world is known for its dynamic nature, and there’s still a window for app developers to change their stance, either by making their iPad apps compatible with Vision Pro or by developing native apps specifically for this new platform.

Netflix’s Absence But Disney+ to be Present

Also Netflix has decided against launching a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro, and will not be modifying its existing iPad app for compatibility with the new device.

Instead, Netflix users will need to use the web version on the Vision Pro.

This decision has been confirmed by a Netflix spokesperson, as reported by TechCrunch.

The web version, while expected to perform similarly to the iPad app, will not support certain features like downloading titles for offline viewing.

In contrast, Disney+ is reportedly making strides to enhance the user experience on Vision Pro, intending to overshadow Netflix.

Disney+ plans to offer unique virtual environments inspired by popular franchises, including Marvel’s Avengers Tower, Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.,” the El Capitan Theatre, and a Star Wars-themed backdrop featuring Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder and the planet Tatooine.

Apple Giving 25 percent Discount on Vision Pro

In related news, Apple has announced a significant 25 percent discount on Vision Pro for its employees, a gesture that, while less than the 50 percent discounts previously offered for products like the HomePod and Apple Watch, is still notable.

Additionally, employees can utilize a $500 credit, available every three years for Mac purchases, towards acquiring Vision Pro.

This could potentially bring the cost down to around $2,100, offering substantial savings.

For customers eager to experience Vision Pro, pre-orders are set to begin on January 19, with sales commencing two weeks later across Apple.com and in all Apple Store locations in the United States.

This launch represents a pivotal moment in tech, showcasing the evolution of app compatibility and corporate incentives in the face of innovative new products.

FAQs

Which popular apps will not be available on Vision Pro at launch?

At its launch, Vision Pro will not feature native versions of top App Store apps like YouTube and Spotify.

While YouTube can be accessed through Safari, Spotify’s stance on Vision Pro compatibility remains unclear, with no plans announced for supporting the device initially.

How is Netflix adapting its services for Vision Pro?

Netflix has chosen not to release a dedicated app for Vision Pro, nor will it modify its iPad app for the new device.

Vision Pro users will need to use Netflix’s web version, which lacks features like offline viewing available in the iPad app.

What unique features is Disney+ planning for Vision Pro users?

Disney+ is actively working to enhance the Vision Pro experience by creating unique virtual environments.

These include settings inspired by Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, offering a distinctive viewing experience on the new platform.

Are social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook available on Vision Pro?

Major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, will not be initially supporting Vision Pro.

This reflects a broader trend among app developers in adapting to new platforms.

What discounts are available for Apple employees on Vision Pro?

Apple is offering its employees a 25% discount on the Vision Pro.

Additionally, employees can use their $500 Mac purchase credit, which is available every three years, to further reduce the cost of acquiring Vision Pro.

Pre-Ordering Apple Vision Pro: What You Need to Know .When Will Pre-Orders Begin?

Apple Vision Pro is initially launching only in the United States, with pre-orders beginning at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, January 19. For those in other U.S. time zones, here is the full list of pre-order times:

8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
7:00 a.m. Central Time
6:00 a.m. Mountain Time
5:00 a.m. Pacific Time
4:00 a.m. Alaska Time
3:00 a.m. Hawaii–Aleutian Time

What’s in the box of Apple Vision Pro ?

Apple says customers can expect the Vision Pro packaging to include the following:

Polishing cloth
Solo Knit Band
Dual Loop Band
Light Seal
Two Light Seal cushions
Vision Pro cover
External battery pack
USB-C charging cable
Power adapter

For customers who want to use the headset on the go without pockets or a backpack, Belkin will sell an accessory clip that allows the battery pack to be attached to clothing.

What are Vision Pro Payment Options ?

Apple customers will be able to purchase the Vision Pro online and at retail stores using Apple Card installments.

Typically, Apple Card installments let customers spread the purchase over monthly payments with no interest. Mac and iPhone purchases can be made over 24 monthly payments, for example.

What are Vision Pro Pre-Order Requirements ?

Face ID Scan: Ensure you have an iPhone or iPad with Face ID available. This is required to scan your face for a custom fit of the Light Seal and headbands.

Apple Store App Update: Update your Apple Store app to the latest version (released January 11) to support Vision Pro face scanning.

Which are the Streaming services and Sports Apps for Apple Vision Pro ?

Apple has confirmed that shows and films from top streaming services, including Apple Originals from Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok, and the 2023 App Store Award-winning MUBI will be available for the Vision Pro.

Users can also watch popular online and streaming video using Safari and other browsers, it added.

At launch, Apple Vision Pro users can watch more than 150 3D movies from the world’s top studios with remarkable depth wherever they are, including all-time favorites and recent releases, such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Dune, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, said Apple.

Several streaming apps, including Disney+, will offer 3D versions of their latest and most popular movies on Vision Pro at launch, and will debut new 3D editions alongside or shortly following standard 2D releases.

Users can watch both 2D and 3D movies with Spatial Audio and in an Environment to make the experience even more immersive.

What will the App Store support with Apple Vision Pro ?

The visionOS ‌App Store‌ will feature both apps designed specifically to take advantage of the capabilities of the Vision Pro, and iOS apps that are able to run on the device in a 2D mode.

Existing apps can be ported to the Vision Pro easily with no action needed on the part of the developer, which means that most apps should be available in some capacity. Developers can choose to opt out of having their apps appear.

Netflix Won’t Launch An App For Apple Vision Pro.Details ?

Apple announced all the entertainment apps that would be compatible with its spatial computing device. However, it had a notable exclusion — Netflix.

According to a report by Bloomberg. Netflix has now confirmed that it has no intention of developing a native app for the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Moreover, Netflix has gone a step further, stating that it won’t allow users to run the iPad version of its app on the Apple Vision Pro either.

The Apple Vision Pro boasts compatibility with over a million iPhone and iPad apps from the App Store, presenting them as mini-windows in the user’s virtual space.

However, developers have the option to opt out of this support, and Netflix has officially chosen to do so. Instead, Netflix users on the Apple Vision Pro are directed to access the service through the Safari web browser.

“Our members will be able to enjoy Netflix on the web browser on the Vision Pro, similar to how our members can enjoy Netflix on Macs,” Netflix told Bloomberg in a statement.

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