Apple Vision Pro gets dedicated YouTube app but not from Google

Earlier this month, YouTube announced that it would not be launching a dedicated YouTube app for the Apple Vision Pro, and would restrict the iPadOS version from running on the headset. Now, developer Christian Selig has stepped up to fill that (glaring) gap with the launch of his own version – Juno for YouTube. The app, which costs a one-time $4.99 with no in-app purchases or subscriptions, is currently the only alternative to viewing the website on visionOS' Safari browser.

Using YouTube’s embed API, the app features native playback controls, automatic aspect ratio detection, quality selection and playback speed settings. As part of the immersive visionOS experience, it also allows pinch-dragging anywhere to scrub through a video, double pinching on either side to jump forward or back 10 seconds, resizing the window and dimming the surroundings behind it.

In a post announcing the app, Selig is careful to point out that Juno does not require logging in to watch videos, and that it doesn’t block any ads. Logging in with a YouTube Premium account does remove ads, as one would expect.

Christian Selig is already known for creating a hugely popular and award-winning Apollo for Reddit app on iOS. Juno was developed in a week, so some early bugs might be expected. Moreover, some features are still being worked upon and will be available soon, such as caption controls, the ability to view comments, and multiview to open several videos in different windows simultaneously, among others.

Incidentally, YouTube is not the only major app to not be natively supported on visionOS. Netflix and Spotify have also stated that no dedicated app will be developed, though that may change once the number of visionOS users increase. Until then, a more affordable and compatible VR experience can be had with the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro.