Last week, Apple began accepting pre-orders for its highly anticipated spatial computer, the Apple Vision Pro. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that Apple has already sold between 160,000 to 180,000 units. However, despite the excitement surrounding the device, Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters revealed in an interview with Stratechery that there won’t be a dedicated Netflix app available for the Vision Pro at this time.
Peters explained that the effort required to port the streaming app to the platform isn’t justified by the limited number of potential subscribers who own the headset. This decision by Netflix is consistent with other major platforms, as YouTube and Spotify also have no current plans to develop dedicated apps for the Apple Vision Pro. However, users of these services can still access them through the device’s web browser.
Interestingly, Apple’s own streaming service, Apple TV, is accessible on the Vision Pro. Apple has introduced a new format called “Apple Immersive Video,” which offers 180° 3D footage in 8K resolution with Spatial Audio, providing a unique viewing experience.
While Netflix is not currently launching an app for the Apple Vision Pro, Peters didn’t rule out the possibility for the future. The company is taking a wait-and-see approach to assess the situation and determine whether it makes sense to develop a dedicated app for the spatial computer.
It’s worth noting that Netflix has a history with virtual reality, having launched a VR app in 2015 and even creating a 360° video featuring its popular series Stranger Things (posted on YouTube). However, at this time, Netflix’s VR movies are not yet available on the Apple Vision Pro.
Overall, while Netflix users may have to wait for a dedicated app on the Apple Vision Pro, there are still plenty of immersive entertainment options available on the device, including Apple TV’s immersive video format.
