No Dedicated Netflix App for Apple's Vision Pro Headset, Says Netflix Co-CEO
Apple's highly anticipated Vision Pro headset has seen strong pre-order sales, with estimates ranging between 160,000 and 180,000 units, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. However, potential buyers hoping to access Netflix on the device will be disappointed, as the streaming giant has no plans for a dedicated app on the Vision Pro.
Not Enough User Base to Justify App Development
Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters confirmed in an interview with Stratechery that the company currently has no intention of developing a dedicated Netflix app for the Vision Pro. Peters explained that the decision is purely practical, as the current user base of the headset is not large enough to warrant the resources required for app development.
Peters stated, "We have to be careful about making sure that we're not investing in places that are not really yielding a return, and I would say we'll see where things go with Vision Pro. Certainly, we're always in discussions with Apple to try and figure that out but right now, the device is so subscale that it's not really particularly relevant to most of our members.
Potential for Future App Development
While Netflix's current stance may disappoint some users, it doesn't necessarily mean that the Vision Pro will be permanently snubbed. Peters left the door open for a potential future app, depending on how the VR market evolves.
Netflix is not alone in its decision to sit out the initial round of native Vision Pro apps. YouTube and Spotify have also chosen not to develop dedicated applications, although both can still be accessed through the headset's web browser.
Apple TV+ Embraces VR with "Apple Immersive Video"
In contrast to Netflix's decision, Apple's own streaming service, Apple TV+, is fully embracing the VR scene. The company recently launched "Apple Immersive Video," a format that offers 180° 3D footage in 8K resolution with Spatial Audio.
Netflix's VR Experience and Future Possibilities
Although Netflix has previous experience in the VR space, having launched a VR app in 2015 and even producing a 360° video based on "Stranger Things," it seems that the Vision Pro won't be adding the platform to its lineup anytime soon. However, the possibility of a future app remains on the table, depending on the growth and development of the VR market.
