Why are Google, Netflix, and Spotify ganging up on the Apple Vision Pro?
The number of visionOS-compatible apps for the Apple Vision Pro may disappoint at launch
Google may not want Apple Vision Pro to succeed
Given the love-hate relationship that Google has with Apple, it’s not hard to fathom a scenario in which it isn’t exactly enthused about the idea to cede yet another promising future technology to Apple’s user clout. Apple has been trying to decouple from Google’s popular apps for years, all the while Google has been paying it billions to be the default search option on iOS devices.
Content streaming giants like Netflix or Spotify, some of which have had their own fights with Apple over the “tax” it takes on subscriptions made via iOS, may also be reluctant to repeat the experience in the new virtual reality of Vision Pro. Apple just resolved its commission dispute with the maker of Fortnite Epic Games, for instance, by going around the ruling and still claiming a commission rate of 27% on the direct link alternative for payments outside its billing system.
The Vision Pro will launch with second-tier streaming platforms
Apple Vision Pro demand might not justify the means
On the other hand, after the fairly successful Apple Vision Pro preorders launch, demand seems to be abating, unlike the iPhone launches. Google and the other content juggernauts may simply be waiting to see if the Apple Vision Pro catches up with people’s minds enough to warrant dedicated resources for software development and support.
After all, the augmented reality of Apple Vision Pro would need way more developer efforts to create a fitting native app that will live up to Apple’s standards for the nascent visionOS platform and be approved for presence in the “compatible apps” carousel there. Until then, YouTube browser access should suffice, at least according to Google and the rest of the Silicon Valley gang.
