Netflix Won't Develop App for Vision Pro Because Headset is 'Subscale' and 'Not Relevant' to Subscribers
Netflix Not Developing App for Vision Pro Because Headset is ‘Subscale’ and ‘Not Relevant’ to Subscribers
Summary: Netflix has announced that it will not be developing an app for the Vision Pro headset at this time. The Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,500, will not have popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify available on the device. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters explained that the device is “so subscale” and “not really particularly relevant” to most Netflix members. Peters stated that Netflix needs to be careful about where it invests its resources and that it will continue to have discussions with Apple about a potential Vision Pro app in the future. Despite early demand for the Vision Pro, it is considered a niche product by some, and Netflix subscribers will need to access the service through the web browser on the device.
What’s going on here?
Netflix has decided not to develop an app for the Vision Pro headset, which means that users will not be able to access Netflix directly through the device. Instead, they will need to use the Safari web browser on the Vision Pro. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters explains that the decision is based on the fact that the Vision Pro is a niche and subscale product that is not relevant to most Netflix members. The device is priced at $3,500, which puts it out of reach for many customers, and Apple is manufacturing a limited number of units. Despite this, Netflix is not ruling out the possibility of a future Vision Pro app and continues to have discussions with Apple about it.
What does this mean?
This decision by Netflix means that users of the Vision Pro headset will not have direct access to popular apps such as Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify. They will instead have to access these services through the Safari web browser on the device, which may not provide the same user experience as a dedicated app. It highlights the challenges faced by developers in supporting new and niche devices, as they need to carefully evaluate the investment of resources and the potential return on that investment. In this case, Netflix has determined that developing an app for the Vision Pro is not currently a priority.
Why should I care?
If you are a Netflix subscriber and considering purchasing the Vision Pro headset, this news is important because it means that you will not have access to Netflix directly on the device. You will need to use the web browser to access the service, which may not offer the same features and functionality as a dedicated app. Additionally, this decision by Netflix highlights the challenges faced by developers in supporting new and niche devices. It shows the importance of evaluating the potential return on investment when deciding whether or not to develop apps for these devices.
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