Netflix Won’t Support Apple’s New Vision Pro Headset With iPad App or Native visionOS Experience
Explore the challenges faced by Apple's Vision Pro augmented reality headset with the notable absence of Netflix support. With no native app or compatibility mode on Vision Pro, Netflix users are limited to web access, while competitors embrace the new platform.
Netflix's Absence on Vision Pro: No Native App or Compatibility Mode
Netflix has confirmed that it is not developing a native app for Apple's new visionOS platform. Furthermore, the streaming giant won't allow its iPad app to run on Vision Pro in compatibility mode.
Vision Pro has the capability to display iPhone and iPad apps in virtual windows, but developers can opt out of this feature. Netflix is choosing not to participate, which limits customers to web access only.
While other major streaming services, including Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and more, will offer native visionOS apps or iPad app compatibility on day one, Netflix users will need to visit the website and watch in a Safari browser window instead.
Vision Pro's Entertainment Ecosystem: Varied Support from Streaming Services
Disney is optimizing content in 3D and building custom virtual environments. Prime Video and others will make large screens viewable in VR using Vision Pro's capabilities.
Apple's own TV+ service will provide immersive 180-degree video through special visionOS features.
However, Netflix users won't get enhancements like giant virtual screen sizes, and the lack of Netflix support is a setback for both Apple and consumers.
Entertainment is meant to be a major Vision Pro use case, and an optimized Netflix app could have showcased the headset's strengths. Viewers also lose access to a top iPad video service in VR.
Netflix's decision may be a calculated business move, considering Apple's expectation to sell just 500,000 Vision Pro units this year. The limited addressable audience may not justify Netflix's investment at this time.
As Vision Pro sales ramp up over time, Netflix might reconsider its stance. But for early adopters hoping to watch popular shows like Stranger Things and Wednesday in an immersive environment, Netflix's absence stings.
Apple will need to rely on its lineup of IMAX 3D movies and Apple TV+ exclusives to satisfy buyers instead.
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
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