In the absence of a dedicated YouTube app for the Apple Vision Pro provided by Google, an independent developer has offered a solution. Christian Selig has innovatively crafted an app named Juno, providing users with a YouTube experience specifically designed for visionOS. Unlike accessing YouTube through the native Safari browser on the device, Juno presents an optimized user interface that aligns seamlessly with the aesthetics and functionality of visionOS.
The announcement of Juno comes shortly after YouTube communicated its decision to not develop a tailor-made app for the Apple Vision Pro and to prevent its iPadOS app version from being compatible with the headset. Priced at a one-time fee of $4.99, Juno is now the go-to alternative for YouTube enthusiasts looking to enjoy content on visionOS.
Juno makes effective use of YouTube’s embed API to furnish native playback controls, allowing users to adjust video quality and playback speed. Geared towards enhancing the immersive experience on visionOS, Juno encompasses features like intuitive pinch-dragging for video scrubbing, double-pinching shortcuts for forwarding or rewinding content, and options to resize the app window while dimming the background for a more focused viewing experience.
Developer Christian Selig assures users that Juno, despite being a standalone app, respects the essentials of a YouTube session. It does not require an account for watching videos and it doesn’t bypass ads. Users with a YouTube Premium account can log in to eliminate advertising interruptions, consistent with their current subscription benefits.
Notably, Selig is recognized for the highly esteemed Apollo for Reddit app on iOS. He impressively developed Juno within a single week, though he cautions that initial versions may contain some bugs with ongoing work to add new features. Upcoming updates are expected to introduce caption controls, comment viewing, and a multiview option to engage with multiple videos in separate windows.
YouTube’s decision mirrors a similar stance taken by Netflix and Spotify, both having announced that they will not be releasing dedicated apps for visionOS as of yet. This position may evolve as the user base for visionOS grows. In the meantime, affordable and compatible virtual reality options like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro continue to be available for consumers.
The introduction of Juno provides an intriguing third-party response to a gap in the app ecosystem for visionOS, potentially setting the stage for more independent app development in the emerging VR space.
If you’re intrigued by the new possibilities Juno offers to Apple Vision Pro users, the app is readily available and just a download away from enhancing your YouTube viewing experience.
