Apple has taken down Juno, an unofficial YouTube app specifically crafted for its Vision Pro headset, from its App Store. The decision follows a warning from Google, the parent company of YouTube.
Christian Selig, the developer behind Juno, announced the app’s removal on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his disappointment. He argued that Juno was simply a web view, akin to a browser extension, which modifies the YouTube website’s appearance to better suit the Vision Pro’s interface. Selig stated that he had no intention of engaging in a prolonged dispute with Apple, similar to the one that occurred with Reddit several years ago.
However, existing Juno users can continue utilizing the app unless they choose to delete it or YouTube releases an update that disrupts its functionality.
Earlier this year, in April, Google had cautioned Selig about Juno’s non-compliance with YouTube’s guidelines. Notably, there is currently no official YouTube app available for the Vision Pro, forcing users to rely on Safari for accessing the platform.
The removal of Juno highlights the challenges faced by Apple’s Vision Pro in attracting developers and finding a compelling application to justify its hefty $3,500 price tag. In February, YouTube confirmed its plans to develop a Vision Pro app, following initial rejections from Google’s video-sharing platform, Spotify, and Netflix.
In July, market research firm Omdia’s analyst, George Jijiashvili, pointed out that the Vision Pro has struggled to find its “killer app.” While the device boasts over 2,000 apps five months after its U.S. launch, this pales in comparison to the 20,000 iPad apps and 10,000 iPhone apps available within a similar timeframe after their respective debuts.
Apple has also reportedly encountered difficulties in developing a more affordable version of the Vision Pro due to its high price tag and limited mainstream appeal. However, the Vision Pro has shown some promise in the medical field.
