Just when you thought you could immerse yourself in YouTube videos on Apple’s new mixed-reality headset, it turns out you’ll have to settle for a more limited experience. The tech giant recently confirmed that there will not be a dedicated YouTube app available for the Vision Pro at launch.

Instead, YouTube spokesperson Jessica Gibby stated that “YouTube users will be able to use YouTube in Safari on the Vision Pro.” This mirrors the approach for Netflix, another hugely popular streaming platform that has opted out of building a native app for the $3,499 device.

And the missing app situation doesn’t end there. According to a new Bloomberg report, music streaming giant Spotify also has no plans to develop an app for the headset. The company “doesn’t expect to enable its iPad app to run on the device” either, potentially forcing users to access Spotify via a web browser.

When asked about these claims, a Spotify spokesperson said the company currently has nothing to announce regarding Vision Pro support. So while the door isn’t completely closed, Spotify’s plans remain unclear.

The lack of key streaming apps paints a concerning picture as the Vision Pro launch draws near. Findings from MacStories indicate that not one of the App Store’s current top 46 apps will be available as a native visionOS app anytime soon.

Now, it’s worth noting that many iPhone and iPad apps will still technically be accessible on the headset via continuity features. Even so, the shortage of apps purpose-built for mixed reality suggests the device may struggle to compete with existing media platforms.

There is a glimmer of optimism in the missing apps saga though. Apple has partnered with Disney+ to provide 3D movies on launch, and the device will also support other popular streamers like Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.

Still, for a gadget billed as the next frontier of personal computing, not having official apps for YouTube and Netflix from day one is a definite drawback. It seems those hoping to fully immerse themselves in video content will have to temper their expectations.

The coming months will determine whether the Vision Pro can attract developers to build an enticing array of mixed reality apps. But with such giant holes on launch day, Apple faces substantial challenges selling its high-priced headset as the new way to experience media. For now, while the hardware seems ahead of its time, the missing apps make this feel very much like the first generation of a new platform.