Apple and Google open a new front in the platform war

The hatchet may have been buried on mobile and TV, but it has been unearthed again for XR – visionOS and Android XR – where both sides are holding back their apps. Meta is left on the sidelines with little influence.

Put on Apple Vision Pro – built on visionOS – and you will have to do without Google apps such as YouTube, Google Maps and Chrome.

Put on Samsung Galaxy XR – built on Google's Android XR – and you will miss out on Apple apps such as Apple TV and Apple Music.

That is the state of play almost two years after Apple entered the headset race against Meta. Google launched its Android XR platform last month.

 Also read: Apple Vision Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy XR vs. Meta Quest 3

It is a stark contrast to the TV and mobile markets, where the two companies have made peace and released apps for each other's platforms.


New front in the platform war
Apple and Google also do not offer apps for Meta Quest – built on Horizon OS – except for the special YouTube VR app developed by Google.

It is a new front in the platform war. Each side is trying to gain an early lead in VR/AR/XR, which could become the next major platform after mobile. The absence of apps is a deliberate choice, since both visionOS and Android XR run all apps developed for iPad and mobile Android, unless the developer opts out.

In practice, this means that owners of Samsung Galaxy XR do not have access to the over 300 movies in 3D format offered by the Apple TV app, nor Apple's stunning 'immersive' movies. On the flip side, Apple Vision Pro users miss out on the vast library of 180/360-degree videos found on YouTube.

 Also read: First look at Apple Vision Pro: A video revolution

It is possible to sideload apps on Android XR, but that does not enable 3D or 'immersive' movies in the Apple TV app. Likewise, Google's services can be accessed via the browser on Apple Vision Pro, but with several limitations.


Disney+, HBO Max and Netflix
Disney+ has also picked a side, and unsurprisingly it has picked its longtime partner Apple. A fully featured Disney+ app for visionOS includes thematic 'environments', virtual spaces where movies can be experienced. There is no Disney+ app for Horizon OS or Android XR, meaning Disney's 3D movie catalog is not available there. The Disney+ mobile app is blocked on Android XR.

Netflix has not developed an app for any of the three platforms. For years, an unofficial Netflix app for Horizon OS existed, offering SD-quality streaming, developed by Meta, but is is gone now. Meta has little influence over app support, as the company has little to offer its rivals.

The Netflix app does work on Android XR, but it is simply the mobile app in vertical format. Netflix has not been directly involved in this, but has not blocked it either – unlike on Apple's visionOS. Netflix has yet to announce any plans for 3D or 'immersive' content.

 Also read: Watch films virtually at Hogwarts or the Alien containment room


HBO Max offers a VR app only for Apple visionOS, complete with 'environments' from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. On Meta Quest, the streaming service must be accessed via the browser, and on Android XR only the mobile app is available. Meta is trying hard to get content from some of these partners into its new Horizon TV streaming hub.

So how long before the hatchet is buried again? And when will Netflix join the fray?

Apps on XR platforms
Meta Quest
(Horizon OS)
Apple Vision Pro
(visionOS)
Samsung Galaxy XR
(Android XR)
Netflix
browser
browser
mobile app
YouTube
YouTube VR
browser
XR app
Disney+
browser
visionOS app
browser
Apple TV
browser
visionOS app
browser
Max (HBO)
browser
visionOS app
mobile app
Prime Video
Horizon OS app
iPad app
mobile app
Paramount+
browser
visionOS app
mobile app
Peacock
browser
iPad app
mobile app
Vimeo
browser
visionOS app
mobile app
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