Google Shuts Down Popular Vision Pro YouTube App Juno, Sparking User Disappointment and Legal Drama
October 3, 2024Selig, known for his popular Reddit client Apollo, previously faced a public dispute with Reddit over API changes, which influenced his decision to avoid further conflict with YouTube.
Selig expressed disappointment over the app's termination, stating he did not want to escalate the situation into a major conflict.
The app provided an immersive video viewing experience tailored for visionOS, utilizing gesture controls, but it did not use YouTube's APIs.
However, Juno was recently removed from the App Store after Google claimed it violated YouTube's API and trademark policies.
YouTube's legal team had previously contacted Selig, asserting that Juno modified the YouTube interface and used its trademarks without authorization.
In response, Selig transitioned Juno to a web player format and clarified its unofficial status, emphasizing that it did not utilize YouTube APIs.
Despite these adjustments, YouTube filed a complaint with Apple, leading to Juno's removal from the App Store.
Currently, users who had previously purchased Juno can still access it, but new users must rely on Safari to watch YouTube content.
The removal of Juno is particularly disappointing for Vision Pro users seeking an optimal way to watch YouTube in virtual reality, as no comparable alternatives exist.
The situation raises questions about YouTube's future plans for a dedicated app for the Vision Pro, as the absence of major apps on the platform continues to be a concern.
Ultimately, Juno was intended to enhance the YouTube viewing experience on the Vision Pro, but its removal leaves users with limited options.
Juno, a third-party YouTube app developed by Christian Selig, was launched in February 2024 to fill the gap left by YouTube's absence of a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources
TechCrunch • Oct 2, 2024
Juno, the YouTube app for Vision Pro, pulled from App Store | TechCrunchThe Verge • Oct 1, 2024
Christian Selig’s unofficial YouTube app for the Vision Pro just got taken down9to5Mac • Oct 1, 2024
YouTube app 'Juno' for Apple Vision Pro removed from App Store