Killer App? Nah.

Back in the late ‘70s, the Apple II really took off when VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, debuted on the platform.

Likewise, the first Mac struggled until PageMaker arrived (along with PostScript fonts and laser printers) to launch the desktop publishing revolution.

And while Apple’s Vision Pro headset is unlikely to fly into the stratosphere now that there’s an official YouTube app, it certainly ain’t gonna hurt.

The new YouTube app — just released by Google after a two-year wait — probably isn’t the killer app the Vision Pro needs. But it is a very important app for the headset, especially because the main use case is for consuming content.

The app has been praised for some things, but it has some unfortunate shortcomings, and perhaps Google is up to something else by launching it.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Apple never does this: The company is pushing back on reports that the new, smarter Siri is delayed. Tim Apple must be getting touchy about it!
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow: Please don’t ruin it by “phubbing.” And no, it’s not the first thing you probably thought of!
YouTube leaker Jon Prosser continues to push his luck with Apple, this time releasing new renders of the coming-any-day-now iPhone 17e. (Remember, Apple’s suing Prosser for allegedly stealing trade secrets.)
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: This fab mechanical keyboard from Keychron is less than $50 for a limited time.
We got a ton of comments on yesterday’s poll about Apple News+, and a couple of unsubscribes. It probably wasn’t wise to be jokey about hot-button political issues. See below.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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YouTube finally arrives on Vision Pro (was it worth the wait?)

Two long years after the headset's launch, YouTube finally arrives on Vision Pro. Did Google make its new app worth the wait?

Apple pushes back on reports of another Siri delay

Apple insists its AI-powered Siri is still on track for launch this year, despite a fresh report hinting at another delay.

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Get 3 years of piano lessons on your iPhone, iPad or Mac for just $69

Turn your device into a smart teacher with Flowkey’s interactive piano lessons, real-time feedback and song-first approach to learning.

Leaked iPhone 17e renders show a surprise Dynamic Island

Freshly leaked iPhone 17e renders flip the script on earlier rumors, showing a Dynamic Island on Apple’s upcoming budget model.

Put the iPhone down: A Valentine's Day plea against phubbing

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about connection. Look away from your iPhone so you don't ruin the moment by phubbing the person you love.

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Want to write a book? This specialized AI makes it easy.

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Today in Apple history: Mac mania sweeps magazine racks

The Macintosh 128K launch fuels enormous excitement among the tech press. On February 13, 1984, "InfoWorld" declared the first Mac a hit!

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Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

I think back to Detroit in the ’70s, when cars were so bad. Why? The people running the companies then didn't love cars. One of the things wrong with the PC industry today is that most of the people running the companies don't love PCs. Does Steve Ballmer love PCs? Does Craig Barrett love PCs? Does Michael Dell love PCs? If Michael Dell wasn't selling PCs he'd be selling something else. These people don't love what they create. And people here do.

— Steve Jobs, 2006.

Today’s poll

Do you like the Steve Jobs quotes in this newsletter? What about the wallpapers?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Do you read Apple News+?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.