Bringing Free Streaming to Spatial Computing
Tubi is now on Apple VisionPro
In partnership with Apple, Tubi had a unique opportunity to design and launch one of the first free streaming apps on visionOS—Apple’s spatial computing platform for the Vision Pro. The goal was to explore the future of immersive media experiences, meet users in this emerging space, and position Tubi as a leader in innovation.
This was a ground-up passion project, led closely between design and engineering, with minimal stakeholder involvement. Despite tight timelines and limited resources, we were able to ship Tubi’s first VR application—a polished, immersive experience tailored for spatial environments.
Objective
Design and launch the first Tubi application on Apple visionOS:
- Explore how free, ad-supported streaming could exist in spatial computing
- Translate the Tubi brand into an immersive 3D environment
- Deliver a simple, intuitive, and cinematic experience for early Vision Pro users
- Build on Tubi’s Apple/iOS team momentum and innovation culture
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead Product Designer
- Partnered directly with iOS and engineering team
- Created interaction models, UI concepts, and prototypes for visionOS
- Led visual and spatial design strategy within Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines
- Delivered concepts and oversaw asset implementation
Media
The Challenge
This wasn’t just a port—it was a rethink.
visionOS introduces entirely new paradigms of interaction and spatial layout. We had to:
- Reimagine streaming UX in a 3D space
- Understand how media consumption changes in mixed reality
- Design for eye tracking, hand gestures, depth, and immersive environments
Stay light and fast – tight timeline, low oversight, high creativity
Key Design Solutions
1. Floating UI Panels + Environment Awareness
- Created floating panels that lived in a shared space with the user
- Designed the app to adapt visually depending on background lighting and scene context
2. Immersive Theater Mode
- Introduced an optional “Theater Mode” that darkens the environment and draws focus to content
- Mimicked a virtual home theater using subtle parallax and spatial audio alignment
3. Gesture & Eye Tracking for Control
- Leveraged Apple’s eye-tracking and gesture system for intuitive content selection
- Reduced traditional navigation—UI appeared when needed, staying out of the way otherwise
4. Minimal UI, Max Impact
- Used simple, bold branding moments—like immersive key art transitions and light glows around key CTAs
- Focused on essential features: Continue Watching, Trending Now, and Quick Play
Reflection
This was a designer’s dream project—low red tape, high collaboration, and room to play with emerging tech. It showcased what’s possible when small, passionate teams are empowered to move fast and invent boldly.
Launching on visionOS wasn’t just a tech flex—it was a signal that Tubi is ready to meet audiences wherever the future takes them. And for a free, ad-supported streaming service, that kind of innovation is both unexpected and powerful.
Outcomes
🚀 Tubi’s first-ever visionOS app launched on schedule
🎉 Positive early user feedback praising ease of use and immersive feel
📱 Strengthened relationship with Apple, showcasing Tubi’s readiness to innovate
👥 Created an internal blueprint for future spatial design projects