iOS 6 Beta 4 Removes Dedicated YouTube App [Updated]

Monday August 6, 2012 12:30 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
As noted by several users in our forum, Apple's new iOS 6 Beta 4 just released to developers removes the dedicated YouTube app that has been included on the iPhone operating system since its launch in 2007.


The reason for the removal is unclear, although speculation naturally turns to the strained relationship between Apple and Google. Aside from YouTube, Apple's iOS 6 contains another high-profile departure from Google's services with Apple rolling out its own mapping and navigation service to displace Google.

YouTube videos can still be played through the embedded viewer, but the removal of the dedicated YouTube app marks a significant reduction in the prominence of Google on iOS.

Update: The Verge reports that Apple has issued a statement acknowledging the removal.
Our license to include the YouTube app in iOS has ended, customers can use YouTube in the Safari browser and Google is working on a new YouTube app to be on the App Store.
Update: Peter Kafka from All Things D passes on this statement from YouTube:
We are working with Apple to make sure we have the best possible YouTube experience for iOS users.
(Thanks to Elijah Walsh for screenshot!)

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timshundo
95 months ago
This benefits no one.
Rating: 58 Votes
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SuperSnake2012
95 months ago
I disabled the Youtube app on my iPhone a long time ago... using youtube.com in Safari is a much better way to view videos.
Rating: 56 Votes
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vertigo235
95 months ago
good riddance
Rating: 56 Votes
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outphase
95 months ago
I have been using http://m.youtube.com whenever I can. The iOS YouTube app has always seemed to perform poorly for me.
Rating: 29 Votes
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puffy1980
95 months ago
I honestly can't remember the last time I actually opened the YouTube app myself....
Rating: 25 Votes
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ryuok
95 months ago
No more videos of someone's cat. ;)
Rating: 22 Votes
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iNickk
95 months ago
I'm hoping this is because there's another app for it in production. The current one is pretty useless - I have a shortcut to the site on my home screen instead of the app.
Rating: 18 Votes
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brock2621
95 months ago
FINALLY! I hated being ripped out of Safari and into the app just to watch a video... The App was only there when Youtube was flash only in 2007.

THANK GOD!
Rating: 17 Votes
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LWX
95 months ago
Good if you ask me, so long as Google release their own (and much improved) app.

Just hope they allow us to delete Newstand/stick it in a folder now...
Rating: 17 Votes
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iSee
95 months ago

So will we still be able to play embedded youtube videos?


I would answer, but if you won't read down to the second paragraph of the post, why would you read my reply? :rolleyes:
Rating: 13 Votes

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