iOS 6 Beta 4 Removes Dedicated YouTube App [Updated]

Monday August 6, 2012 11:30 am 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!)

Top Rated Comments

timshundo

113 months ago

This benefits no one.

Score: 58 Votes (Like | Disagree)

SuperSnake2012

113 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.

Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)

vertigo235

113 months ago

good riddance

Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)

outphase

113 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.

Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)

puffy1980

113 months ago

I honestly can't remember the last time I actually opened the YouTube app myself....

Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)

ryuok

113 months ago

No more videos of someone's cat. ;)

Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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