Apple is removing YouTube as a preloaded app from its iOS 6 operating system following the expiration of its YouTube license. 

Apple’s app, which it built with a license from Google’s YouTube unit and offered since the iPhone went on sale 2007, has long been pre-installed on the company’s mobile devices.

In response, a Google spokesman said in a statement, without elaborating: “We are working with Apple to ensure we have the best possible YouTube experience for iOS users.”

Engadget was able to contact Apple about the omission, though not much was revealed. Their source stated that the licensing deal between Apple and Google to include the YouTube app in iOS has, or is quickly coming to, and end. The YouTube app will remain a part of iOS 5 and older, but newer versions of the OS will not have the familiar old-style TV set icon on the homescreen.

So, Google’s YouTube app won’t be affected on older versions of iOS up to iOS 5, but the change will affect the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad if you their updated to, or loaded with, iOS 6.

Will you miss the YouTube app or will Google’s option, or viewing video through Mobile Safari make the impact of the app’s loss minimal?

 

[Engadget]

 

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