Apple just released iOS 6 beta 4 to developers. So far it looks like there are a few small bug fixes and performance enhancements except for one unexpected surprise – Apple has removed the YouTube app from the iPhone and iPad.
It’s no secret that Apple has been trying to remove Google’s app from iOS and replace them with better alternatives. Some might think YouTube’s removal isan act of war, but we think it’s just as likely that Apple removed YouTube as a default app just because of plain obsolescence.
YouTube has been a pre-installed app on iOS since the iPhone debuted in 2007. At the time it was the best way to search YouTube’s website for videos and watch them, but as mobile interfaces have improved, the YouTube app has become less of a necessity.
Apple has not released an official statement regarding the YouTube app and its removal, so all mention of it’s removal because of a war with Google or obsolescence are just speculation.
Update: Apple has released an official statement on the app’s 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.”
Source: 9to5Mac
