Apple Confirms Youtube App Removed from iPhone and iPad with iOS 6

| Updated: Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 17:51 [IST]

Cupertino-based tech giant Apple recently confirmed that its latest version of iPhone and iPad operating system, namely, iOS 6 will not include a pre-loaded app for Google Inc's popular video website, YouTube.

Apple reportedly said in a media statement on August 7 that the company's license to include the YouTube app in the iOS operating system "has ended." Apple noted that "customers can use YouTube in the Safari browser and Google is working on a new YouTube app to be on the app store."

Contrary to the statement, analysts of the industry assume that the latest outbreak is the result of the growing rivalry between the technology companies that once were closely aligned, however currently they are fighting against each other for supremacy in the fast-growing mobile computing market.

Earlier this year, Apple also dumped Google's mapping software from its iOS devices.

"Apple and Google are the mobile operating systems for the future and this is where the battleground is going to lie," said Needham & Co analyst Kerry Rice. "If it's going to be a two-horse race, you certainly don't want to give the other horse any kind of lead," he said.

On this, reportedly, Apple's spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the company's YouTube license included any financial terms, or on whether Apple planned to replace YouTube with another pre-installed online video app from a different company.

However, in contrast, when contacted, a Youtube rep told the media, “We are working with Apple to ensure we have the best possible YouTube experience for iOS users.”