Apple has confirmed the next version of its iOS mobile operating system will not feature a pre-loaded YouTube app, as the firm continues to distance itself from arch-rival Google.
The consumer electronics giant released a preview version of its iOS 6 software earlier this week that did not feature the app. The software has been a common feature on Apple devices since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007.
In a statement to Reuters, Apple said it had dumped the app because its licensing deal with Google, who acquired YouTube in 2006, had come to an end.
"Customers can use YouTube in the Safari browser and Google is working on a new YouTube app to be on the app store," the statement added.
Apple's decision to axe the app comes less than two months after the firm announced that Google Maps would not feature in iOS 6 at its Worldwide Developer Conference.
Instead, iPhone and iPad users will have access to a new mapping service developed by Apple.
Apple's iOS6 software is expected to go on general release in the autumn.
