Apple ends relationship with YouTube

SAN FRANCISCO, Cali. - Apple Inc. will reportedly drop Google's YouTube as a pre-loaded app in the next version of its iOS mobile operating system.

The tech blog called The Verge reported an emailed statement by Apple Monday that read: "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."

The statement followed other blog reports noting that the beta version of iOS 6 that has been distributed to developers does not include the YouTube app.  In response, YouTube says it's working with Apple to ensure the best possible YouTube experience for iOS users.

Apple representative said earlier this year that it would dump Google's mapping software from its mobile devices in favor of its own mapping service.

The iOS 6 update is expected to be released to consumers sometime this fall. A new version of the iPhone is also widely expected to make its debut at that time.