As time marches on and Apple improves a product line, some things that customers value are bound to get caught in the gears of progress. One such dreaded change strongly indicated has been Apple’s dramatic shift from the iconic 32 pin connector used since the introduction of the iPod for a smaller caliber input cable. While the new cable may be easier to use and could offer some additional functionality (such as a Magsafe-like connection) many users and practically all accessory manufacturers will be at least inconvenienced by the changing form factor requiring a new adaptor or new cables, docks, or new accessories outright.
Another such casualty of progress comes to us via a post from TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog). According to the article the competition between Apple and Google have resulted in another change to the upcoming iOS6 release, as the imbedded YouTube App that’s been a part of iOS before there was an iOS will now be discontinued. The article references the ending of the contract between Apple and Google that provided the integration as the true source of the change, but with Apple distancing themselves from their primary mobile device competitor other motives are impossible to overlook. Apple has already announced that they will be replacing the original Maps App that used Google Maps with one of their own design; completely cutting iOS integration with Google’s non-web search products would seem to be the logical conclusion of this strategy.
Apple officials don’t expect iOS users to do without, claiming that mobile Safari is capable of providing the same level of access as the stand alone app. Google is also thought to be working on a downloadable free app for the iTunes App Store so that iOS users that still crave a direct portal will still have the option of one.
It is notable that this change will only be on iOS6; earlier versions of Apple’s mobile operating system will still have the YouTube app in place.
