Google finally releases YouTube for iOS update after months

      Google updated its iOS version of YouTube on Friday, the first update to a series of Google apps since Apple began requiring developers to disclose information related to user privacy and data processing. According to the release notes provided by Google, the latest version of YouTube includes bug fixes and performance improvements. In accordance with Apple's requirements, the corresponding App Store page of YouTube for iOS lists what data it uses to track users and clarifies the information that may be collected and linked to the user's identity.

　　In accordance with Apple's guidelines, privacy disclosures were added to YouTube's description in January, though the functionality and content of the app itself have not been affected until today.

　　Since Apple began requiring so-called privacy "nutrition labels" in early December, some Google apps have not been updated. These apps include Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, Google Drive and other products.

　　Apple's privacy plan is designed to provide users with greater insight into how their data is used by developers. Under the rules, app makers must disclose what data they or third parties collect and detail how the information is used.

　　Similar to past App Store policies, apps can remain on the store without publishing privacy labels, though the new rules must be enforced when updates are submitted. Some have speculated that Google is circumventing privacy disclosures by delaying the rollout of regular updates. The search giant refuted these claims when it announced plans in January to update its suite of iOS apps within a few weeks, but that timeline was clearly overly optimistic.

　　Earlier this week, the Gmail app began warning users that the current iOS version was out of date and did not include Google's latest security features. Google quickly updated its servers to remove the warning.