Official YouTube iOS app launches

For those using iOS devices - or those who are planning to switch after a certain announcement later this week - you can now download Google's official YouTube app for iOS.

The new app is built by YouTube engineers, which differentiates it from the current iOS YouTube app, which comes preinstalled on iOS devices but is engineered by Apple.

While the app is useable on iPads, it is not yet optimised for the tablets.

YouTube said in a statement that its official app "unlocks tens of thousands of official music videos, as well as bringing lots of new features to improve finding and sharing awesome videos and channels".

The search function will give you suggestions as you type, and allow you to look for related videos, comments and extra information while continuing to watch your video.

The app also makes sharing easier, the company said.

YouTube's official app is available for free on the iTunes App Store.