So Apple’s mapping program included with iOS 6 isn’t the greatest. The app may be a bit disappointing, but hey, it’s hard to make decent maps. What would be inexcusable is if Google submitted a functioning app to the Apple-controlled App Store and Apple rejected it for including existing functionality. But some unnamed Google insiders think that might be the case. According to The Guardian: Sources at Google familiar with its mapping plans say they are “not optimistic” that Apple will ever approve a dedicated Google Maps iOS app. Though the app is reportedly in development and should be ready to ship by the end of the year, the sources say their plans are only proceeding in “the unlikely event” that Apple will choose to approve the app.
Tim Cook, in his official maps apology, offered suggestions around Apple Maps, such as bookmarking the Google Maps map onto your homescreen or opting for Bing’s maps option. In addition, we’ve been following Google’s effort to make a Maps app for iOS, which seemed to start as soon as the iPhone 5 came out even as Google knew about Apple’s decision months before. Plus, the sources cited by the Guardian are totally anonymous, so I wouldn’t take this rumor as gospel; just keep checking the App Store and waiting for a decent maps solution.
Filed in . Read more about App Store, Apple Maps, Google and Google Maps.