Posts tagged iOS 6

Apple's move away from Google Maps is high risk

John Gruber, Daring Fireball:

This is a high-pressure switch for Apple. Regressions will not be acceptable. The purported whiz-bang 3D view stuff might be great, but users are going to have pitchforks and torches in hand if practical stuff like driving and walking directions are less accurate than they were with Google’s data. Keep in mind too, that Android phones ship with turn-by-turn navigation.

Astute observation from Gruber about the implications for Apple of their moving away from Google to their own mapping service. At the very least they have to match what Google already offers which is no easy task. And, ideally, they need to push ahead in such a way that leaves Google behind. Big, bold move by Apple.

Apple to ditch Google Maps

Mark Gurman, 9to5Mac:

Apple will drop the Google Maps program running on iOS since 2007 in favor for a new Maps app with an Apple backend. The application design is said to be fairly similar to the current Google Maps program on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, but it is described as a much cleaner, faster, and more reliable experience.

It’s been no secret that Apple have wanted to break any reliance on Google for any core services. It’s also been no secret that Apple have been working on their own mapping service for quite some time. So, whilst this comes as no real surprise, it is still a pretty significant step.

If the above report is correct, the transition away from Google Maps will happen with the next version of iOS due out later this year.