In a statement that’s sure to elicit sighs of disappointment from many iPhone users, Google’s Eric Schmidt has told reporters that the company has not submitted a standalone Google Maps app to Apple for approval, despite rumors to the contrary.
Google Maps was removed from Apple’s iOS 6 software along with the standard YouTube app, which Google has already replaced with one of its own, prompting hopes it would do the same with Maps. Apple Maps has come under fire since release for, amongst other things, errors, bugs, a lack of detail and no public transportation information.
Various sources indicated an iOS version of Google Maps was on its way, with The Guardian saying “a Google Maps app is being prepared for iOS 6, which will appear in time,” to Google themselves telling SearchEngineLand.com that its goal was to “make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser or operating system.”
Schmidt was questioned over the situation during an event in Japan, where he was busy promoting the local launch of the Nexus 7 tablet, and replied “we haven’t done anything yet” when asked whether Apple was likely to accept a Google Maps app into the App Store.
He added “We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?” Later, as he demonstrated Google Maps on the Nexus 7, he quipped “take that Apple” while showing off the app’s capabilities. It appears The Guardian was right when it said Google was enjoying Apple’s suffering at the hands of the press and the public.
Naturally, Apple is defending its new Maps software, saying it’s “just getting started,” and welcomes all feedback in an effort to implement improvements as quickly as possible.
Without an official Google Maps app on the horizon, iPhone owners can access it using Safari, or try one of these alternative apps.
There are many better mapping and navigation apps for iOS than just Apple Maps and Google Maps. iOS users do not miss Google Maps in the least, especially since the iOS version of Google Maps was so lame (it didn’t have turn-by-turn navigation, or other features).
Eric Schmidt has an over-inflated ego if he believes that iOS users need (or even want) Google Maps.
So far, I haven’t come across any errors using Apple Maps, and I like the interface and features MUCH better than the iOS version of Google Maps!
Errors can be found in Google Maps too, but people who hate/fear Apple have been making an irrational fuss about the errors that have been found in Apple Maps.
Oh I like those pists by white knights coming to Apple’s rescue… ;-)
A look into forums all around the web will yield thousends of iOS users asking when Google maps for iOS will be revealed. Also, statistically speaking, i guess there have to be a few Apple maps users out there, that don’t come across any errors. But then someone who doesn’t probably doesn’t live in the ‘uncharted wilderness’ outside the USA…
From what I understand the working alternatives to Google’s and Apple’s offering are not for free?
“iOS users do not miss Google Maps in the least” LOL. blind apple fanboy faith up in here. A quick google search for “ios 6 maps” returns results such as:
“Users: Apple iOS 6 maps are a mess – CNN.com”
“Apple promises to improve iOS 6 Maps – Telegraph”
“iOS 6 map mess was no big surprise to Apple | Apple – CNET News”
“10 Alternatives to Apple iOS 6 Maps for the iPhone 5 | News …”
“Apple Maps service loses train stations, shrinks tower and creates …”
“Apple flops with new maps update | Fox News”
if anything is irrational, its you apple fanboys
Notice how it is all news sources. I bet you I could come up with some story about Apple and make it “leaked data” and then all the news sources (who are just like sheep) will follow it.
Phil, your opinion only counts on devices you have used. I have used my iPhone and maps works perfectly. Looks and feels much better than Google’s.
Swimforce, open your eyes. Go google “tim cook apologizes for apple maps”.
Same here. I have used it a few times and have seen no problems with it. It could label a few more restaurants and stuff but i know they are working on it.