Sources 'not optimistic' about Google Maps iOS app
Monday, November 5, 2012 @ 2:02pm
Sources inside Google say they are "not optimistic" about the prospect of a Google Maps app being approved by Apple, The Guardian reports. An app is said to be in development and on track for completion by the end of the year, but the sources claim that plans will only move ahead in "the unlikely event" that Apple gives a Google Maps app a greenlight.
One of the sources is hopeful that the departure of Scott Forstall from Apple could improve Google's chances. Another, though, isn't putting any credit into the idea, based on industry politics and an expectation that Apple will want to save its reputation and "keep moving forward in an effort to make its obviously inferior product [iOS 6 Maps] better." iOS 6 is Apple's first mobile OS to drop Google content from mapping, which has led to complaints of inaccuracies, missing features, and/or badly-rendered graphics.
The sources also point out that in a "Find maps for your iPhone" promotion at the App Store, none of the highlighted titles use the Google Maps API. One source says the feeling is that Apple intentionally left those titles out, since they would promote Google and a "superior product" at the same time as it wants people to move on and rely on iOS 6 Maps. The two parties are claimed to be in constant talks, however, even if the Google sources say they think Apple will never again build Google Maps into iOS.
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