Originally Posted by
richarddd
According to multiple reports: The version of google maps built into prior ios versions was designed by Apple, using data licensed from Google. The license has another year to run. It does seem to be Apple's decision.
The advantage to google to moving quickly is getting more data and exposure. The advantage to moving slowly is making Apple look bad and Android better by comparison.
Given the importance of maps to mobile, Apple likely felt it had no choice but to take control, even if it meant short-term pain.
Interesting. I wonder why all the hullaballoo about Google not wanting to implement turn by turn directions into maps? If Apple was building this, surely they could just do it themselves with the Google data?