There was a recent cause of concern over a report from The Guardian that indicated Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may have a hard time approving Google Maps for iOS.
The report read, “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.”
Last summer, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) ditched Google Maps in favor of their own iOS maps program, but that turned out to be quite a disaster.
IntoMobile responded to the rumor, “This screams of shadiness on Apple’s part, if the report is true.” Business Insider had similar feelings, “It might be a long time before we see a native Google Maps app on iOS.”
The Guardian’s report proved false. It does make a little sense that Google fans are concerned over the report, especially considering that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has some ever-changing requirements regarding their apps. It’s not uncommon for Apple to remove an app that’s been in their store for several years for arbitrary reasons .
Apparently, this map app is nothing ordinary. The Guardian explained, “No matter how bad Apple’s Maps are, the company still wants its users to move on from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) — and forget about them. This doesn’t bode well for the approval of an official Google Maps app, the source says.”
It seems they forgot one very important thing: even Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, suggested Google Maps as an alternative, when he shared an open letter to iOS 6 users, “”While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest, and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps, by going to their Web sites and creating an icon on your home screen to their Web app”
[Source: CNET]
