Google Maps coming for iOS, sources doubt approval

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Google Maps coming for iOS, sources doubt approval

A Google Maps app for iOS is reportedly in development and could be released by year’s end, but sources at Google are “not optimistic” the app will be approved by Apple, according to a report from The Guardian. Sources say plans are only proceeding in “the unlikely event” of the app’s approval. A number of reasons are given as to why sources speculate Apple won’t approve Google Maps, from industry politics to the current App Store setup, which lacks any mapping app using Google Maps APIs in the “Find maps for your iPhone” section of the store. It’s also noted, however, that Google and Apple are still in constant communication, so an agreement between the companies could be made quickly.

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Comments

1

I don’t see Apple having problems approving this app. The only reason they may reject it would be if Google was using some unauthorised means to track User data.
Otherwise, given that other mapping apps are available on the App Store, this is likely to turn up as well.

The other factor is that there are other Google Apps already available on the App Store, including the new Google Search with Voice search. It is said to be a competitor to Siri, but Apple had no qualms in approving that for the App Store.

So maybe the ‘sources’ are being a bit too pessimistic. Or maybe I’m just being a bit too naive.

Posted by Sreedhar on November 5, 2012 at 10:07 PM (PST)

2

I agree with #1. Apple and Google may be going head to head, but Apple does not seem to be trying to shut Google out entirely. They dropped YouTube from the basic iOS build and then relied/allowed Google to introduce it as a stand alone app. I can easily see the same scenario here. It would be just one more mapping app in the iTunes App Store.

The big change on the Apple side is that they are cutting the internal ties to Google. Where Google was the built in maps, YouTube and search, Apple has relegated them to the iTunes Store…with everyone else. It is a symbolic stand really. Nothing else. And with the disappointment in Apple Maps, they really can’t afford the PR nightmare of blocking the industry standard mapping that Google would provide. Tim Cook is aware of this. And, where Steve Jobs may have faught this tooth-and-nail, Tim Cook will acept it as the best scenario for the customer. Then they can put the effort into making Apple Maps a more competitive option. Make it a tougher choice in the future…

Posted by Mitch on November 6, 2012 at 6:05 AM (PST)

3

I’d be surprised to see them turn it down as well. It is, regardless of what Apple feels about it, a Google services world out there. Any untoward efforts toward blocking desired services from iOS devices can only hurt Apple and push more people toward Android.

Posted by Code Monkey in Midstate New York on November 6, 2012 at 6:55 AM (PST)

4

Deliberately leaked FUD from Google, stirring the pot for Apple’s Mapocalypse.

Posted by Wei on November 6, 2012 at 10:59 AM (PST)

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