Apple to drop Google Maps for in-house maps solution in iOS 6

According to 9to5Mac’s “trusted sources,” Apple is planning on getting rid of the Google Maps integration that iOS has had since its inception in 2007 for an app that runs on Apple’s yet-to-be-seen mapping backend.

This switch from Google Maps to another platform has been rumored for a while. Last year, Apple purchased C3 Technologies. This company specialized in 3D mapping software, so it was fairly obvious then that Apple would eventually be integrating its new maps into iOS. Surprisingly, this “3D mode” isn’t going to come preactivated; users will have to tap a 3D button for the new maps to show up.

Aside from the addition of three-dimensional maps and a new logo that shows 1 Infinite Loop, the new app is rumored to look very similar to the existing maps app but with a cleaner and faster experience.

Apple’s been behind the times when it comes to mapping solutions. Google offers fantastic maps and navigation services on Android, and Microsoft has its Bing Maps service to rely on. Hopefully we’ll be able to see how Apple’s first-party solution will work when iOS hits iDevices sometime this year.

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