Apple has parted ways with Google Maps on iOS 6 to focus on their own maps application, called ‘Maps’. So far everything seems alright, and as far as Mobile Maps go, they are competing well with Google. They have a 3D option, Flyover view, and even turn-by-turn directions. A partnership with GPS company TomTom was even established to further help their goal. And we can’t forget Yelp, we have all the reviews and information on local stores, restaurants, etc.
One thing they do lack though is 7,000 workers specifically working on Maps. Google Maps has approximately 7,100 workers, 1100 being full-time, and the rest being contractors. Nicholas Carlson from Bussiness Insider notes,:
One big reason: Google has 1,100 full time employees and 6,000 contractors working on its mapping products. Those 7,000 people do all sorts of granular work.
All those workers consist of street view drivers, plane drivers, drawers, and even listing correctors. And Apple doesn’t need these extra workers in my opinion. They can afford it, but Maps is really a lone iOS application. Google Maps is a full-blown mobile application, online website, and much more. It would be senseless to over-spend on a maps application. People aren’t buying the iPhone for the Maps app, so there really is no profit-motive for Apple.
Even still, Apple could still hang near the top as a mobile-maps application. They just need to slowly continue to improve the app. Since Maps comes installed on every iOS device, the application shouldn’t take long to gain success.
What are your thoughts on where Apples Maps app will go?
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This seems like a petty move by Apple to retaliate against Google for releasing their own phone, and an attempt to further enforce the monolithic character of the Apple corporation. I hope that there is still a Google maps app option to download for the iPhone and that Apple doesn’t nix that option as well.
I don’t see Apple ever taking that away from users. Google Maps should always be in the app-store unless Google removes it. If Apple removes it then Google could fight it, just think, what would Apples reasoning be?
Apple has final say on anything that goes into the app store, and they really don’t like competition. Remember the fight about getting Skype onto the iPhone because it might be competition for the ATT/Apple handshake deal? Or the deal with Siri? It was included as part of the 4S phone so the already existing Siri app was pulled from the iTunes store in an effort to encourage people to buy the 4S, and at the same time the Google Voice app jumped from $3.99 to $9.99.
At the least, I think it’s realistic for a Google Maps app to turn up as an expensive app rather than a free one is Apple is actually going to implement their own default map system.
I understand your statements and know where your coming from, but Skype was understandable as it wasn’t on the App-store yet, so they could fight it with great reasoning.
Siri was purchased by Apple and they removed it themselves.
Google Maps is a whole new story. Its already currently on the App-store. Apple doesn’t have to great of a reason to remove it. Are they going to remove it saying they don’t want it to interfere with Maps growth? I can’t see them doing so. To many Google Maps users would be angered.