The Mountain View search giant is putting the finishing touches on the app

Nov 16, 2012 09:24 GMT  ·  By

Google is polishing up a dedicated Maps application for Apple’s iOS after seeing its mapping service ousted in the sixth major release of Apple’s mobile operating system.

A person with direct knowledge of the matter is telling the Wall Street Journal that Google has begun distributing a test build of its native iOS Maps app in anticipation of a release.

Google’s planned App Store submission hasn’t been pinpointed to any specific date, but the source in question seems convinced it will happen soon.

There’s still doubt regarding whether or not Apple will approve the software, though it seems highly improbable for the Cupertino giant to act in this manner.

The company would basically ensure a new PR fiasco for itself, denying its rival the chance to prove it can do a better maps application in the interest of Apple customers worldwide.