14 DAY TRIAL // Google is reportedly enjoying the bad press Apple is getting over its faulty Maps application in iOS 6. Sources say the Mountain View search giant is cooking up a new Maps app to submit to the iTunes App Store. Pundits are not convinced, though.
The Guardian’s sources say that “Google is preparing a Google Maps app for iOS6, which will appear in time,” with the British paper adding that “there will inevitably be questions over whether Apple will approve it in the App Store.”
Indeed, Apple might simply reject the app saying it “competes with existing functionality” offered by iOS 6. However, they’d shoot themselves in the foot if they did. Too much bad press will see those pretty $700 shares take a huge plunge in mere days.
Responding to these rumors, a renowned developer, Steve Stroughton-Smith, seemingly confirmed Google’s plans to roll out the app.
He tweeted yesterday, “The Guardian suggests they've heard that Google already submitted a Maps app to coincide with iOS 6: guardian.co.uk/technology/blo… Yep.&rdquo
But Jim Dalrymple, also a well-known figure in the Apple blogosphere, says “nope”. The pundit is known for his terse opinions on such matters, and it’s worth noting that he has an accurate track record.
Shyco Phante, a commenter over at The Loop, makes a strong case for Google and why they shouldn’t rush into making this app.
“I'm an iPhone 4S user running iOS 6 on my device. I also have iOS 6 on my iPad 3. I have experienced Maps. According to the Maps app, I'm currently floating down the river about a mile from home while I type this on my MacBook Pro,” he notes.
“Maps honestly doesn't bother me. I don't use them extensively to care either way.”
“I am merely considering how Google might handle this in reaction to all the negative responses. I don't think it makes sense for Google to rush a Maps app of their own to bail out Apple users who hate what the company has done. I think a reality check for some Apple users who think the company can do no wrong will be healthy for everyone concerned,” writes Phante.
All in all, it remains to be confirmed whether or not Google will submit a new Maps app to Apple. They did it with YouTube, so at least’s there’s a precedent there.
However, the bigger problem is really the iOS 6 Maps application. Apple needs to fix it ASAP. This thing is getting out of hand.