The next version of Apple’s iOS operating system, the system that runs iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches (iPods Touch?), will not include Google Maps as its default mapping program. That’s the claim of the Wall Street Journal, which also says that Apple will offer its own mapping software instead, probably previewing it next week at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference. Things were ducky between the two companies back when Apple launched the iPhone but that soured pretty significantly when Google got behind Android, which Apple felt was awfully similar to iPhone.
By controlling the mapping experience, Apple gets the revenue from advertising that is seen there. The Journal says it’s about more than just that:
Apple is going after the map market to have more control over a key asset in the widening smartphone war. Google Maps is used by more than 90% of U.S. iPhone users. So Apple believes controlling the mapping experience and offering features that Google doesn’t have can help sell more devices and entice developers to build unique apps for iPhone users.
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