Apple made several major changes when it launched iOS 6 to consumers. And they have not necessarily been for the benefit of the consumer, but rather an attempt to further distance themselves from Google, as their relationship with one another has become slightly strained since Android’s massive success began. The biggest change Apple made was it stopped using Google Maps as the default service. The Cupertino company instead developed its own mapping service, and needless to say, it was nothing short of a disaster. A few weeks after iOS 6 launched, Google published a standalone Maps app in the App Store, and as you would expect, it its light years better than the service developed by Apple. But, people have always wondered if Apple will do what’s right for consumers and switch back to Google Maps, or continue its petty fight with Google, which by the way Apple, you are losing.
In an interview at the AllThingsD Mobile conference, Google executive Eric Schmidt said that his company is really pushing Apple to switch back to Google Maps. “We would still really like them to use our maps,” Schmidt said. “It would be easy for them to take the app in the store and put it as their basic one.” He did not say if Apple and Google were still in negotiations about using Google Maps.
If Apple decides to stick with its custom Maps app, then it at least needs to offer the option to change the default app to whatever the user wants. At this point, not many improvements have been made to Apple’s Maps and they need to remember that they are essentially putting their users in danger by forcing them to use an unreliable, incorrect maps app. Apple unfortunately decided that, because Android is taking over the consumer market, it needs to take its battles to the court room and by doing petty things like this. Just a heads up Apple, replacing a quality service on your phone with one that barely works is generally not a good way to gain back your user base. Heard of innovation? Try it sometime.