Rumor: iOS 6 Will Ditch Google Maps in Favor of Apple's Own Solution

While there's certainly nothing wrong with the Google-powered Maps app we've had since the original iPhone, it could be argued that it's time for Apple to shake things up and go their own way -- and that could indeed be happening with iOS 6.

9to5Mac is reporting that Apple may introduce "an incredible headline feature" with iOS 6 in the form of their own Maps application -- one that finally breaks from Google Maps and is created entirely in-house.

Of course, the Maps app itself is already Apple's own creation, but the technology that powers it comes from the Googleplex. Apple has widely been rumored to introduce their own solution over the years with the acquisition of Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9, which is plenty more than enough technology to create their own mapping solution.

According to "trusted sources," that could be exactly what we'll see when iOS 6 hits the streets later this year -- a complete rewrite of the current Maps app, using C3 Technologies-based street view and what's described as "a powerful new 3D mode."

"The 3D mode does not come enabled by default, but users simply need to click a 3D button that is conveniently and visibly stored in the app," the report reveals. "Perhaps under the fold like the current traffic, pin, and map view buttons. This 3D mode is said to essentially be technology straight from C3 Technologies: beautiful, realistic graphics based on de-classified missile target algorithms." (Sounds like a much better use of that technology, if you ask us.)

With Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference now only a month away, it's widely expected that Cupertino will at least preview iOS 6 at the event, although no one knows for sure if a redesigned Maps app will get a nod there. The report also doesn't mention anything about turn-by-turn navigation, which is sorely lacking in Apple's built-in app compared to the pretty awesome Google Navigation included free with Android devices. Let's get on that, shall we, Apple…?

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(Image courtesy of 9to5Mac)

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Original Page: http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_ios_6_will_ditch_google_maps_favor_apple%E2%80%99s_own_solution

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