Did Apple Get Exactly What it Wanted for Users in Google Maps Spat?

The Loop reader Keith Huss shared an interesting look at how the Apple Maps fiasco actually turned out really well for end users, now that Google Maps has gone live on iOS.

In the end, Apple has gotten exactly what it wanted for its users when it introduced its own mapping solution: turn-by-turn directions and lots of choice in mapping. Additionally, Apple is prominently displaying third-party map apps on the App Store (with Google Maps at the front), and delivering perhaps the best maps experience on mobile.

Findmaps

Situation: Apple cannot get Google to update its maps app on iOS. It was ok, but Google refused to update it to include turn-by-turn directions or voice guidance even though Android had these features forever. Apple says, "Enough" and boots Gmaps from iOS and replaces it with an admittedly half-baked replacement. The world groans. Apple has egg on its face. Google steps up it’s game and rolls out a new, free new maps app in iOS today that is totally amazing, I’m sure to stick it in Apple’s face… Ooops.

Bottom line: Apple took one for the team (ate some ****) and fooled Google into doing exactly what Apple has been asking for years. Users win.

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

ArcaneDevice

81 months ago

"Bottom line: Apple took one for the team (ate some ****) and fooled Google into doing exactly what Apple has been asking for years."

Sure. And Ping was just a way to get Facebook to update their iOS app.

Rating: 47 Votes

robjulo

81 months ago

The spin is priceless.

Rating: 46 Votes

ethana

81 months ago

Allow users to set a default mapping solution, so when I ask Siri for directions she pulls up Google Maps instead of Crapple Maps, THEN I'll believe this was all planned.

Rating: 41 Votes

bushido

81 months ago

fanboy logic?

Rating: 38 Votes

section215

81 months ago

this is a bit of a stretch to put it mildly.

Rating: 29 Votes

SamGabbay

81 months ago

Reverse reverse triple reverse psychology.

Good move by Apple indeed.

Rating: 27 Votes

Bathplug

81 months ago

Lol apple fanboy spin.

Rating: 20 Votes

samcraig

81 months ago

Spin.

Google didn't refuse to give Apple what they wanted. Apple and Google weren't able to reach an agreement. Apple wanted the new features. Google wanted the App to be branded Google Maps and also to integrate Lattitude.

Since neither party would concede, the rest is history.

The users got what the users wanted (mostly) - except for true OS integration. Apple didn't get anything but bad press. If Apple REALLY wanted to give its users everything Google was able to provide - they would have conceded during negotiations.

Giving Apple "credit" to this is laughable.

Rating: 19 Votes