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Google Maps for iOS Downloaded More than 10 Million Times

Monday December 17, 2012 12:41 pm PST by Juli Clover
According to a Google+ blog post from Jeff Huber, Google Maps for iOS turned out to be a success, with more than 10 million downloads just 48 hours after the app was released last Wednesday night.
We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years.

If you already have it – thank you, and please tell a friend. Any feedback you have is welcomed, here in G+ or in the app (just shake it).
Google Maps was highly anticipated by users who were unhappy with the rampant errors in Apple's built-in mapping solution. Criticism over Apple Maps led to the restructuring of Apple's iOS software team, and a public apology from Tim Cook.

Google Maps shot up to the number one free app on the App Store within a day of its launch, and today it maintains a 4.5 star rating with more than 20,000 reviews.

Though 10 million is a significant number, it still represents just a fraction of iOS users. Only three days after iOS 6 was released on September 21, Apple announced that it had been downloaded onto more than 100 million devices.

The number of iOS 6 downloads has likely increased quite a bit over the last three months, indicating that the majority of iOS users have chosen to stick with Apple's Maps application rather than switching to Google Maps, despite the rampant complaints about the quality of the built-in app.

Google Maps is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
[ 343 comments ]


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bobbytallant
77 months ago
More macrumors spin - somehow manages to represent the story as pro apple. I am very much an Apple fan but can accept their failings (and their competitor's better offerings).
Rating: 49 Votes
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Lukkee24
77 months ago

The number of iOS 6 downloads has likely increased quite a bit over the last three months, indicating that the majority of iOS users have chosen to stick with Apple's Maps application rather than switching to Google Maps, despite the rampant complaints about the quality of the built-in app.

To be fair though, it's only been 48 hours! Many people probably don't even realise that Google Maps is available in the App Store, but more people will continue to switch in the coming weeks.
Rating: 41 Votes
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Klae17
77 months ago
Oh good. Now my phone takes me to Starbucks instead of Dunkin Donuts.
Rating: 33 Votes
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elgrecomac
77 months ago
Big deal...

Apple makes the best hardware.
Apple makes the best end user OS, regardless of platform.
Apple has the best customer support.
And "the Google" makes the best map app for iOS.

I can live with that. :cool:
Rating: 33 Votes
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Xano
77 months ago
works like a champ!
10X better than Apple Maps in my area.
Rating: 20 Votes
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samcraig
77 months ago

More macrumors spin - somehow manages to represent the story as pro apple. I am very much an Apple fan but can accept their failings (and their competitor's better offerings).


I'd also say that 1 in 10 is pretty significant (based on 100 million) when you consider how many people claim their maps work just fine.
Rating: 17 Votes
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nope7308
77 months ago
"The number of iOS 6 downloads has likely increased quite a bit over the last three months, indicating that the majority of iOS users have chosen to stick with Apple's Maps application rather than switching to Google Maps, despite the rampant complaints about the quality of the built-in app."

A more plausible explanation is that the remaining iOS 6 users simply have no use for mapping software, and so they have no need/motivation to replace Apple Maps.

There is absolutely nothing to suggest that Apple customers have "indicated" their preference - that's pure conjecture.
Rating: 15 Votes
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melendezest
77 months ago

If Apple had stayed with Google maps, we would still use old Google maps without turn-by-turn navigation.


Exactly. The haters will fail to recognize this fact.

To sum it up: Apple plays hardball = we get a better app from Google than was there before. Aaaaand we get to choose (or not) to use Apple's built in option as well.

Kudos to Apple. Thank you. Once again, we the users win thanks to you.
Rating: 14 Votes
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kas23
77 months ago

This is bad for Google. Apple Maps will get better and will be a clear alternative to Google Maps.

Oh, and did you know that Google's AdWords and AdSense is all stolen technology? Just Google Vringo.


Yes, I'm sure Google is wallowing in their sorrow. Seriously, on what ****ing planet is this bad for Google?
Rating: 13 Votes
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realeric
77 months ago
If Apple had stayed with Google maps, we would still use old Google maps without turn-by-turn navigation.
Rating: 12 Votes

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