It’s baaack. After much chagrin, Apple has relaunched the Google Maps app for the iPhone. The app was the default navigation service on the smartphone since Apple introduced the device in 2007. But with the release of the iPhone 5 and the iOS6 operating system update, Apple updated its iOS to include its own maps program, and removed Google Maps from all versions of the iPhone.
The Apple Maps app was soon associated with inaccurate navigation and criticized by users, the media and even law enforcement agencies. The issues prompted Apple CEO to apologize to users in late September and go so far as to encourage iPhone users to use other maps apps, including MapQuest and Waze.

“We are extremely sorry for the frustration (the map) has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better,” he wrote.
“We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.”

As Apple was unable to appease its customers, it invited Google back into the game. Google responded by developing a new iPhone mapping app, which incorporates some features that have been available to users of Google’s Android device, such as turn-by-turn directions, mass transit and integration of Google’s Street View technology.

“People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone,” wrote Daniel Graf, Director of Google Maps for Mobile, in the company blog. “It’s designed from the ground up.”

The new Google Maps for iPhone app will also allow users to search for businesses, and easily flag directions if they are provided inaccurately. The app is free to download for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple has not yet released a version for the iPad, although the iPhone app will likely work on the company’s tablet.

[Image via iTunes]

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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