iOS 6 said to replace Google Maps with Apple’s own cutting-edge 3D Maps

If a new rumor is to be believed, iOS 6 – the next major release of Apple’s iOS operating system powering the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad - will forgo Google Maps in favor of Apple’s in-house mapping service based on incredible 3D maps. The headline new feature will still be called Maps, but this is where all similarities end.

The iPhone maker is rumored to innovate Google-backed maps in iOS with an awesome 3D technology based on a declassified missile targeting technology. This in-house solution is said to offer “a much cleaner, faster and more reliable experience”. More importantly, Apple’s own mapping service will reduce their dependency on Google.

Moving from a Google Maps backend to an Apple backend is also important given that the two companies have been at odds ever since the search Goliath decided to challenge the iPhone with its Android platform…
Mark Gurman, writing for 9to5Mac, has the story, based on “trusted sources”:

Apple has an incredible headline feature in development for iOS 6: a completely in-house maps application. Apple will drop the Google Maps program running on iOS since 2007 in favor for a new Maps app with an Apple backend.

As for a new 3D mode, it’s said to be enabled by clicking a 3D button inside the reworked Maps app. The app itself is said to be designed in a similar manner to the current iOS Maps program on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch which takes advantage of the Google Maps backend.