Look out, iOS6 maps! Google is prepping its own iPhone maps

Barely has it recovered from the mess surrounding its Maps app when Apple now faces a challenge from rival Google in the field of —you guessed it— maps.

 

A report on the Wall Street Journal quoted a person with "direct knowledge" on the matter as saying that Google is testing its new mapping app for Apple's iPhones.

 

"We believe Google Maps are the most comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps in the world. Our goal is to make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser, or operating system," it quoted a Google spokesperson as saying.

 

Though the new Apple Maps app is preinstalled on iPhones, iPads and devices running iOS 6, it had received flak for several inaccuracies and bugs.

 

Finishing touches

 

On the other hand, the WSJ said Google is putting the finishing touches on its own app before submitting it for approval to the Apple iTunes store.

 

An Apple spokesman said the company doesn't comment on apps that have not yet been submitted for approval, WSJ added.

 

Last September, Apple released iOS 6, which did away with Google Maps and replaced it with its own map solution.

 

The criticisms against Apple's Maps prompted an apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

 

WSJ said Google could generate more revenue from the new iPhone app because it can include more ads from local businesses or tie it to other revenue-generating Google services.

 

It added Google could "win new affection (among Apple users) by swooping in with a more reliable mapping service."

 

What to expect

 

The WSJ report said Google's upcoming Maps app for the iPhone may have turn-by-turn navigation, allowing people to use it like a GPS device while driving.

 

It said the turn-by-turn navigation feature is new for the Apple version. — TJD, GMA News