Apple possibly held back by Google for years on iOS' Maps features, might bring turn-by-turn nav to WWDC

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The tales of Apple possibly [dumping Google Maps][3] as the backend for iOS 6's Maps app are gathering steam, but we're now learning just how much forethought may have gone into the split. According to the _WSJ_'s favorite tipsters, "people familiar with the matter," Apple isn't just hoping to spurn Android -- it's reacting to push-back it got years earlier. Google supposedly delayed [Street View][4], and blocked [Google Maps Navigation][5] outright, as it wasn't getting the limelight for branding and couldn't push in social tracking services that tend to make a [privacy-sensitive Apple][6] jittery, like [Latitude][7]. The August 2009 buyout of Placebase was ground zero for Apple's shift, which saw subsequent deals for [Poly9][8] and [C3 Technologies][9] flesh out the project.

As for the end results? They supposedly include turn-by-turn navigation that mimics an "in-car [GPS][10] device," and regular mapping should now be free to integrate with other apps: Calendar might warn you if a traffic jam on Interstate 280 will affect that appointment at 1 Infinite Loop, as an example. We might not have long to wait for the truth behind the new tips and earlier [leaked shots][11], as the contacts believe Apple could show its Maps overhaul when [WWDC][12] starts next week.

[Apple possibly held back by Google for years on iOS' Maps features, might bring turn-by-turn nav to WWDC][2] originally appeared on [Engadget][13] on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:40:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds][14].

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[3]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/report-apple-dumping-google-for-own-maps-app-in-ios-6/
[4]: http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/26/iphone-software-2-2-features-google-street-view-mass-transit-di/
[5]: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/google-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-dock-ui-to-android/
[6]: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/apple-officially-answers-questions-on-location-tracking-says-it/
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