In Apple’s recent release of iPhoto for iOS the company took a major step forward in what seems to be a long time goal: they replaced Google Maps. In iPhoto, Cupertino chose to go with Open Street Map, an open data mapping project that is free for use, with attribution and adherence to certain guidelines. The next question is when will Apple move away from Google Maps on other services, particularly the iPhone’s Maps app. Rumor has it that the switchover could happen with the release of iOS 6 and that the move to an in-house mapping solution could bring along some major perks, including a 3D mode.
While it’s far from confirmed, the jump to another mapping app isn’t a far-fetched one. In the past Apple has gobbled up a number of smaller firms who were working on mapping technology, including Poly9, Placebase, and C3 Technologies. Plus we know that there are a number of reasons why Apple hates Google Maps and that it’s been Apple intention to take their maps to the next level.
Based on the rumor, it seems like the C3 Technologies acquisition was crucial to this move. They where a 3D mapping company that Apple picked up last year, whose technology enabled rapid 3D mapping. (You can see the video explainer at the bottom.)
