Google Maps app not planned for iPhone 5
(CBS News) Google has made no plans to launch a Google Maps app for the iPhone 5's mobile operating system iOS 6, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt told reporters in Japan.
Apple released its iOS 6 last Wednesday. The new mobile operating system dropped the Google Maps app, which has been included in the iPhone since its initial release in 2007, opting for its own Apple Maps app instead.
Users who have updated to iOS 6 have complained of getting lost, missing landmarks and lack of public transit directions. Reaction to Apple maps have ranged from cheeky tweets to the London Underground suggesting iOS 6 users pick up physical maps.
According to Reuters, Schmidt spoke to a small group of reporters in Japan at a press event to announce the Nexus 7 tablet. His opinion is that Apple has made a mistake by dropping Google Maps.
"We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?" Schmidt told reporters. "What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call."
Whether or not Google Maps would be approved as a stand-alone app at the Apple Store is Apple's choice, Schmidt said, his comments suggesting that Google has not submitted an app for review.
"We haven't done anything yet," Schmidt told reporters.
It was rumored that Google had submitted a Google Maps app to the App Store, pending Apple's approval. Citing "roundabout sources," The Guardian reported last week that a Google Maps app will appear in time, but there is no official timeline. Neither Apple nor Google responded to CBS News' request for comment on the rumor.
