When Apple introduced iOS 6, it revealed that it would be going with its own Maps product (which is really a combination of numerous other mapping products) rather than Google Maps. iOS 6 hit iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches this week, and now users are really starting to understand what this means for their map needs.
While some do appear to like the switch, there is a tremendous amount of user backlash and reports of issues with Apple’s new Maps.
Gizmodo’s Kyle Wagner writes, “The move from Google Maps to Apple’s homespun cartography in iOS 6 has been a sticking point for people, largely because it’s the turd in a very ornate punch bowl.”
Australian Business Traveller ‘s John Walton says, “Business travellers who rely heavily on the Maps app of their iPhone or iPad will find Apple’s new iOS 6 Maps is more like a dead end.” (via Forbes)
There’s even a Tumblr for Apple Maps fails.
Talk about the Maps is all over Twitter. Some actually don’t want to upgrade to iOS 6 because of the Maps.
Here’s what some people are saying on Twitter:
Serious question: what portion of how good Google Maps is because of years of usage data from iPhone users?
Yay new iPhone maps w/ iOS6 has voice navigation. Looking at google maps every 5 secs was more dangerous than texting.
I am lost without you @googlemaps. Amazing how @google products have changed our World.W.W. Here you go #maps lovers >http://t.co/QDI4MGJ8
if you have an iphone do not update to ios6, looks like they deleted Google Maps and the ios6 Maps is a piece of shit
The new iphone maps are telling me there are 3 pubs on my street – I have never seen them, perhaps its one of thos secret location things.
i don’t mind the new Maps App for the iPhone, it’s sleeker and rotatable. Easier to use in cities and it talks. i approve.
I’m too scared to update my iPhone now, @Google Maps is how I am able to travel anywhere http://t.co/uunMEE8W
Looks like my iPhone IOS6 update decided we didn’t need Southfields station anymore- no sign of it on their maps!! http://t.co/UR5gxtj9
who cares about iOS 6 maps not working properly the iPhone 5 has a bigger screen…..
Maps on iPhone reported to be so bad, don’t think I will upgrade for a while
The maps on the new iphone software are sick, like you are playing the sims or something lool
Maps and navigation on iPhone iOS 6 is broken. Not good at all. Apple dropped the ball on the this one.
Not yet sold on iPhone. Will happily continue using my dying outdated Droid2 ’til this maps thing is sorted. http://t.co/BSYVTrPf
It does appear that Google will likely release a Google Maps app for iOS, so users can get it back. 9to5 Mac shares a Bloomberg video of Google UK Marketing Director Dan Cobley saying users can “use Google Maps by downloading them or going to the Google Maps website.”
The “downloading” comment is odd, considering the app is so far non-existent, but could be a hint that one will soon launch.
Search Engine Land shares another statement from Google, saying, “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.”
Google did release an update for Google Maps on Android this week. The company also expanded its Live Traffic info for Google Maps.
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