Google Maps for iPhone Hits 10M Downloads in 2 Days, Says Apple

Don't call it a comeback. You already knew it wouldn't be long before Google Maps returned to the iPhone following the SNAFU over Apple's in-house made Maps app earlier this year; the feature was long-touted as the map app for many. And users have reacted to Google Maps' return to the iPhone as though seeing the impeccable service for the first time. In its first two days available in Apple's App Store, Google Maps was downloaded more than 10 million times, reported CNET.

"We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world," Huber said. "Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years," Jeff Huber, Google's senior vice president of Commerce & Local, wrote in a post on Google+ Dec. 17.

Google Maps made its triumphant return to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad late Dec. 12.

"Google's app brings back some of the functionality no longer found in the built-in maps software, which Apple replaced with its own data and services as part of iOS 6. That includes Google's Street View technology and public transit directions, while also adding new features like spoken turn-by-turn driving directions and vector-based map tiles," noted CNET.

The return of Google Maps follows a tumultuous period for Apple's in-house made Maps application. While the failure of Apple's maps has certainly been exaggerated in the media, with its copious inaccuracies, some bizarre omissions and appearances, and distorted landscapes, it's unmistakably one of the most criticized features of its new iOS.

Apple CEO Tim Cook seemed to acknowledge this when he formally apologized for the normally tight-lipped company, saying he was "extremely sorry," and even suggested users download competing maps apps.

Apple made the controversial decision to use its own in-house maps app rather than continue with Google Maps allegedly before Apple's 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 11, the decision reportedly fractured its relationship with Google.

After the release of Apple's new Maps app, tech site T3 quickly noted that even with its aesthetically pleasing appearance, and some nice features, the functionality of Apple's Maps' search was reportedly "hit and miss in terms of finding London locations."

Engadget thought the app wasn't nearly as comprehensive as Google's offerings on Android, but said the app's biggest drawback was its lack of public transportation directions.

Apple Maps also lacks the kind of detailed layering that you can apply in Google Maps and Google Navigation, and shows you whatever you want to see. Maps will list some important places of interest -- mostly gas stations and convenience shops -- but if you want to see all Italian restaurants on your route you'll have to dig deeper.

Allthingsd said the app was a step backward from Google Maps. While Apple's maps feature a 3-D "Flyover" view of some central cities, they lack Google's very useful ground-level photographic street views. And while the site thought Apple's maps were accurate, they reportedly tend to default to a more zoomed-in view than Google's, making them look emptier until you zoom out.

Even Google Maps designer Fred Gilbert, who worked with Apple on the original Google Maps app for the first iPhone, voiced his incredible disappointment with Apple Maps over Google+, saying "as one of the original designers of Google Mobile Maps I remember how difficult it was working with Apple. But this just blows my mind," according to seroundtable.com.