Suggestions for changes that Apple could make in iOS 6 have been floating around since right after iOS 5's debut last year, but a new report has offered up details on one of the things that very well could be altering in the next major version of iOS. According to sources speaking to 9to5 Mac, Apple is planning to replace Google Maps with its own Maps application in iOS 6. The report claims that Apple has used its acquisitions of various mapping companies to craft its own maps app in-house that's described as "much cleaner, faster, and more reliable." The design of the app is said to be similar to the existing Google Maps app, including a replacement for Google Street View, but Apple's implementation will reportedly feature an all-new icon as well as a new 3D mode.
When Apple released its iPhoto for iOS app earlier this year, several folks noticed that the Cupertino firm had opted to use OpenStreetMap and other services to provide mapping data rather than relying on Google Maps. That move could be seen as the first step in Apple moving away from Google Maps altogether, and with the various mapping companies that it's acquired, it certainly seems like Apple would be capable of cooking up its own Maps app for iOS 6. The good news is that we may not have long to wait before we get our first peek at iOS 6, as it's expected that Apple will introduce it at WWDC next month. What do you all make of this rumor? Do you think Apple can create a suitable replacement to the current Google Maps iOS app?
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