Google has no plans to release Maps for iOS6

[sir pball]

Google Inc has made no move to provide Google Maps for the iPhone 5 after Apple Inc dropped the application in favor of a home-grown but controversial alternative, Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said.
…
"We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?" Schmidt told a small group of reporters in Tokyo. "What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call."

(Reuters)

Some will no doubt be thrilled, I suspect many more will be aghast.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

1. Apple maps are a disaster at this point

It will take them some serious $$$ and also time to get anywhere near what is available today. Bad call on Apple's part

[NV Whino]

2. In the mean time there is Google earth available for free

[richardtj]

3. Not so sure that's a bad thing

After all, it's all tied into IOS6 and given Apple's winning streak since it's doldrums in the mid 90's can you blame them? If Bing can have it's own maps, why not Apple?

[sir pball]

4. Sure they can

There's plenty of other map systems out there, hell, Mapquest is still around - but they're all subpar compared to what Google now offers.

Apple is great at breaking into emerging consumer markets (PCs, media players, smartphones) and establishing a paradigm, but trying to takeover a market that's already under the spell of an incomparable integrated system like Earth/Maps/StreetView would be like, well, competing with Apple. I just don't see it happening.

[Poiuyt]

5. The Apple Maps furor is overblown

Here's a different take:

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/apple-maps-furor-overblown-1B6071011

snip-

So, let's review the facts:

A) There are flaws in Apple's Maps database.

B) These flaws very likely do not affect you in any way.

C) These flaws will be fixed and served up without you updating any software.

D) There is a lack of public transit information, which may or may not affect you, but is partially remedied by apps.

E) You now get free turn-by-turn navigation and instant links to Yelp pages — and no ads.

F) GPS-enabled Google Maps are still available on iPhones and iPads for free, through the Safari browser.

G) A Google Maps app for iOS will likely be here soon, too.