> Presumably Google, not Apple, is profiting from those sponsored links, but I've never seen confirmation either way
I don't think that's correct. Apple makes the application, not Google. It's possible, but it seems unlikely that there's a clause in their contract that says, "we'll give you map tiles, you also have to show these sponsored links."
It would be great if Google brought a Maps app to iOS, if only for the competition.
I don't think that's correct. Apple makes the application, not Google. It's possible, but it seems unlikely that there's a clause in their contract that says, "we'll give you map tiles, you also have to show these sponsored links."
I fully expect Google will ship their own mapping app for iOS, if they're ousted from Maps. Also, it's not like there isn't already competition – searching for "maps" on the App Store reveals a healthy collection of mapping apps, including MapQuest and Garmin.
I don't think that's correct. Apple makes the application, not Google. It's possible, but it seems unlikely that there's a clause in their contract that says, "we'll give you map tiles, you also have to show these sponsored links."
It would be great if Google brought a Maps app to iOS, if only for the competition.