Did Apple Manipulate Google into Getting What They Wanted?

Google Maps is now front and center of iOS recommended
maps applications list.

As of right now, Google Maps has been live for almost 20 hours. Users and Bloggers alike have been downloading and giving their two cents worth on the latest iteration of Google's Maps. The new GMaps has brought many new features to the table that were not present on previous iOS updates such as turn by turn directions. In the end, Apple got exactly what they wanted, GMaps that is on par with the rest of Android phones with GMaps. But was this intentional?

When you look at the events that took place from April-May up until this December, the idea that Apple did this intentionally doesn't make sense at all. However, lets look at a few signs that may point otherwise.

From the WWDC onward, Apple continually praised their own Maps app saying that it would change the way you use maps on smartphones. We all know Apple hates Google and Google hates Apple, to a certain degree. Both companies represent complete opposite philosophies on business models, products, and operating systems. The writing had been on the wall for some time of a break up between Google and Apple, but up until this year, the waters had been relatively calm.

After Apple announced that Google Maps would no longer be available on, Google appeared to be totally caught off guard. Why? Google saw this coming, they had to. Shoot, even my Grandma saw this coming. This was no surprise. However, Google knew that Apple couldn't possibly pull off an equal counterpart so quickly, so they took their time hoping the Maps app would be a fail and they would stick it to Apple.

Everyone knows the fiasco that ensued shortly after the release of iOS 6. Flagship features were missing from the Maps app, points of interest were old or missing, satellite images were old dated, and flyover sucked. Instead of pulling the Steve Jobs card, "you are using it wrong, its your fault," Tim Cook openly apologized for the disappointment.

For the past few months, iOS users have been stuck with almost no real viable option other than to just stick it out with Apple Maps until GMaps was ready. After a long wait, a really long wait, the GMaps app is here and better than ever. Every feature that was missing from GMaps causing Apple to abandon GMaps for their own app is there. Why? Because Google wanted to make Apple suffer for sticking it to them and make them wait to release GMaps, and Google hoped to say, "We know the Apple Maps app sucks, here you go, this is what you've been missing thanks to Apple."

Turns out, the opposite of what Google had hoped for has taken place. While Apple has taken a lot of heat for releasing something subpar of Apple standards, Apple finally has the best mapping app on a mobile device. By taking a fall and playing a bit of reversed psychology, Apple now has everything they wanted from Google.

Was this move intentional? No, I don't think Apple would send out a subpar flagship feature on a flagship product just to leverage a better Maps app. Too much bad PR and several firings indicate this was not Apples agenda. However, unintentionally though, iOS users come on on a winning deal with a decent Maps app by Apple and a much improved GMaps by Google.

So do you think this was intentional or unintentional? Let us know in the comment box below or on our facebook page. Also, dont forget to like our facebook page and follow us on twitter for all of your important Apple news. Peace Apple Nation!