How To Bring Google Maps Back to Your iPhone

One of the major changes in iOS 6 is the switch from Google Maps to one built by Apple itself. There is an option for those who prefer Google's mapping app.

This isn't in the form of a stand-alone iOS app. Google has not released a mapping app for iOS, and has not yet said whether it will do so. Still it's a possibility -- the company recently introduced a YouTube app to replace the one Apple also dropped from iOS 6.

The initial version of Apple's Maps has quickly drawn criticism. Among the top complaints are the lack of directions involving public transportation.

How to Bring Back Google Maps

There is a web-based version of Google Maps. Using it only requires going to maps.google.com in the Safari web browser on an iPhone. This provides virtually all the features of the old Maps app, including transit directions.

Those who like it can add a link to their smartphone's Home Screen. This will then make the site appear as if it was an app.

There are a couple of caveats. Apple's newly-released Maps offers turn-by-turn spoken directions. Google Maps just does routing. And some have complained that the web-based version is a bit slow.