Google Denies Rumors It's Bringing Its Maps App Back to the iPhone

Last week it was rumored that Google would be developing a new Google Maps application for the iPhone after its previous version had been ousted by Apple Maps. Considering that Apple Maps has received a great deal of criticism since its release with iOS 6, the possibility of Google Maps returning seemed plausible.

However, Eric Schmidt, the Chairman of Google, seems to have laid these rumors to rest stating that Google has made no effort to produce a Google Maps application for Apple products. He told reporters in Tokyo today:

"We haven't done anything yet with Google Maps. Apple would have to approve it. It's their choice."

While Schmidt's statement appears adamant about Google being devoid of any current involvement in developing a Google Maps application for the iPhone, it does not show any reluctance to do so in the future. Instead Schmidt's statements are for more indicative of the old proverb; "the ball is in your court".

This attitude makes sense from Google, as it would be ill-advised to work on a product that Apple could simply reject flat out. Thus, if we are going to see Google Maps grace the iPhone once again, it looks like Apple is going to have to ask for it. However, considering that Apple just replaced Google Maps in an attempt to scale back its relationship with Google, it seems rather unlikely that these two tech giants will work together to bring back Google Maps.

Regardless, the current problem with Apple Maps is a very real one and one that Apple will have to address. The easiest solution seems to be to accept Google Maps into the App Store, but that also seems unlikely to occur. So the question remains; what will Apple do to remedy its current Apple Maps problem?

In the mean time, there is a work-around to bring a version of Google Maps back to Apple's smartphone.