Google Maps vs. Apple Maps

As you know, Apple Maps has gotten off to a rough start in 2012. Perhaps their rock bottom was when Australian officials discouraged tourists from using Apple Maps, as it led travelers into the middle of nowhere stranded far from their intended destination. Combine that shining moment with headlines such as “Google Maps put Apple Maps to Shame” and “Apple Maps three times more likely to get you lost than Google Maps”, and it's no surprise people are clamoring for a mapping alternative.

In the wake of all that negative press, Google Maps App for iOS 6 has quickly risen to the top of the App Store Downloads List after its release December 12th. Jeff Huber, Google’s Senior Vice President of Geo and Commerce, announced Google Maps had “More than 10 million downloads in less than 48 hours after release."

In addition to the wide user adoption, Google is also providing a Software Development Kit (SDK) that allows programmers to use Google Maps instead of Apple's built in maps in their own iOS apps. This means that any app developer can choose to use Google's mapping back-end instead of Apple's. It also means that Apple has not completely shut Google out of the iOS platform.

So what does that mean for you? Should you optimize your sites for Google Maps over Apple Maps?!

We don't think so. There are over 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more people buying iProducts daily. Apple Maps has a widespread loyal user base, which continues to grow. Don't overlook it! Our goal is to help you build an online business profile that can stand the test of time and from where we are standing Apple Maps is still very much a major...