Apple to introduce 'Maps' application with iOS 6

At the fag end of last month, reports about Apple planning to integrate a 3D Maps feature in their upcoming iOS 6 first surfaced by way of a leaked image. Now with the Cupertino-based company's much awaited WWDC event away by just a few hours, some more details have emerged. If details in a 9to5Mac report is anything to go by, then according to their trusted sources, Apple indeed has a "completely in-house maps application" in their upcoming OS with an Apple backend. A complete in-house Maps application means Apple will let go off the Google Maps program that has been running on iOS since 2007. The 9to5Mac report further adds that the design of the new Map application is quite similar to the existing Google Maps program seen on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; but it adds that it is "described as a much cleaner, faster, and more reliable experience."

Apple's 3D Maps (Image credit: 9to5Mac)

Indicating a new Maps feature, it was reported that to implement this updated Maps service, Apple has purchased companies such as Placebase, C3 Technologies, and Poly9 in order to create a complete mapping database. The 9to5Mac report further explains that although Apple had full control of the iOS Maps application design, the backend belonged to Google. However, with iOS 6 that will not be the case after the aforementioned acquisitions and considering that it now is a completely in-house application, it will be referred to as 'Maps'.

However, the eye-catching aspect of this new Maps application remains its 3D mode. 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman writes that the new 3D mode is not enabled by default and users will be required to click a 3D button in the app. The 3D technology incorporated in the new Maps application is a brainchild of C3 Technologies. It is believed that in order to signify the new rewrite to the Maps app, Apple has also redesigned the logo for the app and the logo will now feature the view of their 1 Infinite Loop Campus, but with a colour scheme that is different.

A clearer picture, however, will only be out once the latest OS makes an appearance, which  is likely to happen at this year's WWDC event.