Google puts Maps back on iPhone and iPad

Google has released a version of its Google Maps service for Apple's iPhone and other iOS devices, the iPod Touch and iPad range.

The Google Maps app should fill the gap left by Apple's own mapping app. Users have been reporting this to be flawed and not up to the job, despite Apple's attempt to displace Google Maps by bundling its own software with the iPhone.

Indeed, it was so flawed that Apple chief executive Tim Cook apologised for it. Apple also recently parted company with the executives responsible for its development.

"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better. While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, Mapquest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app," Cook said.

"Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard."

Cook tried to spin the tale that Google had been dropped as a maps provider because its release was not strong enough.

"We wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps," he said. "In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps."

Google must have been listening, since this new Google Maps app for iPhone is fully featured and allows for voice control and turn by turn directions.

The app is optimised for iPhone 5 and requires iOS 5.1 or later, but also runs on earlier iPhones, iPod Touch and iPad devices.

Users have been quick to comment on the Apple app store about the release, and they have unanimously welcomed it. "I almost died in Australia, thank god this is out," said one.