Google reportedly working on Maps for iOS, but release months away

The rumours of Google working on maps app for iOS were further cemented today as The New York Times reported that the search giant is seeking to release the maps iOS app by the end of this year.

This is not the first time that we are hearing about end-of-year timeline, which was also touted in a report by TechCrunch. It is no surprise that Google is developing maps app for iOS devices given that iOS users constituted a large percentage of its mobile maps users before iOS 6 came along and changed all that.

Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt had earlier quashed the reports suggesting Google had already submitted the maps app for Apple's approval. He stated at the launch of Nexus 7 tablet in Japan that they had not done anything yet and it would depend on Apple to whether accept Google Maps as an app in Apple App Store.

"We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know. What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call," said Schmidt.

The New York Times points out that one of the reason why Google is a little late in bringing iOS app is that the search giant expected maps to remain on the iPhone for some time, based on the contract between the two companies. According to the report, the contract between Apple and Google still had some time to run, but Apple decided to terminate it prematurely. Hence, the Mountain View based company was caught off guard when Apple decided to launch its own maps apps in iOS 6.

Apple's new maps have been a subject of widespread ridicule, with some dubbing it as a rare Apple goof up. Consumers have already taken to social-networking sites like Twitter to vent out their frustration and disappointment. Google-owned Motorola even started an ad campaign targeting the new Apple iPad, dubbing its users #iLost.

The search company is yet to publicly bring any clarity of mapping situation in iOS 6, with many suggesting that the company might by enjoying all the controversy surrounding maps in new iOS version. But sources suggest that company is scrambling resources to bring out an app as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Apple is also thrown in more force behind its mapping operating after the public outcry and is reportedly hiring former Google Maps staff to work on its maps.