Hallelujah, Google Maps For Apple iOS Is Almost Here

Apple Maps is, and remains, terrible. But, hallelujah, the promised land of actual mapping precision and directions that actually make sense are not so far away. OK, actually they’re already here if you use, say, Waze, but at least those who prefer Google Maps will finally have the option of using it.

Reports the Wall Street Journal:

Google has distributed a test version of its new mapping app that will work on Apple’s iPhones to some individuals outside the company, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter. Google has been putting the finishing touches on the app before submitting it for approval to the Apple iTunes store, this person said, though it’s unclear exactly when that will happen.

Keep in mind that Google Maps will have to go through Apple’s usual approval process to be put on the iTunes Store, and there might still be a few hiccups in the process, even if Apple has been quietly pretending Maps is fine and doesn’t need a substantial fix. Also, it has spoken turn-by-turn directions, allegedly, so we’re pretty sure Apple will be a bit upset over that.

Google has been slowly taking over development of its own iOS apps as Apple steps away. The YouTube app, for example, after being left alone by Apple for five years, got a substantial overhaul recently and there’s more on the way. It’s part of their ongoing passive-aggressive anger at each other for having the nerve to become competitors. Although it’s really mostly Apple, which has been treating Google like’s it’s Fredo or something these last few years. That said, the Google Maps app is likely to sail through without any problems. It’s just really a question of submitting it.

Hey, Google! Hurry up!