iBlog iOS

The whisperings of Apple’s desire to create its own mapping system has been floating around the tech world for a few years now. The iPad maker has acquired such mapping companies as Placebase, Poly9 and C3 Technologies. The newest mapping algorithm for iPhoto for iOS uses a platform partially based on OpenStreetMap. Today, BGR released photos of what it claims to be Apple’s new Maps app that is rumored to be released with iOS6 later this year.

The grainy, hard to decipher, images show silver buttons instead of iOS’s current blue theme. According to BGR’s “trusted source,” the color scheme of the navigation bar is silver as well. There is a floating “locate me” button at the bottom left side of the screen, similar to the way it already is now with the Google Maps-based app that Apple is currently using.

BGR describes the 3D map access as having to “peel back the lower right corner of the maps, just like the current version.” Users will also be able to switch in and out of 3D mode by taping a 3D icon in the lower left corner.

Although it is far from perfect, I’ve come to rely on Google Maps for all my location needs. I’ve tried other free mapping services and found them all to lack the features that Google Maps offers. Personally, I’m not sure I can trust a map app on my iPhone that Apple has created in-house. I’m so used to Google’s version.

Based on the description given by BGR, it sounds like the design changes will be insignificant anyway. Why not just keep the Google Maps-based app?

The image above is a mock-up of what BGR believes Apple’s new Maps app will look like. To see the actual pictures of the supposed app, visit BGR’s website.

via padgadget