Apple reportedly dropping Google Maps from iOS 6

The idea that Apple really does not need Google Maps is nothing new. The makers of the iPhone seemed to get that ball rolling when they departed from the competition's mapping service with the new version of iPhoto.

But up until now, Apple has continued to use Google Maps to power the iOS Maps app. Gizmodo is reporting that Apple is set to drop Google's mapping service with the release of iOS 6 in favour of a brand new in-house system.

"The move away from Google Maps would make sense from Apple's point of view, given Cupertino's holy war against Google," explains Kyle Wagner in the piece. "And it has been moving further away from the service, using OpenStreetMaps data in its latest update. Add that to the mapping companies that Apple's been stockpiling — C3, Poly9, Placebase — and Apple seems more than ready to shove off on its own."

We should see this transition at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to debut its new operating system.

(Photo courtesy of Gizmodo)