It looks like Apple's decision to drop Google Maps and create its own, poorly-received mapping app, was due to Google's refusal to allow the Apple version to use its signature turn-by-turn navigation.
There was still another year left in the contract between the two tech giants, but Apple's notorious need for control of even minute details in every aspect of its user experience led them to demand more than Google was willing to offer.
In addition, after spending millions of dollars developing a huge database of mapping information for its voice navigation feature, Google was loath to hand it over to a competitor, even one it was currently partnering with.
The schism resulted in Apple producing its own software, Apple Maps, which debuted last week with the iPhone 5 and iOS 6.
Without ruling out an eventual deal, Google chairman Eric Schmidt announced on Wednesday that no iOS 6 version of its popular mapping software will be forthcoming anytime soon, saying, "We've not done anything yet. We've been in touch with them for a long time and we talk to them every day."
Apple Maps was obviously rushed out the door, with many users complaining of botched directions, mislabeled roads and buildings, and odd visualizations that turned streets into cliffs and cities into cubes.
For its part, while there is no firm release date, on Thursday Google says it is working on iPhone and iPad versions of Google Maps, which might be out in a few months. Google is behind on production because it expected its partnership with Apple to continue for another year.
No word on whether the new iPhone app will include turn-by-turn voice navigation.
Google also announced it is bringing Street View to the Safari web browser, which iPhone users will be able to try for themselves without an app. It shouldn't be that hard, considering Google just released unveiled underwater Street View, which lets users explore panoramic views of coral reefs at six locations around the world, with many more expected in the coming months.
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