Many people expected iOS 5 to bring us a turn-by-turn navigation system from Apple plus a new Maps application, but it seems that iOS 6 will come with these changes. Those from 9to5mac have obtained information from a source inside Apple who claims that in iOS 6 we will have a new Maps application that will use an Apple mapping system and not Google Maps. The application would have functions similar to those of the Maps application, but it would be faster and would work on the basis of a slightly better system, at least on the 3D side.
Signifying the application's complete re-write is a new logo for iOS Maps: it is basically a redesigned version of the current iOS Maps icon with a view of Apple's 1 Infinite Loop Campus, but redrawn with a new color scheme. Apple's replacement for Google Street View will likely also be an in-house solution. C3 Technologies worked on street view capability as shown in the image above.
The most important aspect of the new Maps application is a powerful new 3D mode. The 3D mode does not come enabled by default, but users simply need to click a 3D button that is conveniently and visibly stored in the app. Perhaps under the fold like the current traffic, pin, and map view buttons. This 3D mode is said to essentially be technology straight from C3 Technologies: beautiful, realistic graphics based on de-classified missile target algorithms.
The new application will also have a new icon that will present the Apple campus, but that's not all because Apple intends to replace the Street View system from Google. Using the companies Placebase and C3, Apple made its own mapping system and it seems that in iOS 6 it will offer it to us for free. An important function of this system is the 3D mode that allows us to see buildings and landforms directly in the application, something that Google already offers in an advanced version to those who have Android terminals.
For now, many things are not known about this new Maps system, but there is a chance to see it at WWDC 2012.
