Will Apple nix Google Maps Navigation for iPhone?

October 28, 2:09 PMiPhone ExaminerDaniel Nations

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When Apple held up the stop sign to Google Voice, they opened up a whole can of worms. Now, every cool release from Google gets the "Will Apple allow it on the iPhone?" treatment. And deservedly so. As long as Apple refused to allow legitimate apps on the iPhone, this is a very valid question. (I'm still waiting for a call blocking app to be let through!)

But I don't see Google Maps Navigation being held back from the iPhone. There are already similar navigation systems like those offered by TomTom and Navigon. And while the same could be said with Google Voice -- with similar VoIP applications being allowed through the app store -- I don't think Apple wants to make the same high profile mistake twice.

Besides, Google Maps Navigation is so cool, why would Apple allow the iPhone to be thought of as second-rate in the turn-by-turn navigation department? And believe me, Google Maps Navigation is going to be very cool. Not only will you be able to get turn-by-turn direction and deliver voice searches, you can also search by business, get a look at the area via Google Street View and even find out current traffic conditions.

Though TomTom and Navigon may object. TomTom's turn-by-turn navigation for the iPhone is a whopping $99.99 and Navigon's navigation app is $89.99. Neither company is likely to applaud Google's ad-supported free navigation solution.

But with so much talk of Android surpassing the iPhone in a few years, Google Maps Navigation is one app that Apple can't afford to reject from the app store.

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