Apple’s new mobile OS snubs Google

It’s no surprise that Google and Apple, both Silicon Valley superstars, have continued to encroach more and more on each other’s turf—particularly when it comes to mobile. But Apple took a sharp jab at the search giant with recent changes to its mobile operating system. Most notably, Apple waved goodbye to Google’s mapping service and will be replacing it with its own Maps app in iOS 6. What does that mean for Google? “Outside of search, the closest tie between Apple and Google so far was the deep integration of Google Maps in Apple’s products,” explained TechCrunch’s Frederic Lardinois. “Now, Apple (is) opening up a new front in its competition with Google.” The move is a big change not just for iOS, but for Apple. “It’s rare for (Apple) to suddenly move away from something that’s working purely for the sake of change,” wrote GigaOm’s Erica Ogg. “Apple apparently wants to move as far away from the clutches of Google as it can, and replacing Google’s perfectly functional Maps app sends a strong message to that effect.”

Taking another swipe at Google, Apple also improved the search capabilities of its Siri voice assistant, in an effort to fend off Android. “We believe the biggest takeaway is that Apple is strengthening not only the interaction within its own ecosystem, but also creating a consortium of powerful web partners to offer an experience that largely falls outside of Google’s walls,” Gene Munster, an industry analyst with Piper Jaffray, told CNN’s Doug Gross. “We believe Apple will continue to add content partners for Siri to marginalize Google’s presence on the iPhone.” Even better Facebook integration in iOS 6 can be considered as a stab at Google’s attempts in the social media space with Google+. But will the changes end up hurting Google in the long run? That’s not too likely, say industry observers. “Google probably won’t lose much revenue from the replacement—most of its mobile revenue today comes through search,” wrote Business Insider’s Matt Rosoff. “But it closes off all kinds of future opportunities on iOS, such as selling locally targeted ads based on a user’s Maps location or search queries.”

• Here’s What Google Will Lose When Apple Wipes Google Maps From The iPhone (Business Insider)

• Apple updates mobile operating system with Google in mind (CNN)

• Ditching Google Maps not a problem for iOS developers (GigaOm)

• Goodbye To Google Maps With Street View, Hello To Apple’s New Maps With 3D Flyovers (TechCrunch)

• Apple vs. Google: Mobile divorce approaching (ZDNet)

• Apple takes on Google with own maps, better Siri (Reuters)

• Apple unveils iOS 6 with 200 new features, updated Siri (CNET News)

• Why Apple Is Going “Containment” Not “Thermonuclear” Against Google in iOS 6 (Search Engine Land)

• Apple and Google Expand Their Battle to Mobile Maps (Wall Street Journal)

• Apple Embraces 3D, Ditches Google With iOS 6 Maps App (PC Magazine)