How to Get Google Maps Back on Your iOS 6 Device... Kind of

[Anthony Bouchard]

So it seems like there are a lot of people that don’t like Apple’s new iOS 6 Maps application. If you’re one of these people, then you’re probably either not upgrading to iOS 6, or you’re simply waiting for Google to release their own Google Maps application to the iOS App Store. Well we have a treat for those of you that want Google Maps back on your iOS 6 device. Cult of Mac has found a new and free third party application in the App Store that mimics Google Maps from iOS 5 called ClassicMap.



The application icon is pretty neat looking, as it shows a realistic-looking map with fold marks. When we tap on that icon, we get to see an interface that we are familiar with:



Behold, these are the famous Google Maps we all miss. The application supports Google Maps in map view, hybrid view, and satellite view. These are each of the different kinds of views we were able to see in the iOS 5 Maps application. ClassicMaps is pretty barebones, as you will notice that all the application can do is scroll through a map. There is no way to map out directions. The application can, however, pinpoint your location, show what way you’re facing, and drop pins at locations like you could in the iOS 5 Maps application.



You can see from the screenshot above that the application lets you switch between “standard” and “classic” view. From our testing, the standard view appears to be Apple’s new iOS 6 map layout. The classic view appears to be Google’s map layout. It’s pretty cool how you can just switch between the two map styles on the fly, as it points out the obvious differences in detail and coloring between the two mapping services.

ClassicMap is not the zippiest map alternative we have seen on the iOS platform. We have tried moving from Wi-Fi to 3G and vice versa and the Google Maps through ClassicMap are simply slow. They take multiple seconds to load, which is put to shame by Apple’s native Maps application in iOS 5. It is most noticeable when you’re trying to zoom in, as the images are constantly buffering. Even the Web application from Mobile Safari is faster.

The application is currently free in the App Store, so you can download it and try it out to see if you will want to be using it from now on.

Our own advice to you? – ClassicMap isn’t quite the Google Maps you’re used to in iOS 5, but it does a good job of trying to replicate it. If you need a reliable way to get around, we suggest sticking with your native iOS mapping solution or using a reputable third party alternative from the App Store. They will load much faster and hold many more features.

UPDATE: ClassicMap has been pulled from the App Store as of Tuesday evening.

Sources: App Store via Cult of Mac

[MgNate]

I don't miss google maps at all. I like Siri! I've yet to have an issue with apples maps around Detroit, MI.

[severe]

Google Maps web app

Add to Home Screen

[trek-life]

Its weird. I've yet to meet anyone personally that has an issue with the maps. There were a few people that I met that confirmed "antennagate," but no one can confirm the maps issue.

[garfielgato2]

Patience is a virtue, I am sure Apple will improve their Maps. I don't really need to use of Google.

[Slim J]

I miss Google Maps. All I can say is I dread Apple maps. I tried Apple Maps a couple of weeks ago seriously and it showed it a mile from where it actually was

[NakedFaerie]

I just installed this Classic Maps on my iPhone 4 and its crap. In Classic mode it takes too long to load up the map.
But if you like Google Maps better than Apple Maps then its a great app just slow, BUT as everything is slow in IOS6 then you probably wouldn't notice anything wrong so it'll be a great app in IOS6.

Just installed it in my iPad3 ios6 and it only has maps view no satellite and no options to change it. It's also really slow to load the map. It's still faster and better to just use google maps website and put a link on the home screen.

Lets hope they restore Google Maps in IOS7 as the Apple Maps is a huge flop. I'm hoping it goes away quicker than Ping did.

[fidosam]

I recently used the Apple map application while traveling in Toronto and she worked like a charm. It was very accurate. I also ran some tests here in Montreal (where I'm from) also again super accurate.

I did however download Waze as a precaution lol.

[flash66]

I don't miss google maps at all. I like Siri! I've yet to have an issue with apples maps around Detroit, MI.

Same here in Las Vegas. Fine!
Even my 400.00 Navigon would get me lost from time to time. Nothing's perfect, and people will always find crap to complain about no matter what. I think Apple knows what the hell they're doing. I just laugh at some of the idiotic postings here.

[NSXrebel]

I don't miss google maps.

[MgNate]

I've yet to meet anyone personally that has an issue with the maps either. It works much faster than google maps that's for sure!

[Anthony Bouchard]

I agree that the Apple Maps work fine, although I find it odd that when you make a post about Apple's Maps being bad the whole bandwagon follows, but when you offer a Google Maps alternative everyone sides with Apple's maps lol.

[Nickaroni22]

I don't miss google maps.

Me either, I haven't had any uses using the new maps app around the DC area.

[ncruzpr]

I think its been removed

[Anthony Bouchard]

I think its been removed

Lol would you look at that. The app got pulled from the App Store!

[slayorktc]

I recently used the Apple map application while traveling in Toronto and she worked like a charm. It was very accurate. I also ran some tests here in Montreal (where I'm from) also again super accurate.

I did however download Waze as a precaution lol.

Apple maps won't alert you to upcoming police, like Waze does.

[NakedFaerie]

Lol would you look at that. The app got pulled from the App Store!

I wonder what the reason for it getting pulled from the App Store is?
I bet its not a valid reason. Probably "Apple don't like apps using the Google Maps service as its better than Apples Maps and we like to keep our inferior service"

[GenesisDH]

Maps+ seemed better to me as a Google Maps replacement. And it also offers directions for bicyclers as well as walking and vehicles (no public transit).

[georgeD]

Its weird. I've yet to meet anyone personally that has an issue with the maps. There were a few people that I met that confirmed "antennagate," but no one can confirm the maps issue.

same here! I don't see what the big deal is neither. Maybe we are just lucky to live in a city, whose map is working correct??? I dont' know...but I guess it's just a lot of hating going on, just for the fun of it.

[iRockADI]

Unavailable at Mexico :-(