They want easy access to their maps, but yet most lack even the knowledge to navigate to maps.google.com in safari and then the ability to make a link on their home screen.
The longer google waits to release a map, the larger the marketshare of people using apple maps grows because there is no "easier" option, and people don't care.
If people want google maps back, and the answer is as simple as installing something from the app store, that is a small hurdle for the general public, as it is a familiar action.
If they are told that if they want to use Google maps that they need to use Safari or create a web link on their desktop, most users will not bother.
It's sad, but it's true.
App Web
1. Open app store Open browser
2. Search for google maps Search for google maps
3. Click first result Click first result
4. Install
5. Open apphttp://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1013ha/apple_maps_in_...
Some people, such as a few specifically living in New Zealand and Belgium, are reporting reasonably similar quality to Google Maps. However, many are not:
"I live in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The quality of the maps are so bad that I spent an hour or so just laughing."
"Here in The Netherlands the maps app isn't providing any useful information on landmarks, shops, hospitals.. etc. heck, even Amsterdam Central Station isn't mentioned."
"I live in Torshavn - The Faroe Islands." <- the guy who started the thread with this image -> http://i.imgur.com/7ZI66.jpg
"India :("
But the new Maps lacks both bicycle AND transit directions, which means it only does, maybe 50% of what I need it for. It's basically only good for seeing where things are and where I am. It's basically useless for me for routing. No way I'm "upgrading".
Man, I miss the Maps app on Android. It even told me when I had to leave the house to make a specific bus.
* Netherlands -> 9292
* Poland -> JakDojadę + Bilkom
* Zurich -> Wemlin + SBB Mobile
* In Germany I only know the trains one, which would be DB Navigator (for some reason separate from DB Tickets).
I wouldn't be surprised if they just improve the web version some more and call it a day. If you want good Maps, they might want to make you switch to Android.