[xp84]

The actual Google maps app was released and had TBT before Apple Maps even came out. The previous/original “Maps” app was using Google map tiles but was written in-house by Apple. Whatever its feature lacks were is on Apple, and Google had already delivered that feature to customers, without Apple needing to spend all that money.

[xp84]

Posting because it's too late to edit, but I realized later that my above comment is wildly wrong. The "Actual Google Maps app" of course did not predate Apple Maps so my point is completely invalid. I regret the error.

I still assume the overall reasons for whatever Apple and Google each did amounted to greed, greed, and more greed.