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Google opens Maps API to entire developer base

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Well, this is one pretty definite way to win the GPS app war…

Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Google has expanded its Google maps SDK for iOS developers. The SDK, which was quietly launched back in December, allowed developers to do two things: first, they can embed Google Maps in their apps instead of Apple Maps, and second, they could specify in their apps if an address or directions should be opened in Apple Maps, or the Google Maps app. However, in order to access the SDK, iOS developers had to register their interest and wait in line to be approved, which led to a limited amount of third-party apps bringing Google maps back.

Google has now released version 1.1 of Google Maps SDK for iOS. Not only does the updated SDK include support for ground overlays, gesture control and geodesic polylines, it makes the Google Maps API immediately available to all developers that want it. Now a developer simply needs to grab their keys from the Google API Console.

With the release of Google Maps SDK for iOS version 1.1 users can expect to see a quick uptick in the number of iOS apps that are using Google Maps again.

If you’ve had a chance to play with the new SDK, please let us know.