The biggest concern I've heard from Apple users about the latest mobile operating system, iOS 6, is that the Maps app has completely changed. It used to be powered by Google, but Apple brought it in house, and unfortunately, it hasn't been as thoroughly tested, scrutinized, and polished as Google's maps have been.
If you've updated to iOS 6 or bought an iPhone 5 (which comes with iOS 6 pre-installed), then you no longer have Google's engine powering your Maps app, which is rather unfortunate because hands-down Google Maps provides better services and more accurate information than Apple's Maps.
There is no stand-alone Google Maps app to download from the App Store (at least not yet). But you can still get Google Maps on your iPhone and run iOS 6, which offers a number of other benefits over iOS 5 that you may want to keep. Here's how to get Google Maps on iOS 6:
1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Make sure Locations Services is on generally at the very top, but also switched on for Safari, which you may have to scroll down to see.
2. Return to your home screen and open the Safari app.
3. Type into the address bar: maps.google.com.
4. When prompted, allow the site to use your current location (i.e., select OK).
5. You'll now see Google Maps on your screen. Optionally, select the drop down arrow in the upper right corner and sign in if you want to leverage information already in your Google account with maps.
6. In the bottom middle of the screen, tap the share button and select "Add to Home Screen." This puts an app-like button on your phone that launches the Web page. You can now simply tap it to launch Google Maps, which includes directions for mass transit as well as walking and driving, and all the other features of Google Maps.
Because this solution taps into Google Maps as a Web app, it's not technically an "app" in smartphone lingo, but it works nearly the same as the old Maps app, and you can get it now. The Web app has almost every feature you'd want from Google Maps, including Street View, although it lacks integration with your iPhone or iPad contacts list. If you log in to Google, however, you will have access to your previously viewed locations and directions, custom maps you've created, and the like.
If you really want a stand-alone app that's an alternative to Apple's Maps, you could try any one of these ten apps PCMag has recommendedbut none of them are Google's. For now, making the Web app accessible via a home screen icon is your best bet.
For more from Jill Duffy, follow her on Twitter @jilleduffy.
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