Google Maps may no longer hold the spotlight in iOS 6, but a new report indicates its direct competition in Russia is apparently able to power some Apple Maps features.
Yandex sports the majority market share in Russia, and a report from TechCrunch this morning, which cited sources “close to the situation,” claimed the search engine’s built-in API serves up details on local businesses when iOS 6 users seek information in Maps.
According to TechCrunch:
Apple previously packaged Google Maps in its mobile operating system, but it disconnected the partnership earlier this year due to growing rivalry. TechCrunch noted today’s move would help to bulk Maps in iOS 6, while giving Yandex more of a lead against Google in its homeland. The integration apparently surfaced upon taking a closer look at Russia’s iOS 6 Gold Master version.
TechCrunch’s sources further asserted the companies are working toward a deal that makes Yandex the default search function in Apple’s Safari browser for Russia. The move seems plausible, as Apple’s Safari also sidestepped Google search in China in favor of Baidu.
Get the full report at TechCrunch.
[Image via Artlebedev.com]
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