It follows Apple's switch to its own map software which stopped Google powering the handset's default app.

 

The move was widely criticised after numerous mistakes were found in Apple Maps's search results.

 

Google's new iPhone app introduces some functionality previously¹ restricted to Android devices. One analyst² said it would prove popular, but added that Nokia still posed a challenge.

 

The Finnish company recently launched its own free maps app for the iPhone.

 

The firms are motivated in part by a desire to gather data automatically generated by handsets using their respective software, as well as users' own feedback.

 

This allows them to fine-tune their services and improve the accuracy of features such as traffic status updates.

 

 

Features Google has introduced that were not available in its earlier iPhone app include:

 Voice guided turn-by-turn directions, with estimated travel times.

 

Among the facilities Google's iPhone app lacks that are present in its Android equivalent are indoor maps, the ability to download maps for offline viewing, and voice search.

 

However, over time, project manager Kai Hansen told the BBC that what was on one platform should be on the other.

 

"The goal is clearly to make it as unified⁶ and consistent an experience as possible," he said.

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