This isn't about "one bad app," it's about a core smartphone app that everybody uses. That's why so many people are complaining and the story is kicking off all over the place.

This is in many ways who moved my cheese. I don't care if Google or Apple (who made the google maps app pre ios6 anyway using google apis) is responsible for the old maps app not being on ios6. If google wants their app on the apple store they can submit it.

If apple denies it thats another matter and not worth arguing right now.

ios6 is so much better than 5 overall I think you're being somewhat overly dramatic about one app. Yes it feels rushed, but its likely this is a stopgap due to contractual problems.

And besides, these are just phones. People are so up in arms about this its getting to fever pitch levels. Why everyone expects perfection from the start is beyond me. Its a start, and not yet perfect for everyone. Either it gets better and all this complaining was just for pageviews (most likely), or people actually vote with their wallets and switch.

Until that switch happens, these arguments are getting tiresome and to be honest aren't very constructive.

I think it would have been worthwhile to keep the contract with Google (even if it's expensive) while investing in making a better Apple Maps app.

I find it very unlikely this move was prompted by Google. Honestly, it looks positively amateurish the way the change was implemented by Apple.

I will admit it will drive my next phone purchase: Maps are my #2 usage after mail, I very much depend on it to get around.

Take your pick. There are solutions that can be used to work around this issue and meet your needs.