Considering there's no love lost between Apple and Google right now because of a certain rival OS, it wouldn't come as a big surprise if Google Maps were to disappear from iOS at some point.
Which is why we're not so shocked to learn that Cupertino has apparently decided not to renew its contract with Google past the end of the year when it expires.
Google Maps has been a staple part of iOS since before it was even called iOS but has become less essential over the last couple of years now that competitors are offering similar services.
And Apple's new iPhoto app points to a whole new world with a tile seen by 9to5Mac that doesn't use Google anymore. It may lack a bit of polish, but shows that Apple is not scared of going it alone now.
Add to this the fact that Apple has been out shopping and has snapped up three mapping companies - Placevase, C3 and Poly9 - and you can see that Apple is preparing for battle. Steve Jobs famously vowed to destroy Android. Even now he's gone, his promise could live on.
