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Apple just removed Google from a crucial iPhone online service

Published Dec 9th, 2014 4:25PM EST
Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Find My iPhone
Image: Apple Inc.

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Apple appears to have removed Google from one crucial iPhone online service that many people have used to track down a lost or stolen iPhone, 9to5Mac reports. The Find My iPhone/iPad/Mac feature, if enabled, allows users to precisely locate a missing Apple device on a map and take appropriate action.

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After removing Google Maps from the iPhone, iPad and other products, Apple appears to have also removed it from iCloud.com, the website iOS and OS X users can use to track down a lost or stolen device. Once inside the Find My iPhone service, users can quickly see the location of their chosen device on a map, as long as the feature is enabled on that device and as long as the device is powered on. From the looks of it, Apple Maps now powers this particular feature, instead of Google Maps.

The same publication reports that in September, an Apple Maps job listing suggested that Apple might be interested in deploying a web version of its Maps application, such as the one that can be currently be seen inside the Find My iPhone iCloud tool. While it’s not clear at this time whether a browser version of Apple Maps is in the making, Apple appears to be ready to completely remove Google Maps from its products and online services.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.