No turn-by-turn GPS on iPhone 3G: conspiracy theories

[Derek Fung]

Hi there CNET.com.au readers,

It's been over a month since the release of the iPhone 3G and there's still no sign of turn-by-turn navigation on the device, despite the fact that it's got a perfectly serviceable GPS chipset built-in.

Why is this so? Well, as we note in this poll/article, there's a clause in the iPhone's software development kit forbidding applications "designed or marketed for real time route guidance".

But why would Apple want to stifle application development? Please feel free to post your conspiracy theories below.

[jmor2597]

I'd imagine Apple have a company lined up to produce this for them, it's a big market place in car navigation so you would think Apple wouldn't want to split the profits.

I've read a few companies are interested in working with Apple to develop software usable on the iPhone. I'd imagine you'll see an App released that will cost a fair bit from one of the big in car navigation players.

[Joey Jojo]

In the same vein as the last guy.

Apple would be working with one of the big gun's in the industry (Navman/Tomtom) to release an App that works, and works well.

If any Joe Blow could make one, it would be rubbish. Then word would spread that the iPhone is useless at "turn-by-turn" navigation.

I personally believe there should have been some sort of "Quality Control" on the App store, where one by one the app was reviewed. Only if it was found to be of good quality and provide a function would it be released. ATM the App store can be easily browsed. In 4 years it's going to be a nightmare. All these crappy, pointless apps are going to get in the way. How many apps do we need that provide a white screen (flashlight)?

[canberra_photographer]

Joey Jojo says:
If any Joe Blow could make one, it would be rubbish. Then word would spread that the iPhone is useless at "turn-by-turn" navigation.

Possible, but given how many rubbish apps there are and the fact that they Apple could have had turn by turn added if they asked Google, I think that if they're going to ban stuff, they may want to actually be strict about the QC of apps, not just focus on a function people want.

I suspect it may have something to do with battery life. If I use GPS and the iPhone speakers, the iPhone can use up its battery in a very short time. I think Apple is scared that having turn by turn will emphasise just how bad the battery life is.

[demaio1072]

I 'm not too studied on Apple's partnerships, but I do know that they are close friends with Google. Google Maps is on every iPhone and iPod Touch right out of the box, and I'm sure that Google gets a cut of every iPhone or iPod Touch sale because of this. Wouldn't "turn-by-turn" navigation eliminate the need for Google maps? What with point-of-interest apps being more than plentiful, Google Maps' only other use is navigation; and with a turn-by-turn GPS app, Google Maps could be history...

Maybe there is something in the Google-Apple clause prohibiting a turn-by-turn app? Maybe said clause is also the reason for the policy against making an app with automatic routing...

With all of these GPS names like Garmin, TomTom, and TeleNav coming to plate and offering Apple software solutions, Apple might have to cut ties with Google in order to allow one of these companies to bless iPhanatics with turn-by-turn navigation... and maybe Apple is not quite ready to say goodbye to Google...

Just a theory though...

[astroboi]

canberra_photographer says:
Possible, but given how many rubbish apps there are and the fact that they Apple could have had turn by turn added if they asked Google, I think that if they're going to ban stuff, they may want to actually be strict about the QC of apps, not just focus on a function people want.

I suspect it may have something to do with battery life. If I use GPS and the iPhone speakers, the iPhone can use up its battery in a very short time. I think Apple is scared that having turn by turn will emphasise just how bad the battery life is.

This is largely true, however another possible idea is that in a lot of areas (Perth especially with me) the iPhone can often not get an exact fix or even an acceptable range fix (often greater then about 20m) on your location. I think you can imagine what problems (and frustration) this may cause if you get told to turn just as you are passing through an intersection. Still i have to admit this could be rectified the same way others do it with pre warnings, but i do believe devices like TOM TOM's and others are able to get an overall better fix on your location guaranteed then the iPhone