The controversy over Apple's new Maps app continues, most recently with the news that the company is hiring Software Engineers to work on the service. According to numerous interviews, Apple had a year left on its deal with Google, and the latter is building a Google Maps iOS app.

Former Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt said it could not force Apple to keep Google Maps, even though the media suggested that Apple removed Google Maps just to remove Google from its platform. With Maps appearing inferior to Google's service for most users, the decision may seem peculiar.

Reuters also reported Schmidt saying that Apple would have to approve a Google Maps iOS app, so Google's development of an app does not necessarily mean that it will appear on the platform. Speaking to Bloomberg, Google Maps Vice President Brian McClendon revealed that Google Maps for iOS will launch, but timing is a different matter; recent reports suggested that Google was not in a rush to release the app. Instead, following the outbreaks of Maps complaints, Google touted Google Maps on Android.

It also hosted an event introducing new features including low-level 3D photos, complementing StreetView. With iPhone 5 achieving five million sales inside a week from release, defecting users may be few, and iPhone users saying that the Maps service is bad may be a vocal minority. Users who enjoy the service seem to be less vocal.

Apple released two statements following the problems. It said that Maps is a long-term project for the company, it will work with Transit app developers in the App Store, and Maps will get better as it is used. Turn-by-Turn navigation seems to be working for most users, but new features like Flyover fail to display famous structures like the Statue of Liberty. Flyover renders cities in 3D, rather than showing photos of locations like StreetView.

Despite the problems, iOS 6's device share jumped to 15 percent. It was released on Sept. 19, following the announcement in June. The software is available to download via iTunes or over the air. iPhone 5 also launched on Sept. 19.