Google Maps for iOS is in development. However, despite Google remaining coy on a release date, alleged photos of the app suggest that the launch is approaching.

The photos surfaced on Web and mobile developer Ben Guild's blog. The app supports iPhone 5 and, therefore, seemingly iOS 6. According to Guild "It's super fast" and the vector-based app supports two-finger rotation across every angle.

Three screenshots are on Guild's blog. Two show a search field for entering a location, though the entry field is covered with a black bar. On a separate photo is a car icon with " < 1 min," perhaps showing the estimated journey to a location via car. Users can also estimate route times via public transport or by walking.

Apple caused furore after releasing Maps, removing Google Maps in the process. Users questioned why Apple removed an established service when it apologized for the Maps fiasco, and presented third-party alternatives in the App Store. Apps include turn-by-turn navigation apps Waze and TomTom. Consumers may see it as Apple's admission of defeat and the company will seemingly approve a Google Maps application. Rejecting the release, considering Maps' current standing, could be damaging for the company.

At the time, Google said that it is building an app for iOS, though continued to point users to Android, its platform.

Apple's service provides mixed results for some users. In bigger cities, particularly in the U.S., performance seems reliable. However, move abroad and into rural areas and Maps begins to lag behind Google's service. The app also replaces StreetView with Flyover, a feature rendering cities in three dimensions. Again, like Maps itself, the feature is inconsistent.

Users are encouraged to download the aforementioned apps in the App Store or head to the browser-based Google Maps. The app is in Alpha, Guild added. Whether the app is legitimate is uncertain and raises the question why the user did not take a screen capture from the iPhone, which would have resulted in a clearer photo.

Maps is part of iOS 6, the latest version of the mobile operating system, which released on Sept. 19.