AutoNavi tapped as iOS map supplier for China
updated 03:15 pm EDT, Thu July 5, 2012
May be linked to Apple dealings with TomTom
Apple has selected local company AutoNavi to supply mapping services for iOS devices in China, according to two Bloomberg sources. One of the sources elaborates that the change will come with the introduction of iOS 6 this fall. Both Apple and AutoNavi have refused to comment on the possible existence of any deal.
AutoNavi controls the biggest share of the Chinese mobile mapping market, having reached 45 percent in the March. A deal with Apple might also be likely because of a 2010 deal between AutoNavi and TomTom, in which the companies agreed to set up a joint venture in China. TomTom is the primary map supplier for iOS 6.
Apple has in fact had to turn to a range of different firms for the new OS' mapping technology. It has abandoned long-time partner Google, which previously handled many aspects of iOS Maps single-handedly, such as first-person views or transit times.
