When Apple first released Maps and there was a large backlash against the app, many people flocked to Waze, a free alternative turn-by-turn navigation system. Now, according to TechCrunch, rumors are swirling that Apple might be looking to acquire Waze for their own.
TechCrunch isn’t naming names, and said “that there are rumours flying around that Apple is sniffing around Waze with a view to a possible acquisition.” Apple already uses some Waze data in Maps, and this would do an awful lot to patch holes in Maps coverage and directions.
Waze taps into other users in order to generate directions and traffic reports, routing you around heavily congested areas. It’s also rather handy that it’ll tell you local gas prices, alert you to hazards, and even works on older devices were turn-by-turn for Maps won’t.
While I’m sure a legion of Android users would be infuriated if Apple snapped up Waze, for the longterm of Maps, it would probably be a good thing. But it’s still just a rumor right now.
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