The Apple and Google (News - Alert) rivalry is well established in the tech sector and these two tech giants are always under the watchful eye of industry enthusiasts. Ever since Google introduced the Android (News - Alert) mobile platform, the relationship between the two have been constraint, which makes sense, given both want the share of the same lucrative pie.

Nevertheless, Apple has not been free of Google’s presence completely, as their iOS platform does use the Google Maps program for their Maps application. However, if the rumor mill is to be believed, all this is going to change with the release of iOS 6. A news report from 9To5Mac, states that the iOS 6, will feature an in-house maps application, which will mark the end of Apple’s (News - Alert) reliance on Google Maps. While the new Maps application will bare a striking resemblance to Google Maps, it will be more streamlined than its predecessor.

The in-house maps application is also suppose to be more intuitive and has been designed to keep in mind the interface of Apple devices like, the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. While Apple is currently mum on this new development, it is the logical explanation since they did purchase Placebase, C3 (News - Alert) Technologies, and Poly9, which has helped them to create a complete mapping database. 

C3 Technologies described their technology as:

“C3 Technologies is the leading provider of 3D mapping solutions, offering photo-realistic models of the world for search, navigation and geographic information systems. Since 2007, when it was spun out of the aerospace and defense company Saab AB, venture-backed, C3 has redefined mapping by applying previously classified image processing technology to the development of 3D maps as a platform for new social and commercial applications. The Sweden-based company’s automated software and advanced algorithms enable C3 to rapidly assemble extremely precise 3D models, and seamlessly integrate them with traditional 2D maps, satellite images, street level photography and user generated images, that together are forever changing how people use maps and explore the world.”

Called “Maps”, the application’s highlight is touted to be its 3D mode, which can be activated via the 3D button. Thanks to C3 Technologies, the 3D mode will provide realistic graphics based on de-classified missile target algorithm, and will also have a new color scheme.

As mentioned earlier, currently Apple is not commenting on this new development, however all shall be revealed at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference in mid-June.