The Google Maps SDK for iOS is now open to all iOS developers—not just those who get approval for API keys through Google. The move almost guarantees more third-party iOS apps will use Google's data instead of Apple's, though it's still too early to tell whether the change will significantly affect Apple or the use of its own mapping APIs.
Google announced it had updated its SDK for iOS in a blog post late Thursday, noting updated support for ground overlays, gesture control, and geodesic polylines. The company didn't specifically discuss the increased openness of its mapping API, but observers were quick to notice—Google now makes its API keys available to all iOS developers through its API Console. This means developers who don't want to use Apple's mapping API can use Google's without having to apply and wait for approval.
Google first announced its Maps SDK for iOS last December, not long after Apple kicked the mapping giant out of its iOS 6 Maps app. Google released its own Maps app for iOS, too, and made its (arguably superior) data store available to third-party developers through the SDK. Devs still can't use turn-by-turn navigation in their apps while using Google's SDK, but the increased access to Google's data is sure to improve what is available to users on the App Store.
On Thursday, Google also released a sample app with its SDK to help developers learn more about Google Maps:
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